La ligne bleue survolee - No 09 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?
Issue: 9
Date: 1983
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0293-2032

This issue of 'La Ligne Bleue Survolée' is the bulletin of the Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit, a regional delegation affiliated with national ufological groups. The cover features the title prominently, along with a stylized map filled with repeating text and the organization's name and publication details.

Contents

Le mot du Président (President's Message)

François DIOLEZ discusses the rumored demise of GEPAN, a French ufological research organization, and ponders how such an entity could 'die'. He notes that despite the rumors, new technical notes are being published, suggesting continued activity. DIOLEZ reflects on the nature of ufological research, distinguishing between 'scientific' and less rigorous approaches. He encourages ufologists to focus on collecting and circulating information, emphasizing the importance of 'order and method' in their investigations. He also expresses confidence that those who contribute will not be forgotten.

Archives de presse (Press Archives)

This section compiles newspaper clippings from 1982 and 1983 concerning unidentified luminous phenomena. One article from 'LA LIBERTE DE L'EST' dated March 27, 1982, reports on mysterious yellow-to-orange lights observed in the Ormont forest near Saint-Dié, which initially led to fears of a plane crash. Police and firefighters investigated but found no wreckage, only the lingering lights. Another article, from 'E.R.' dated January 14, 1983, details a 'scientific prank' where a Swiss man was reportedly targeted by a 'red bouncing ball' which turned out to be a laser beam manipulated by pranksters. The article touches on the increasing availability and applications of laser technology.

A third clipping, from 'HUIT LOR' dated 1982, reports on an OVNI observed by police in Mulhouse. Approximately fifteen police officers witnessed a large, intensely luminous 'ball' moving slowly from North-West to South-East over the city before disappearing. The sighting was logged in the police report, pending further investigation.

Catalogue des Cas (Case Catalog)

This extensive section, referencing the C.N.E.G.U. (Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques) 1981 Annual Catalog of Observations, lists specific UFO/OVNI cases. Each entry includes a reference number, a credibility index (IC), date, time, location, witness details, and a description of the phenomenon. Notable cases include:

• February 18, 1981 (MAERSCHEN, France): A couple in a car observed a demi-spherical object with headlights and colored lights that followed them for about 600 meters.
• March 22, 1981 (DINOZE, SAINT-LAURENT, EPINAL, France): Four witnesses saw a bright orange, elliptical object in the sky that appeared stationary before oscillating and disappearing.
• March 30, 1981 (MAGNY, France): A group observed a large metallic sphere that changed color successively (red, white, black) and hovered over a house before ascending into the clouds.
• April 8, 1981 (BOUZEMONT, France): A man observed a luminous point that grew and was joined by two red spheres, which then turned orange and diminished in size.
• May 18, 1981 (Malzéville-Nancy, France): An object described as 'ovoïde' arrived from the SW, appeared to fall, then reappeared and disappeared.
• May 27, 1981 (Nancy, France): A witness saw a green spherical object with internal luminescence moving slowly over the rooftops.
• June 11, 1981 (BOUXIERES-AUX-BOIS, France): Two large, brilliant 'balls' moved slowly, leaving diffuse white trails.
• June 14, 1981 (France): A luminous ball appeared, moved rectilinearly, and disappeared after a few seconds.
• July 4, 1981 (MIRECOURT, France): A blinking luminous object appeared low in the sky, growing in size and emitting red-orange light.

The catalog also includes explanations of the symbols used, such as the star (☆) indicating cases with remarks in the appendix and double stars (☆☆) referring to the credibility index criteria.

Organization Information

The bulletin lists the key personnel of the 'Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit', including the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Joint Secretaries, as well as those responsible for various activities like investigations, archives, photography, and publications. It clarifies that 'La Ligne Bleue Survolée' is the bulletin of this organization, which is a delegation of 'Lumières Dans La Nuit' and a member of CNEGU. The revue is exchanged with other groups, and articles represent the author's views.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO/OVNI sightings, press coverage of such phenomena, and the detailed cataloging of specific cases. The editorial stance, as expressed in the President's message, emphasizes a methodical and information-driven approach to ufology, encouraging critical thinking and active participation in data collection and dissemination. There is a clear distinction made between rigorous investigation and what is perceived as less scientific approaches. The publication aims to inform and provide a reference base for UFO observations in the region.

