La ligne bleue survolee - No 08 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?
Publisher: Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit
Issue: 8
Date: 1982 (Investigation date, issue likely around this time)
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: French

Content Summary

This issue of the bulletin "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?" (The Blue Line Overflown?) from the "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (Vosgian Circle Lights in the Night) focuses on UFO/UAP investigations and reports from the Vosges region of France. The bulletin is part of a larger ufological network, being a delegation for the Vosges and a member of the "Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques (CNEGU)".

Table of Contents (SOMMAIRE)

The issue includes a table of contents listing several articles and investigations:

• Une cage de verre dans le ciel (A glass cage in the sky) - Summary of investigation F/98/88810711 (01)
• Résumé enquête F/98/88811100 (02) - Summary of investigation F/98/88811100 (02)
• Recherche de documents (Document research)
• Une soirée d'observation à VIRINE (An observation evening at VIRINE)
• Simulation enquête (Investigation simulation)
• Un cas à vérifier: MORTAGNE-par-BRUYERES, le 24 Avril 1954. (A case to verify: MORTAGNE-par-BRUYERES, April 24, 1954.)

Organization Details

The bulletin provides details about the "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" organization, listing its leadership and responsibilities:

• President: François DIOLEZ
• Vice-President: René FAUDRIN
• Treasurer: Jacques NICOT
• Secretary: Joëlle GERBY
• Assistant Secretaries: Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI and Gilles MUNSCH

Key activity leaders include Gilles MUNSCH (Investigations), Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI (Observation Evenings), René FAUDRIN (Liaison with Other Groups), Eric BITTERLY (Archives), Jean Marc PARMENTELAT (Photography), Joëlle GERBY and François DIOLEZ (Review), Robert GOLCZEWSKI (Technical Support), and Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI and Gilles MUNSCH (Astronomy).

Investigation Report: F/98/88810711 (01) - "A Glass Cage in the Sky"

This section details an observation from July 11, 1981, around 11 PM (23h local time, 21h TU) near the Col de la Schlucht, in Alsace-Vosges. The weather was foggy with fine rain. The witnesses, Mlle Evelyne G. (25, nursing student) and Mlle Geneviève D. (20, nursing student), were driving when they noticed a bluish light to their left, illuminating the sky.

Initially, the trees obscured the view, but soon they saw a "luminous tower" with two superimposed "stages," the upper one smaller than the lower. They described it as possibly being made of glass panels. The phenomenon was described as having a blue light and an intense glow comparable to car headlights, but not blinding. The sound was a slight hum. The object appeared to be about 500 meters away and at an altitude of approximately 300 meters above the ground.

Suddenly, the light disappeared, and then reappeared to their right, further away. The entire observation lasted about 2 minutes. The witnesses did not stop, as their car windows were closed. They were convinced it was a material phenomenon and spoke of an "object." Evelyne asked if there was a control tower in the region, while Geneviève had read books on UFOs. Neither witness had observed a UFO before. The investigation was conducted in February 1982.

A map (IGN 1/25000 MUNSTER 1-2) is included to show the location of the sighting, indicating the positions of the witnesses and the observed phenomenon.

Photographs labeled "PHOTO NO 1" and "PHOTO NO 2" show the location of the observation, with "PHOTO NO 1" depicting the initial sighting area and the object's appearance about 200m further, and "PHOTO NO 2" showing the spot where the witnesses were during the observation of the object and the second vision of the blue light.

Complementary details note that the horizontal dark zone observed made the witnesses hesitate about whether it was one or two objects. The lower part seemed like an assembly of glass panels, possibly arranged in a curve. The outer contours of the phenomenon were sharp. The light was intense blue and illuminated the surroundings. The altitude was estimated at 300m relative to the ground (which is at 1100m altitude). The phenomenon appeared immobile.

Investigation Report: F/98/88811100 (02) - DEYVILLERS

This report details an observation from November 1981, near Deyvillers (88). Mme M. (83 years old) and her husband Henry (79 years old) were at their farm when Mme M. noticed a large, immobile luminous point in the sky to the north, a few degrees above the horizon. The sky was overcast, with no stars visible.

