La ligne bleue survolee - No 16 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE
Issue: 16
Publication Year: 1986
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0293-2032

This issue of 'La Ligne Bleue Survolée' focuses on UFO observations, particularly a detailed report from Virine, France, and reflections on a national observation night.

Articles and Content

Soirée Nationale d'Observation : Seules les Vaches étaient au Rendez-vous !

This article recounts the experience of a 'Grande nuit INTERNATIONALE' on July 19-20, 1986, which was intended to involve thousands of observers across France, radio communications, and centralized data collection. The Cercle in Virine participated by setting up questionnaires and monitoring radio channels. However, the event was largely a failure, with no radio links possible for the Virine group and only limited contact with a Strasbourg club. The author humorously notes that the only significant 'rendez-vous' was with cows, which showed curiosity rather than fear towards unusual lights.

The article details the group's activities, including attempts to use fireworks for signaling and a humorous incident involving cows chasing the observers after a rocket malfunction. The conclusion drawn is that cows in the Vosges region exhibit curiosity towards unusual luminous phenomena, not fear.

Observation à Virine

This section presents a detailed report of a luminous phenomenon observed in Virine on the night of June 23, 1985. Four members of the Cercle (François DIOLEZ, Claude FLEURANCE, Gilles MUNSCH, and Bernard SIMON) witnessed the event.

Key Details of the Observation:

• Witnesses: 4 members of CVLDLN.
• Location: Côte de Virine, Circourt, 88 Vosges, France.
• Coordinates: Latitude 48° 14' 38" Nord, Longitude 6° 18' 02" Est.
• Altitude: 469 m.
• Date and Time: Sunday, June 23, 1985, 03:34 Local Time (01:34 TU).
• Duration: 3 minutes ± 30 seconds (with a 15-20 second ascent time).
• Location within the site: At the summit of the Côte, near a cross.
• Observation Conditions: Evening observation, using the naked eye and binoculars.
• Phenomenon: A red-orange luminous point.
• Evolution: Rapid vertical ascent, stabilization in altitude, and disappearance by gradual dimming.
• Photos: 3 photos taken with two different cameras; a small orange point is visible on two of them.
• Relevés: Magnetic azimuth of 93° (approx. 90°), angular height approx. 2° above Virine, apparent distance 5-10 km, apparent diameter mini 3' to maxi 10' of angle, apparent speed maxi 40°/mn to mini 20°/mn.
• Color: Described as approximately 150 U Pantone.

The report includes a chronological log of the evening's events, starting from the arrival of members, including various conventional aircraft sightings, weather changes, and the arrival of visitors. The main event occurred at 03:34 when two lights appeared above the horizon, with the higher one being smaller. The phenomenon ascended and stabilized, leading the witnesses to question if it was a firework. The light remained stationary and constant in brightness for several minutes before gradually fading. Attempts were made to photograph it, but the quality and success are uncertain.

Compte-Rendu de la Soirée du 22 Juin 1985 à Virine

This is a detailed log of the events that took place during the observation night of June 22-23, 1985, in Virine. It lists the attendees and provides a minute-by-minute account of sightings and activities.

• Attendees: F. DIOLEZ, C. FLEURANCE, J. GERBY, G. MUNSCH, B. SIMON, V. THIRIOT (with 2 children), M and Mme FAUDRIN (with daughter), M and Mme GERBY (7 visitors), and other visitors.
• Timeline: The log begins with arrivals around 17:00, a meal at 19:00, and the start of observations at 20:15.
• Sighted Events: Numerous sightings of conventional aircraft (commercial and PAF - Patrouille Acrobatique de France), weather changes (clouding over, rain), fireworks (in Thaon), a shooting star in the constellation Hercules, and satellite sightings.
• Detector Alerts: The magnetic detector sounded at 00:49 and again with two brief calls followed by a longer pause at 01:29.
• Main Phenomenon (03:34): Two lights appeared above the horizon, one higher and smaller than the other. This phenomenon ascended, stabilized, and remained visible for about 15-20 minutes. Later, at 03:34, a distinct orange luminous point was observed rising from the ground, remaining fixed for about 3 minutes. This is the primary subject of the detailed report.
• Conclusion of the Night: The night ended with heavy cloud cover, rain, and a weak wind. The observation team decided to investigate the phenomenon further.

Localisation Map and Diagram

Page 9 includes a detailed Michelin map (1:200,000) showing the region around Epinal, highlighting the location of Virine and the surrounding area. It also features a diagram illustrating the 'Zone d'évolution du phénomène' and 'Zone d'évolution du relief', showing the altitude in meters relative to the distance in kilometers, with reference points like the Croix de Virine and Bois d'Oncourt.