This issue of "L'ÉCHO DES MYSTÈRES" (Issue 14, Volume 1, September 1981) focuses on a series of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings reported in France. The magazine, published by CVLDLN, presents detailed accounts of these events, primarily from September 1981, with a high degree of confidence in the reporting.

Detailed Sightings and Case Reports

July 11, 1981: Near the Col de la Schlucht, witnesses Evelyne G. and Geneviève D. reported seeing a luminous "tower" with two superimposed stages, described as having "glass walls," while driving. The phenomenon was observed in foggy conditions with fine rain.

September 8, 1981: In Monthureux-sur-Saône, Mme N. observed a large, orange sphere that initially resembled the moon. It reappeared after a brief disappearance and then moved southwest towards Bourbonne-les-Bains without any audible noise.

September 9, 1981: In Mattaincourt, Mr M. C. and his 10-year-old son F. observed an orange sphere moving rectilinearly. The object accelerated rapidly and disappeared into the night. The observation lasted about 5 minutes, with no sound reported.

• September 11, 1981:
• 4:45 AM TU (Razimont, Epinal): Mr B. reported seeing a large, luminous red "ball" with a green-blue trail, moving rapidly and descending. The apparent size was estimated at 2° arc.
• 4:45 AM TU (Adoncourt): Mr Georges F., an agricultural worker, observed a bright yellow luminous form, described as incandescent, crossing the sky at high speed. It disappeared suddenly.
• 4:40 AM TU (Tignecourt): Mr B. Roger, mayor, observed a fast-moving, luminous red form crossing the sky from north to south. The observation lasted about 4 seconds.

• September 13, 1981:
• 9:05 PM TU (La Zabette, between Mirecourt and Mattaincourt): Mr M. C. and his son F. experienced a temporary failure of their car's engine, radio, and electrical system while observing a red luminous ball. The object moved horizontally, paused, then accelerated and disappeared into the clouds. A ground witness reportedly confirmed the phenomenon.
• 5:45 AM TU (near Poisson): Mme Freiche, a retiree, observed a large, luminous, egg-shaped object of yellow-orange color hovering near the road. The object was described as very bright, illuminating the surroundings. Mme Freiche was significantly distressed by the sighting, experiencing anxiety and insecurity.

• September 27, 1981:
• 7:30 PM HL (Ancerville-Gue): Mr Jean-Pierre Mazeaud observed a pale yellow sphere at a low altitude. A second identical phenomenon appeared, and both moved together before disappearing. The witness, accustomed to military aircraft, noted the absence of any acoustic reverberation.

• September 29, 1981:
• 5:55 PM TU (Maxeville): A couple and their son saw a white/orange luminous "ball" with a trail moving slowly. The object then turned and disappeared abruptly.

• October 7, 1981:
• 5:45 PM TU (Mattaincourt): Mr M. and Mr R. G. observed two orange spheres flying in formation, passing silently overhead and emitting occasional flashes. The phenomenon reappeared later in the evening, moving in the reverse direction.

• October 22, 1981:
• 5:45 PM TU (Mirecourt): Mrs T. and C., nurses, observed an immobile, imprecise, yellow-orange object hovering. After about thirty minutes, it changed color to incandescent red and slowly moved towards the southwest horizon, disappearing completely. Several commercial and fighter jets were observed during this time.

• November 4, 1981:
• 5:45 PM TU (Azelot): During a night maneuver, a military pilot instructor, Mr M. F., and his crew observed three stationary white lights arranged in an equilateral triangle. The phenomenon disappeared after their landing.

• November 9, 1981:
• 4:50 PM TU (Mattaincourt): Mlles Valérie C. and Sandrine B., along with Frédéric C. and other witnesses, observed an orange luminous form with a trailing streak of orange and white. It moved rectilinearly at high altitude and disappeared suddenly.