They both observed the light, which was described as being above the visible woods towards the village of Longchamp. Its brightness and apparent size were significantly larger than any star or planet, though not comparable to the moon. Its color was a dazzling yellow that did not hurt the eyes. No sound or secondary effects were perceived, and animals showed no reaction. After 10-15 minutes, the phenomenon had not evolved, and the couple, feeling cold, went inside.

They stated they had never observed such an unusual light in that location in all their years there. They did not consider it to be a plane or a star. They are in good health and not particularly interested in UFOs. Mme M. reported the sighting by telephone after seeing an appeal for witnesses in the press, launched by the CVLDLN following another observation in the region.

A map (IGN 1/25000 BRUYÈRES 1-2) illustrates the location of Deyvillers and the surrounding area, indicating the magnetic north, direction of observation, and the estimated position of the phenomenon.

"PHOTO NO 1" in this section shows the witnesses' house and the village church, indicating the location from which the observation was made and the direction of the luminous phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) through witness testimonies and detailed reports. The "Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit" actively collects and analyzes these accounts, aiming to understand the nature of these sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and documentation, as evidenced by the detailed chronological summaries, location maps, and photographic evidence presented. The bulletin also seeks to engage the public and other ufological groups by requesting information on similar cases and sharing their findings. The title itself, "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?", suggests an ongoing mystery and a central question the organization is trying to answer, implying a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these unexplained events.

This issue of the French publication 'Est. Républicain' features a prominent article on its cover titled "Chasse aux OVNI: «Laissez-nous encore le droit de rêver»." (UFO Hunt: 'Let us still have the right to dream'). The issue date is indicated as Monday, August 30, 1982. The publication appears to be a regional newspaper or magazine, focusing on local news and events, with this particular issue delving into the topic of UFOs.

RECHERCHE DE DOCUMENTS (Document Search)

Page 2 presents a call for information regarding UFO sightings in the Vosges region during 1954. The publication is seeking to update its dossier on the 1954 UFO wave to create a synthesis for a future review. Readers are urged to send any information they might have about observations that occurred in the Vosges in 1954. A list of known cases from the Vosges in 1954 is provided, including dates and locations, but the publication acknowledges that this list may not be complete. The listed locations and dates are:

• VITTEL (09.01.54)
• EPINAL (09.01.54)
• NOMEXY (26.01.54)
• THAON LES VOSGES (26.01.54)
• XAFFEVILLIERS (.01.54)
• MORTAGNE PAR BRUYERES (24.04.54)
• PLOMBIERES (.07.54)
• CONTREXEVILLE / VITTEL (01.08.54)
• DOCELLES (07.08.54)
• REMIREMONT (08.08.54)
• GERARDMER (16.08.54)
• EPINAL (19.09.54)
• RAON L'ETAPE (28.09.54)
• ST MICHEL SUR MEURTHE (01.10.54)
• REMIREMONT (03.10.54)
• VELOTTE (12.10.54)
• RACECOURT / BOUXURULLES / BRUYERES / LA BATAILLE (16.10.54)
• LEPANGES (18.10.54)
• ST REMY (20.10.54)
• ADONCOURT (21.10.54)
• MOUSSEY (27.10.54)
• EPINAL ST LAURENT (29.10.54)
• LA BATAILLE (01.11.54)
• GOLBEY / DOGNEVILLE / LE THOLLOY / LA BATAILLE (02.11.54)
• VIOMENIL (.11.54)
• ST DIE / BEULEY (.11.54)
• GERARDMER (31.12.54)

Readers are also informed that some of the dates provided might not be exact. Information should be sent to François DIOLEZ at the provided address in VILLEJUIF.

Observation at Côte de Virine

Page 3 describes a UFO observation event that took place on a Saturday night at Côte de Virine, between Dompaire and Châtel, in the Vosges department. Organized by "Lumières sans la nuit" (Lights without the night), the event attracted about a dozen people who gathered to observe the sky. The observation lasted for three hours, during which time about twenty curious individuals passed by to chat. Theories about Atlantis, witchcraft, and Martians were discussed, reflecting the public's fascination with extraterrestrial life.

