La ligne bleue survolee - No 15 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE
Issue: 15
Publication Date: 1986
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
ISSN: 0293-2032

This issue of the bulletin "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE" (The Blue Line Overflown), published by the "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (Vosgian Circle Lights in the Night), is issue number 15 from 1986. The cover features a stylized map of France filled with the word "OVNI" (UFO), with rays emanating from the top, and the main headline "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?". The publication is affiliated with "Lumières Dans La Nuit" and is a member of the "Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques (CNEGU)".

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

• The table of contents lists several sections:
• En quête d'enquête (In search of an investigation)
• Enquête F/98/88770712 (01)
• Listing CVLDLN (suite et fin) (Listing CVLDLN - continued and end)
• Archives de presse 1948 (Press archives 1948)

Organization Information

• The "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" is detailed with its leadership:
• President: François DIOLEZ
• Vice-President: Gilles MUNSCH
• Treasurer: Jacques NICOT
• Secretary: Joëlle GERBY

• Responsible activities include:
• Commission Enquetes: Gilles MUNSCH (Assistant: Claude FLEURANCE)
• Soirées d'Observation: Bernard SIMON
• Liaisons Autres Groupes: François DIOLEZ
• Archives: Bernard SIMON
• Revue: Joëlle GERBY et François DIOLEZ
• Astronomie: Gilles MUNSCH
• Liaisons Presse: Francine JUNCOSA
• Bibliothèque, Bibliographie: Joëlle GERBY

The bulletin is transmitted to French and foreign groups as an exchange for their own publications. The articles published engage only their author, and reproduction requires the author's consent.

Article: En quête ... d'enquêtes (In search of ... investigations)

This section reflects on the nature and history of ufology and investigations. It posits that ufology's origins lie in the curiosity of individuals seeking information about "troubling facts" concerning mysterious craft with "dizzying evolutions." These reports, often from credible individuals, led to the development of "investigations," a term considered imprecise but reassuring. Over decades, thousands of "investigation reports" have been compiled globally, yet the mystery remains largely unsolved, leading to confusion about what has truly occurred.

The author notes that ufology is now studying itself, questioning whether this is a sign of maturity or a deviation. Despite widespread doubt, the author suggests that investigation remains the most effective activity for advancing knowledge in this field. Many retreat into speculation or apathy, lacking the imagination for proper investigative methods.

The text highlights that while the "news has considerably impoverished in recent years," and some investigations have "killed the dream," the "ufologist" has become a rare commodity. The author argues that ufology has erred by trying to explain phenomena too quickly without first understanding them. Using the analogy of understanding the Earth's orbit around the sun, the author suggests that some phenomena might be understood more readily with patience and a methodical approach.

The proposed method involves observing, noting, compiling, posing the problem, reflecting, and then formulating hypotheses. Rigorous observation and meticulous compilation are emphasized. The author suggests that if the initial stage of observation is successful, a structure will naturally emerge. Disseminating information is crucial to prevent its loss, as many ufologists have disappeared with their findings.

The author advocates for patience in subsequent stages, stating that the current task is preparation, possibly for future generations. The contemporary ufologist should be a "chronicler" of quality, integrity, and rigor, free to then exercise their imagination. Direct observation is difficult, so the focus is on describing filtered images as neutrally as possible.

The text acknowledges that many factors hinder thorough investigations, including lack of time, resources, and skills. Investigations are often partial, imprecise, and too dependent on the investigator's personality. Furthermore, investigators may hesitate to share their findings due to fear of criticism or suspicion from a more demanding ufological community.

The CNEGU is developing a system of "levels of investigations" to establish clear criteria and three degrees of quality: approach, investigation, and inquiry. This system aims to redefine content, standardize methodologies, adapt research objectives to the investigator's resources and motivation, and facilitate quicker, less criticized dissemination of findings. It also seeks to preserve possibilities for further investigation and highlight training needs.

The "level of investigation" is defined not by the intrinsic quality of a case or the investigator's competence, but by the scope of work performed in gathering information. It serves as an important element for forming an opinion on a case and planning future research. The author concludes that it is more effective to start an investigation with clear objectives rather than proceeding haphazardly.