• November 10, 1981:
• 6:20 AM TU (near Saint-Amé): Mr J-C L. observed a luminous circular, flattened, brilliant white form descending rapidly and disappearing behind a mountain. The observation lasted about four seconds.
• 1:00 PM TU (Fraize-Anould): Mr and Mrs G. observed a small "cloud"-like phenomenon with colors similar to a rainbow but lacking blue and green. They observed it again at their home before losing interest.
• 5:15 PM TU (near Diarville): Mr André S. and passengers observed an orange sphere that seemed to accompany their car for several kilometers before appearing on their left. They stopped to observe it for about ten minutes; it was stationary above trees before moving again.

Supporting Information and Investigations

Each sighting is accompanied by a reference number (Réf) and an IC code, likely indicating classification or characteristics of the sighting. The magazine also includes supplementary information, such as meteorological data, astronomical information (lunar phases), and reports from military bases (St-Dizier, Etain) and air clubs to rule out conventional explanations. The investigations were conducted by CVLDLN, GROUPE 5255, and GPUN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the consistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across France during 1981. The magazine presents these accounts factually, relying on witness testimonies and the results of investigations that often conclude without a definitive explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these events, presenting them for public consideration and further research. The detailed nature of the reports, including times, locations, descriptions, and witness backgrounds, suggests a commitment to thorough documentation of UAP cases.

This document is a catalog of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) observations from 1981, compiled by the C.N.E.G.U. (Centre National d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés), with contributions from CVLDLN (Centre d'étude des phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés). It covers observations from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the French departments of 52, 54, 55, and 88, for the period defined by the civil year 1981. The catalog is presented as a follow-up to previous editions from 1978, 1979, and 1980, with specific updates and refinements for the 1981 edition.

Key Features and Methodologies

The 1981 catalog introduces or refines several key elements:

1. Credibility Index (IC): This index, introduced in 1980, is maintained and presented in full for easier interpretation. It ranges from 0 to 5 and is based on five essential data groups, each quantified from 0 to 1:
* Date and Time: Precise (1) vs. imprecise/unknown (0).
* Location: Precise (1) vs. imprecise/unknown (0).
* Witness(es): Known (name, address, age, profession) (1) vs. unknown (0) (including passers-by who don't know the area well or witnesses who didn't stop to observe).
* Number of Witnesses: More than one known witness (1) vs. a single witness (0).
* Investigation: Investigation conducted and mentioned with known investigator(s) (1) vs. investigation not mentioned, unknown investigator, or case known only through press/rumor (0).
The document notes that the IC does not prejudge the veracity of the information.

2. Symbology: The symbology used by CNEGU has been further refined, with recent technical notes from CVLDLN detailing the latest updates.

3. Geographic Distribution and Statistical Analysis: The catalog emphasizes the importance of statistical studies and the correlation between the geographic distribution of known observations and the implantation of ufological groups. Comments from the 1980 catalog regarding the utility of statistical studies and geographic correlations are reiterated.

4. Classification: The document mentions the intention to indicate the classification of cases according to J. Allen Hynek's system, appreciated for its simplicity. However, the author of this section felt unable to apply this classification due to not having all the necessary elements and criteria at their disposal, and instead provides a condensed explanation of the classification in an annex.

Case Descriptions and Observations

The catalog details numerous UAP sightings, providing reference numbers, dates (sometimes imprecise), locations, witness details, and descriptions of the phenomena. Some notable cases include:

• Page 16: An observation near ROUVRES-EN-XAINTOIS, France, involving a spherical object moving for approximately 45 minutes over 20 kilometers with variable phases of stationary movement, accelerations, and zig-zag descents. The object was last seen moving South towards DOMJULIEN and disappearing near VITTEL.
• Page 16: A sighting in EPINAL, France, on December 10, 1981, where a 12-year-old girl observed a green, well-defined spherical object hovering above houses. It disappeared after a few seconds, leaving her troubled.
• Page 17: An imprecise date in January 1981 near GARNICH, Luxembourg, where two witnesses observed a luminous oval or circular object with multiple colored lights moving South to North for about a minute.
• Page 17: A sighting on February 19, 1981, near BAINS-LES-BAINS, France, by two students who saw a large white light, resembling a projector, moving slowly. It flickered, disappeared, reappeared, and then vanished permanently. Other witnesses also observed it briefly.
• Page 18: An observation around November 10, 1981, near GERARDMER, France, where two witnesses observed two luminous objects that appeared to be stationary but were actually moving imperceptibly South-South-West. One witness suggested it might be Venus modified by an optical effect.
• Page 18: A sighting in DEYVILLERS, France, in November 1981, of a large, sparkling yellow point of light observed stationary for about ten minutes, significantly brighter than a star.
• Page 19: An incident in September or October 1981 near SAINT-DIZIER, France, where two JAGUAR fighter jets on a night training flight were accompanied by a small, sparkling white sphere. The sphere flew in concert with the aircraft and then ascended vertically at high speed and disappeared without noise. Radar did not detect anything unusual.