During the observation, bright lights of various colors (red, green, blue, yellow) were seen in the sky, accompanied by a strident noise. Initially, the observers were anxious, fearing they were witnessing UFOs. However, the lights were soon identified as fireworks ("pétards"), leading to relief and laughter. Despite this, the observers continued to watch the sky, but nothing else significant occurred. The article notes that communication was maintained with another group of ufologists observing at Val d'Ajol via CB radio.

The observation concluded around midnight. The article includes a photograph labeled "PHOTO N:2" showing the visible horizon and a building identified as the church, facing the cemetery. It also indicates a phenomenon observed at night and the viewpoint of photo N°1.

Simulation d'Enquête (Investigation Simulation)

Pages 4 through 7 detail a simulated UFO investigation conducted during a meeting at CROIX de VIRINE. The simulation took place over a Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The objective was to train investigators using a pre-prepared scenario.

Organization

The simulation involved 4 organizers and a group of investigators. Initially, only three investigators were present due to low attendance, though more could have been present. The organizers' tasks included preparing the observation, managing a database, designating a principal witness (known), a secondary witness (to be discovered), and a coordinator/rapporteur.

Preparation of the Observation

This involved creating a global scenario for the observation, which was then translated into two documents given to the two witnesses. The witnesses did not know each other's scenario, and the scenarios were coordinated. The preparation also included examining the terrain for traces and verifying time counts, distances, and geographical positions.

Preparation of the Database

Investigators could consult the database at any time for necessary materials. The material was available but not visible, requiring specific requests. Information in the database included gendarmerie reports, weather conditions, sample analyses, and letters received by the organization. The principal witness was known (having contacted the press) and cooperative, while the secondary witness was less so. Both witnesses had their scenarios but could adjust details. The coordinator/rapporteur observed the investigators, took notes for later critique, and ensured they stayed within the scope of the investigation, offering assistance when needed.

The Investigation

The investigation took place over the afternoon and concluded Sunday morning. A full report was intended but time constraints prevented its completion. A group critique was then conducted by the rapporteur based on notes taken during the investigation.

Critique of the Organization

Few major scenario errors were noted. The witnesses were praised for their perfect role-playing. The database and material functioned well but were underutilized and sometimes used imprecisely. The coordinator/rapporteur did not unduly disturb the investigators, fostering an open atmosphere for critique.

The investigators, initially three (with a plan for more pairs), were somewhat disoriented because they knew it was a simulation. They had difficulty engaging in a sufficiently serious framework to approach the witnesses. It was suggested that a second simulation would help them immerse themselves more effectively.

Critique of the Investigation

It was concluded that the investigation was not perfect. Important elements were missed, witness approaches were not always optimal, and the methodology was only partially understood. However, some automatisms were observed, though they were infrequent. Many aspects were theoretically known but not automatically applied.

Comments

It was emphasized that any work aimed at training investigators is beneficial. Practical field experimentation is considered more profitable and impactful than theory alone. The article acknowledges that investigators are not perfect and always have room to learn, especially those new to the field. Simulations offer a valuable way to gain experience before undertaking real investigations, particularly during lulls in UFO activity. The author responds to a colleague's critical remark ("You're only at this stage!") by stating that it's more important to acknowledge weaknesses and work on progress than to ignore them. The author believes the participating groups appreciated the intervention.

This section is presented as information, not criticism or polemics. The author expresses gratitude to the participants and hopes for future simulations.

MORTAGNE-PAR-BRUYERES: 24 AVRIL 1954 (Comic Strip)

Page 8 features a comic strip depicting a UFO encounter on April 24, 1954, in Mortagne-Par-Bruyères. The story follows a lumberjack who is cutting wood when he hears a loud noise. He then sees three UFOs above him, described as having an enormous mass. One of the objects descends. The lumberjack approaches the landed craft, which hovers about fifty meters above the ground without touching it. He touches the craft, finding it hard and cold, and then attempts to strike it with his axe. He then slowly retreats to a rock, feeling paralyzed. As the UFO departs, the lumberjack regains his faculties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the cover story, the call for reader submissions on 1954 sightings, and the detailed account of a simulated investigation. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging the right to dream and explore possibilities, while also emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and learning from both real cases and simulated exercises. There is a clear effort to gather data, train investigators, and critically assess investigative methods within the ufological community. The publication seems to value practical experience and self-improvement in the field of UFO research.