Case Summary: Enquête C.V.L.D.L.N. F/98/88770712 (01)

This section details a specific case investigated by the author, described as one of their "first investigations" and acknowledged as an "imperfect approach." The case involved a sighting on July 12, 1973 (or possibly 1974), around 10:15 PM in Thaon. The witness, Mr. Marcel R., was leaving a house and noticed a strange reflection from a canal. He then observed a large, luminous, yellow-orange circle, approximately 2.5-3 meters in diameter, rising from a field about 200 meters away. The object was surrounded by a silver zone and intermittently displayed an electric blue halo with small flashes.

The object ascended slowly to about 15 meters altitude, hovered for a minute, and then moved horizontally towards the Moselle river at low speed. The witness followed the phenomenon, which was intermittently obscured by trees and buildings. He managed to alert another person to observe it before it disappeared behind a school. The witness estimated the duration of the observation to be about 10 minutes. No sound or secondary effects were reported, and no official investigation was conducted.

A map (Plan de Situation) is included, detailing the witness's movements, the location of the observation, and a representation of the phenomenon, including the silver crown, the electric blue halo, and the central yellow/egg-colored circle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed analysis of UFO sightings and the critical examination of investigative methodologies within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous, methodical, and patient investigation, emphasizing observation, documentation, and a structured approach rather than hasty conclusions or speculative leaps. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and the development of standardized procedures within the ufological community, as represented by the CNEGU's efforts to define "levels of investigation."

This document, titled 'LISTE DES CAS PRESUMES POUR LE DEPARTEMENT DES VOSGES' (List of Presumed Cases for the Department of Vosges), functions as a catalog of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings and encounters reported in the Vosges region of France. The entries primarily span the years 1980 and 1981, with a few extending into 1981. The document is structured as a table, detailing each case with a number, date, location, time, a rapid description of the phenomenon, sources, and explanations (though explanations are often absent or noted as 'Idem' or 'Réserves').

Detailed Case Descriptions

The document begins with photographic evidence and descriptive captions. Photo N°2 describes a luminous object observed turning its head, appearing as a yellow circle with a silver halo, rising from the ground, stabilizing at about 15 meters, and emitting a fine electric blue halo that flickered 3 to 4 times per second with small blue flashes. This phenomenon slowly receded to the right, heading southeast, with only the sound of a moped disturbing the silence.

Photo N°3 details an observation by 'Monsieur R.' who, while driving, slowed down to follow a phenomenon. The object, described as a circle, moved slowly and horizontally at about 15 meters altitude. Mr. R. lost sight of it when it was masked by houses, though a faint glow remained perceptible.

The main body of the document is a chronological list of presumed UAP cases:

• 28-01-1980, Raon-aux-Bois: A young man reported a luminous object, fava-bean shaped and orange, accompanying his car for over 15 km without noise or particular effect.
• 23h30, Epinal: A lady saw a luminous trail in the sky, followed by an immobile luminous point above the town.
• 29-01-1980, Epinal: The same lady observed two orange 'boules' moving slowly, turning at a right angle, and changing size and color but not speed. Two other witnesses confirmed.
• 19h45, Longchamp: Three people saw a white 'boule' with a red 'point' that seemed to follow them for 19 km. The observation continued outside the car, and the phenomenon disappeared by slow extinction after a total duration of 45 minutes.
• 6h33, Golbey: A young man saw a 'bright star' descend to 'land' in a field, transform, and move erratically close to the ground before rapidly ascending and disappearing.
• 15-02-1980, Le Thillot: A 46-year-old woman observed a 'big star' that was brilliant and immobile. With binoculars, she saw two 'boules' attached within a larger, diffuse white sphere. The entire object rotated 180 degrees and disappeared without a trace or sound. The gendarmerie was informed, and a gendarme reportedly observed the phenomenon.
• 28-03-1980, Contrexeville: A young woman saw an orange 'cigar' shape that moved in a square pattern, disappeared, reappeared, and moved in the opposite direction before continuing towards Vittel. No sound or effect was noted.
• 02-04-1980, Thaon-les-Vosges: Several residents observed a horizontal 'fava bean' shaped luminous phenomenon for half an hour, with varying apparent dimensions, disappearing on the spot. The sky was relatively clear, with no noise or effects.
• 30-07-1980, Epinal: A woman observed a luminous point comparable to Venus passing by her apartment window.
• 27-10-1980, Bulgnevile: A 19-year-old woman was alerted by children observing an unusual phenomenon. She saw a red circle moving slowly in the sky, stopping for about 3 seconds before disappearing into the clouds, leaving a white trail. The children reported two initial 'boules' that merged into one.
• 00-10-1980, Xertigny: A young man and his mother observed a complex luminous phenomenon with four dark 'squares' and luminous diagonals, changing colors and size, moving back and forth, and disappearing on the spot.
• 00-11-1980, Mattaincourt: Several observations over November reported unusual luminous phenomena, starting with passages of luminous 'boules'.
• 27-12-1980, Mattaincourt: A third observation in Mattaincourt involved a rectangular object changing color and equipped with orange lights underneath, moving at an irregular speed.
• 18h env, Mattaincourt: Four orange 'spheres' crossed the sky at high speed.
• 20h, Mattaincourt: Three identical 'spheres' were observed, immobile and arranged in an isosceles triangle, with changing colors and blinking lights. A fourth sphere appeared in the center, and all four merged into a single red object that oscillated and disappeared vertically.
• 19h30, Xertigny: A young man saw a large orange luminous sphere, immobile. With his mother and a friend, they observed two other small lights blinking independently on either side of the sphere. After 15-20 minutes, the phenomenon accelerated and ascended, disappearing abruptly with a fugitive trail.
• -02-1981, Bains-les-Bains: Two students observed a large 'projector' moving slowly in the sky at about 50m altitude. The beam directed downwards did not illuminate the ground. Dark 'scratches' were observed on the 'round' shape. After a minute, it blinked and disappeared, reappearing later for about thirty seconds before disappearing permanently. Three other witnesses were not attentive.
• 22-03-1981, Dinoze, St-Laurent, Epinal: Four people returning from a party saw a luminous phenomenon in the sky, described as orange and elliptical, appearing stationary near the Epinal TV relay. The phenomenon oscillated and tilted. After approaching, the witnesses lost sight of it. No sound or effect was noted.
• 08-04-1981, Bouzemont: A man saw a luminous point that grew to an apparent size of 30 arc minutes, followed by two red spheres. The phenomenon moved and disappeared towards Bourbonnes-les-Bains.
• 11-06-1981, Bouxieres-aux-Bois + Region d'Epinal: A woman observed two bright, moving 'boules' that appeared to rotate, leaving a faint trail. The phenomenon repeated for 1.5 hours despite a storm. The witness alerted four other people.
• 14-06-1981, Epinal: A member of CVLDLN observed a luminous 'wave' about 18 arc minutes wide moving across the sky, disappearing after 5-6 seconds. No sound, white color, high angular speed.
• 04-07-1981, Mirecourt: A man observed a blinking luminous 'object' near a water tower, increasing in apparent size and exhibiting various movements and appearances before disappearing vertically with an extraordinary speed, leaving a luminous trail.
• 11-07-1981, Gerardmer: Two young women saw a bluish light flooding the sky, followed by a luminous 'tour' with glass-like walls. The light was observed again on their right. They found nothing unusual the next day.
• 08-09-1981, Monthureux-sur-Saone: A woman observed a diffuse light through her curtains, then a large sphere resembling the moon. Later, the 'moon' reappeared and moved towards Bourbonnes-les-Bains.
• 09-09-1981, Mattaincourt: A man and his son observed an orange 'sphere' moving in the sky, which suddenly accelerated and increased in luminosity before disappearing.
• 11-09-1981, Razimont-Epinal: A man saw a large red 'boule' followed by a green-blue luminous trail, turning orange. It moved rapidly, disappearing in a 'silent explosion'.
• 06h45, Adoncourt-Dommartin-aux-Bois: An agricultural worker observed a yellow luminous form moving at high altitude, appearing incandescent and disappearing by extinction.
• 06h40, Tignecourt: An agricultural mayor observed a fast-moving, imprecise red luminous form, disappearing quickly across the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the observation of unexplained luminous aerial phenomena. The descriptions consistently highlight objects with varied shapes, colors, and behaviors, often moving at high speeds or exhibiting unusual maneuvers. The absence of sound or conventional explanations is frequently noted. The editorial stance appears to be one of documentation and cataloging, presenting witness accounts and observational data without explicit judgment or definitive conclusions, often relying on external sources like local newspapers and investigative bodies (CVLDLN). The presence of photographic evidence in the initial pages suggests an effort to visually support the documented cases. The overall tone is factual and reportorial, aiming to compile a record of these unusual events within the specified region and time frame.