Specific Methodological Notes

• The document notes that the progress in cataloging has slowed down, but efforts to increase rigor have been made. The use of a modified TYPE QUESTIONNAIRE-REPORT (CECRU version) starting in 1982 is expected to be a significant step forward.
• The catalog includes a map (Page 24) showing the geographic distribution of UAP sightings in the Nord-Est region of France and Luxembourg for 1981, with credibility index markers. It also includes a monthly breakdown of cases (Page 25).
• A specific point is made about cases marked with a star (★), which involve witnesses from the 'C.......' family. The high number of observations by this family warrants particular attention and prudence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication emphasizes a rigorous, data-driven approach to UAP investigation, utilizing a credibility index and statistical analysis. There is a clear effort to standardize reporting and improve the quality of data collected. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging readers to provide feedback, critiques, and suggestions to further refine the catalog and its methodology. The document also highlights the challenges of obtaining information, particularly when it involves military security or when cases are only known through secondary sources.

Conclusion

The catalog serves as a comprehensive record of UAP observations in a specific region and time period, underpinned by a methodical approach to data collection and analysis. It aims to provide a structured framework for understanding these phenomena and encourages continued collaboration and rigor within the ufological community.

This document is a catalogue of unidentified flying object (UFO) observations from the year 1981, published by C.N.E.G.U. (Centre National d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés). It is presented as a series of data tables and graphical representations, detailing individual case references and the temporal distribution of sightings.

Catalogue of Observations

The core of the document is a list of case references, each appearing to contain a date and a sequential number (e.g., L/06/00810218 (01)). These references are then mapped onto graphical charts.

Daily Distribution

Page 1 and 2 display a chart showing the days of the month (1 to 30/31) with marks indicating when observations occurred. A legend differentiates between 'Jour imprécis' (imprecise day) and 'Jour inconnu' (unknown day). A histogram at the bottom of page 1 and 2 shows the 'Nombre de cas' (number of cases) per day.

Weekly Distribution

Page 2 also includes a chart illustrating the distribution of cases across the days of the week: L (Lundi/Monday), Ma (Mardi/Tuesday), Me (Mercredi/Wednesday), J (Jeudi/Thursday), V (Vendredi/Friday), S (Samedi/Saturday), D (Dimanche/Sunday). A question mark symbol is present, possibly indicating an unknown day of the week.

Hourly Distribution

Page 3 provides a detailed hourly breakdown of the observations using Universal Time (TU). The chart shows hours from 0 to 24. It specifies that TU is equivalent to HL-2h in summer and HL-1h in winter. The legend indicates different types of time tranches: 'Tranche horaire de th' (hourly tranche of the case), 'Tranche imprécise' (imprecise tranche), and 'Tranche inconnue' (unknown tranche). A histogram at the bottom illustrates the 'Nombre de cas' (number of cases) per hour.

Comic Strip

Page 4 features a six-panel comic strip titled 'LA SOIRÉE D'OBSERVATION DE MONSIEUR TOUROND' (The Observation Evening of Mr. Tourond). The strip humorously depicts a man, presumably Monsieur Tourond, setting up a telescope, observing celestial bodies, encountering a UFO, and then experiencing various mishaps, including falling and ending up in water, while still looking at the sky. The artist is credited as IRIVIERE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the systematic cataloguing and analysis of UFO sightings. The publication by C.N.E.G.U. suggests an official or semi-official effort to document and study these phenomena. The presentation of data in various temporal distributions (daily, weekly, hourly) indicates a focus on statistical analysis and pattern recognition. The inclusion of a humorous comic strip provides a lighter, more accessible element, possibly to engage a broader audience or to offer a contrast to the serious data presentation. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent record-keeping and objective reporting of observed phenomena.