Page 10 contains a 'RECONSTITUTION PHOTOGRAPHIQUE' with photos taken from the location where the witnesses were situated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, detailed observation reports, and the challenges of identifying and documenting such phenomena. The Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit appears dedicated to systematic observation and data collection, even when faced with inconclusive or humorous outcomes, as seen in the 'cows' incident. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and open-mindedness, encouraging readers to reflect on the presented evidence and hypotheses. The bulletin also emphasizes its role as a medium for exchanging information with other ufological groups, both nationally and internationally.

This document, identified by the reference F/98/88850623 (01), appears to be a compilation of investigative reports and observations related to unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on the night of June 22-23, 1985, in the Vosges region of France. The title "FEUX ORGANISES DANS LA NUIT DU 22 AU 23 JUIN 1985" (Organized Fires on the Night of June 22-23, 1985) suggests a focus on investigating various light phenomena, including fireworks and potentially other aerial events.

Investigations into Organized Fires and Phenomena (June 22-23, 1985)

The document details inquiries made by BS (likely an investigator) to local town halls regarding organized fires. Specific locations investigated include:

• Thaon-les-Vosges: Fireworks observed from 23:45 to 00:00, confirmed by the fire chief. A St. Jean festival fire was also noted.
• Igney: No unusual events reported (RAS).
• Golbey: St. Jean festival fire ended at 02:30. Fireworks were reported by a private individual around 00:00, confirmed by local police.
• Chavelot: No unusual events reported (RAS).
• Girmont: No fireworks. St. Jean festival fire ended around 01:30.
• Dognéville: No fireworks. St. Jean festival fire ended around 02:00.
• Mazeley: No unusual events reported (RAS).
• Oncourt: No unusual events reported (RAS).

Clarifications on Military Flares

Further investigations were conducted by BS with the DMD (likely a military intelligence or documentation service) on June 26, 1985, concerning military flares.

• Altitude and Duration: Flares, whether with or without parachutes, reach an altitude of approximately 12 meters above the ground. Those with parachutes are described as "howling" and last for about thirty seconds under good conditions. This information was confirmed by the 170th RI and 18th RT.
• Color: The flares can be red, green, white, or phosphorescent.

Additional research was carried out by VT with artificers in Metz and Nancy on July 9, 1985. These experts stated that flares typically do not rise above 50 meters. They found it improbable that the reported phenomena were due to defective fireworks. They also noted that flares launched from tanks can reach 50-100 meters and last 45 seconds, but are used only in designated maneuver areas (like Mourmelon), and involve two explosions: one at launch and one for illumination.

Information on Military Maneuvers

BS also contacted the DMD on June 26, 1985, to inquire about any potential military maneuvers in the Vosges region.

• The DMD, responsible for centralizing information on maneuvers for all armies, confirmed that there were no maneuvers by the 170th RI or the 18th RT. No other military, civil, or fire brigade maneuvers were reported.

Inquiries to Local Factories

VT conducted telephone inquiries on July 6, 1985, to local factories regarding any potential incidents.

• Questions asked: Whether there were electrical disturbances, chimney fires, lightning strikes, or fires involving cartons or other materials.
• Responses: All factories (B.T.T. at Thaon, VISCORA at Thaon, GARETT at Thaon, MICHELIN at Golbey, T.V.T. at Chavelot) reported "RAS" (Rien à signaler - nothing to report), with VISCORA noting frequent small power outages.

EDF Inquiries

BS made telephone inquiries to EDF (Électricité de France) regarding power supply issues.

• Questions asked: Voltage surges or drops, power outages, electrocution of birds or balloons, line ruptures, or any other defects.
• Responses: All responses were negative.

Montgolfière Information

Information was gathered from M. Hilaire in Bruyères regarding montgolfières.

• Montgolfières are not permitted to fly at night.
• They cannot fly in hot weather.
• There are three montgolfières in the Vosges: one blue-yellow-white, one belonging to M. Zimmerman in Bains-les-Bains, and one in Thillot with a shape resembling a shell pointed upwards (owner unknown).

Seismological Information

VT contacted the Sismological Institute of Strasbourg on July 5, 1985.

• No seismic shocks were reported in the Vosges department in the fifteen days preceding or on June 23, 1985.

Geology of the Site

The observation site, Croix de Virine, is located in triassic terrain (Muschelkalk or Keuper). The area includes calcareous marl with Lias/Infralias incrustations and calcareous sandstone. Quaternary terrains (loess, silt, and other alluvial deposits) are found in the direction of observation. A small geological fault is located 1 km southwest of Croix de Virine, and faults begin to the west. No faults were detected within 25 km in the direction of observation.