This document, titled "LISTE DES CAS PRESUMES POUR LE DEPARTEMENT DES VOSGES" (List of Presumed Cases for the Department of the Vosges), functions as a catalog of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings and related incidents reported within the Vosges region of France. It is presented in a tabular format, detailing individual cases with specific information.

Case Details and Observations

The list meticulously records numerous sightings, primarily from the 1980s, with dates ranging from September 1981 to December 1984. Each entry provides:

• Date: The date of the observation.
• Location: The specific place where the phenomenon was observed.
• Time: The time of day or night the sighting occurred.
• Descriptive Summary: A brief account of the phenomenon, including its appearance (e.g., luminous sphere, ball of fire, blinking lights, boomerang shape), color (red, orange, yellow, white, green, multicolor), size estimates, behavior (hovering, moving, accelerating, descending, zig-zagging, circling), and any perceived effects (e.g., engine failure, pain, humming, no effect).
• Sources: The origin of the report, often citing local newspapers like "Liberté de l'Est" and "L'Est Républicain," or internal investigation codes like "CVLDLN" and "CVLOLN."
• Explanations: Preliminary conclusions or possible explanations for the sighting, such as "peu crédible" (little credibility), "enquête impossible" (investigation impossible), "Avions ??" (Airplanes?), "Météore prob. ou rentrée atm." (Probable meteor or atmospheric reentry), "Phénomène atmosphérique probable" (Probable atmospheric phenomenon), "Canular" (Hoax), "Véhicule probable" (Probable vehicle), or "Bolide" (Fireball).

Notable Incidents and Descriptions

Several entries highlight particularly intriguing observations:

• September 13, 1981 (Mirecourt-Maintancourt Court): A man and his son reported a luminous red ball that caused their car's engine and radio to fail temporarily. The object moved horizontally, paused, and then dived into the clouds.
• October 22, 1981 (Mirecourt): Two nurses observed a large orange luminous point that became round and red, slowly moving towards the horizon.
• November 9, 1981 (Maintancourt): A group of young people saw an imprecise luminous form moving in a straight line, leaving a trail.
• July 17, 1983 (Sommrecourt, Vosges border): A man of Yugoslavian origin claimed to have been "sucked up" by an orange luminous ball and later dropped miles away, reportedly hospitalized and traumatized. Investigations considered the report with extreme prudence.
• November 13, 1984 (Granges-sur-Vologne): A young boy observed a phenomenon described as a "circle" formed by multicolored small balls, with white ones predominating. Two white light "rays" extended from the sides, and the process repeated.
• October 10-12, 1984 (Harsault): A woman observed a "ball" whose color alternated between orange and green, describing small circles and abrupt descents and ascents.

Investigations and Explanations

The document indicates that investigations were carried out for many cases, often by entities referred to as "CVLDLN" or "CVLOLN." However, some investigations were deemed impossible, or the credibility of the reports was questioned. Explanations ranged from potential aircraft and atmospheric phenomena to outright hoaxes. The presence of a small civil aerodrome near one sighting location was also noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this compilation are the visual observation of unexplained aerial phenomena, often characterized by luminous lights, unusual shapes, and non-conventional movements. The "Descriptif Rapide" section consistently details the visual and sometimes auditory (or lack thereof) aspects of these encounters. The "Explications" column reveals a cautious approach, often suggesting conventional explanations like airplanes or meteors, or noting the difficulty in verifying the reports. The overall stance appears to be one of cataloging and documenting these events, leaving room for further investigation or acknowledging the limitations in providing definitive explanations for many of the reported cases. The document serves as a historical record of UAP sightings in a specific French region.

This document, titled "LISTE DES CAS PRESUMES POUR LE DEPARTEMENT DES VOSGES" (List of Presumed Cases for the Department of Vosges), functions as a logbook or compilation of alleged unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings. It primarily covers incidents from late 1984 to mid-1985 within the Vosges region of France, supplemented by historical reports from 1948. The entries are presented in a tabular format, detailing the date, location, time, a rapid description of the event, sources, and any provided explanations or follow-up actions.

Detailed Case Reports (1984-1985)

The bulk of the document focuses on specific sightings:

• December 10, 1984 (Contrexeville): A woman observed a strange luminous point for nearly an hour, projecting sparks as it moved across the sky. This sighting is noted as a continuation of a previous event.
• December 11, 1984 (Provencheres-sur-Fave): A woman reported observing two superimposed yellow spheres near the horizon that were stationary. These spheres extinguished and reappeared, and later, two more spheres appeared. The color of the four spheres began to vary between yellow and orange. The witness stopped observing after two hours.
• December 11, 1984 (Harsault): A woman observed the same phenomenon as on December 10th. This time, several neighbors were alerted by phone and also witnessed the event. The report notes that planes seemed to "take an interest" in the phenomenon. The witnesses ceased observing due to the cold, and the appearance and disappearance were not clearly noted.
• December 14, 1984 (Contrexeville): The phenomenon observed the previous day was reported again.
• December 14, 1984 (Rambervillers): A man observed a luminous phenomenon characterized as a large meteor.
• June 2, 1985 (Remiremont): Four women at the Centre Hospitalier, pediatric service, observed a luminous phenomenon in the sky before dawn. It appeared as a large point projecting rays and moved very slowly, ascending. It disappeared after over an hour of observation, with no noise reported.
• June 22, 1985 (Uxegney): Two young men participating in a Saint-Jean festival observed a very bright point moving in a straight line, moving away and disappearing after a few moments. No flashing lights or multiple colored lights were observed.
• June 23, 1985 (Circourt): Four members of the CVLDLN, during a night surveillance, observed a luminous point ascending in the sky towards Thaon-les-Vosges. The object, orange in color, stabilized, detached from the horizon, and was observed for about 3 minutes. The sky was overcast, with light rain. The observation continued with binoculars, and two slides were taken. The phenomenon then disappeared slowly by apparent "extinction" without noise.
• June 30, 1985 (Harsault): Four people observed a "large orange-red sphere" that was estimated to be larger than the full moon. It moved away from the witnesses. Three of them attempted to approach it, but it continued to recede and diminish in the distance. No noise was reported.
• July 10, 1985 (Vincey): Several people observed a "cigar"-shaped metallic object descending. Fearing it might crash, the witnesses saw it disappear behind trees. No noise was reported.
• September 6, 1985 (Eloyes): A man observed a formless violet glow moving near the Remiremont-Pouxeux rapid road, seemingly above a farm. The glow moved from left to right for about 3-4 seconds. No noise was reported.
• September 9, 1985 (Bains-les-Bains): A man, stepping outside to check on his sheep, noticed a sudden, very bright light above the forest. This light, visible for only 2-3 seconds, was followed by a rapid passage in the sky of a blue and green "sphere" accompanied by a cloud of sparks. In two seconds, it crossed the local horizon. The witness is deaf, so no noise was perceived.

Historical Reports (1948)

The document also includes excerpts from "ARCHIVES DE PRESSE - 1948", detailing earlier UAP-related incidents:

• January 10-11, 1948 (New York): A report from "LIBERTE DE L'EST" mentions "flying saucers" sighted over Fort Knox. Three aircraft were dispatched to intercept, but one exploded and crashed, killing the pilot.
• January 17-18, 1948 (Brussels): A "curious atmospheric phenomenon" described as a "windless storm" was reported.
• April 13, 1948 (Strasbourg): The Strasbourg Observatory commented on reports of celestial phenomena, suggesting they were likely misidentifications of the planet Venus, which was particularly bright at the time. They cautioned against misinterpreting atmospheric effects.
• May 8-9, 1948 (Athens): The journal "VRADYNI" reported that Greek military authorities were investigating a luminous object sighted by three border posts, originating from Yugoslavia and heading south at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. The same journal also reported a mysterious rocket sighted over the capital.
• May 22-23, 1948 (Angoulême): A mysterious phenomenon in the region of Embenac involved stones falling from the sky, causing alarm and speculation about pranksters or more unusual causes.

Archival Information

The "ARCHIVES RELEVEES PAR GILLES MUNSCH" (Archives compiled by Gilles Munsch) note indicates that the content pertains to the first semester of 1948 from "LIBERTE DE L'EST".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the observation of unexplained aerial phenomena, often described as luminous objects with unusual characteristics. The document presents these as "presumed cases," implying a cataloging of events that warrant further investigation or consideration. The inclusion of explanations like Venus or meteors suggests an effort to provide rational interpretations where possible, but the primary focus remains on documenting the sightings themselves. The editorial stance appears to be that of an archivist or compiler, presenting factual accounts without overt sensationalism, though the subject matter inherently deals with the mysterious. The inclusion of historical reports from 1948 suggests a broader interest in the history of UAP sightings.