Call for Witnesses

An appeal for witnesses was published in "Est Republicain" and "Liberté de l'Est" on June 27 and June 30, 1985. Several reports were received:

• June 23 (night): A light was seen in the sky towards Cirey-sur-Vezouse-Allarmont.
• June 22: A case was reported in Uxegney.
• July 8: A case was reported in Mirecourt at 3:15 AM.
• Vincey: Three people reported seeing a "cigar" around 15:40.
• June 29-30 (night): A large red ball was observed in Arsault around 3:00 AM.
• July 21: An incident in Docelles was reported as a mistaken identification.

Meteorological Information (Epinal, June 22-23, 1985)

Questions were posed to the Epinal Weather Center.

• General Weather: No thunderstorms or magnetic storms were reported. No lightning strikes or other particular phenomena were noted.
• June 22 (Morning): Cloudy to overcast skies, temperature between 12°C and 7°C, wind SSW to WSW at 3-4 m/s.
• June 22 (Afternoon): Very cloudy (cumulus) with brief clearings and three episodes of rain (showers not exceeding 40 mm). Temperatures between 15.5°C and 13°C, and 14°C at 19:00. Wind WSW to W at 3-4 m/s.
• Night of June 22-23: Cloudy to very cloudy skies, with some light rain towards the end of the night. Temperatures around 9.7°C at 7:00 AM. Wind S to SSW at 4-5 m/s.
• Atmospheric Pressure: Recorded at 1012.5 mbar in Epinal on June 23, 1985, at 00:00 TU (02:00 local time).

Astronomical Data (Croix de Virine, June 23, 1985)

This section provides detailed astronomical data for Croix de Virine on June 23, 1985, including geocentric longitude and latitude, right ascension, declination, azimuth, altitude, visibility, apparent diameter, and magnitude of celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn). It also lists theoretical sunrise and sunset times.

Analysis of Explanatory Hypotheses

A table analyzes various hypotheses for unexplained phenomena.

• Hypotheses considered: Balloon, Airplane, Helicopter, Montgolfière, Car headlights, Venus, Other planet, Satellite, Meteor/bolide, Ball lightning, Plasma, Industrial incident, EDF incident, Military rocket, Fireworks (municipal or private), Hallucination, Optical effect/reflections, Luminous effect on clouds, Flock of birds, Military firing/maneuvers.
• Arguments For: Each hypothesis is briefly supported by observed characteristics like stability, color, dimensions, trajectory, or behavior.
• Arguments Against: Each hypothesis is countered by specific observations such as luminosity, speed, altitude, lack of noise, non-representative behavior, or negative verification results from official sources (e.g., EDF, police).
• Specific Exclusions: Several hypotheses are explicitly dismissed, including airplanes (not flying at night, only red light), montgolfières (not flying at night), meteors (duration too long, trajectory not typical), and fireworks (duration too long, lack of explosion noise).
• Unexplained Cases: Some hypotheses, like "Plasma" and "Incident sur usine...", are marked with a question mark, indicating uncertainty or lack of sufficient information for analysis. The hypothesis of a material object being used to deceive observers is also considered.

Catalog of Observations C.N.E.G.U. (1984-1985)

This section introduces a catalog of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) observations from 1984 and 1985, compiled by C.N.E.G.U. (Centre National d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés). It notes that the catalog is an annual, non-exhaustive, chronological list of alleged UAP observations. The information may not have been verified, or may have resulted from detailed investigations, hoaxes, or misidentifications.

The catalog primarily includes dates, times, locations, witness details, and brief descriptions of the phenomena, along with their information sources. It is accompanied by a simplified map highlighting cases with a Quality Index (IQ) of 3 or higher, replacing the previous Credibility Index.

The purpose of the catalog is to provide a synthetic overview of observations in a region and make them accessible in a single document. It serves as an informational tool and a reference base, aiming for accuracy.

Readers seeking more detailed information are advised to contact C.N.E.G.U. member groups or the cited sources directly.

Specific 1984 Observations from the Catalog

• April 26, 1984 (Chantraine-Epinal): Two witnesses observed a red object, possibly accompanied by a blinking yellow light, moving from East to West at an estimated altitude of 500-1000m. It appeared to move at three times the speed of a high-altitude aircraft. The object stopped abruptly, turned 90 degrees to the right, and disappeared, giving the impression of descending. The total duration was about 30 seconds. The sky was clear, and the wind was negligible.

• August 11, 1984 (Haironville and Rupt-aux-Nonains): Three friends observed a phenomenon formed by two large, superimposed red "points" preceded by two yellow light beams. It evolved on a rectilinear and horizontal trajectory, disappearing after 5-6 seconds of observation. The distance to the phenomenon was estimated at 290m, and its altitude at 2.9m. Its length was estimated to be around 10m. No sound was perceived. The investigation could not explain the nature of this phenomenon.

• November 13, 1984 (Granges-sur-Vologne): A 14-year-old witness observed a luminous phenomenon from his window, described as a series of round, multicolored lights forming a circular ring. Some lights were white, others colored (green, red, blue). Two white beams of light shot out from each side of the ring, one upwards and one downwards, extending progressively. This cycle repeated every two seconds. No sound was heard. The witness's mother initially suggested it might be a helicopter.

• November 27, 1984 (Granges-sur-Vologne): A driver entering Granges-sur-Vologne observed what he thought was a "projector" installed on the local stadium, emitting a white, slightly flared beam of light directed downwards. The light was no longer visible after about fifty meters. An on-site investigation failed to find any lamp or projector that could explain the sighting.

• November 30, 1984 (Vosges Department): Numerous witnesses across the Vosges and neighboring departments observed a brief but significant luminous phenomenon. The study by the Epinal Astronomy Club and CVLDLN, based on 30 independent testimonies, described the phenomenon as a "fireball" followed by a multicolored "tail." The dominant colors were green, yellow, and orange. The trajectory was descending, oriented SE-NW. The speed was described as very rapid, with a total duration of 5-6 seconds. The average magnitude was estimated between -6 and -8. No sound was perceived, and the weather was clear.

The study concluded that it was likely a magnificent meteor (bolide), given that the period was favorable for such astronomical events.

Other Sections

• "en bref" (In Brief): This section contains short news items, including an OVNI sighting in the Stuttgart region and details about the "Cercle Vosgien Lumières dans la Nuit" (Vosges Circle Lights in the Night) and their activities, including an international night of sky observation.
• "Spécialistes des OVNI devant le tribunal correctionnel" (UFO Specialists Before the Correctional Court): This article reports on a legal conflict between French UFO specialist Jean-Claude Bourret and Italian writer Eugénie Siragusa, who accused Bourret of defamation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the systematic investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the collection of witness testimonies, and the attempt to find rational explanations through inquiries with official bodies (military, police, fire departments, electricity providers) and experts (artificers, seismologists). There is a clear effort to cross-reference information and analyze various hypotheses, often dismissing conventional explanations when they do not fit the observed facts. The publication of a catalog of past observations (1984-1985) suggests a commitment to documenting and disseminating UAP-related information within the region. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and data collection, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of reported events and their potential explanations, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the possibility of misidentifications or hoaxes.

This document is a catalog of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observations from 1984 and 1985, compiled by CNEGU (Centre National d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés, likely). The publication appears to be a specialized report or magazine issue focused on ufology, presenting detailed accounts of sightings.

Catalog of Observations (1984-1985)

The core of the document consists of individual case reports, each with a reference number (Réf), a classification code (10: X,X,X,X,X), and a description of the sighting.

December 1984:

• December 7, 1984: Around 16:40 HL (15:40 TU), Mme M... in PROVENCHERES-SUR-FAVE (88) observed a pink ball followed by a trail of the same color, moving with a whistling sound. The phenomenon was oriented West-East and seemed to be descending. The hypothesis of a large meteor (bolide) was considered plausible.
• December 10, 1984: Around 19:15 HL (18:15 TU), Mme C... B....... (30 years old) in HARSAULT (88) observed a ball-like light, about 15' in size, changing color from orange to green, and moving in small circles with sudden up and down movements. The observation lasted about 15 minutes before the phenomenon disappeared instantly. This witness had previous observations in 1976.
• December 10, 1984: Around 18:45 HL (17:45 TU), Mme S...... in CONTREXEVILLE (88) observed a strange luminous point that took about an hour to cross the sky, projecting sparks like fireworks. An investigation was not possible.
• December 10, 1984: Between 01:00 and 03:00 HL (00:00-02:00 TU), Mme M...... in PROVENCHERES-SUR-FAVE (88) observed two yellow, superimposed, stationary balls on the horizon.
• December 10, 1984 (continued): These two balls were joined by two more identical ones. The color of the four balls changed from yellow to orange every 2-3 minutes. The observation was interrupted by the passage of cars.
• December 11, 1984: Around the same time and under similar conditions as the previous day, Mme C... B....... in HARSAULT (88) observed a similar phenomenon. Her neighbor, Mme M...... F...., witnessed it as well, along with other neighbors. Four airplanes were noted nearby, but higher up.
• December 11, 1984: Mme S..., in CONTREXEVILLE (88), observed the same phenomenon as the previous day.
• December 14, 1984: Between 18:00 and 18:10 HL (17:00-17:10 TU), Mr B...... in RAMBERVILLERS (88) observed a luminous phenomenon described as a classic meteor or bolide.

December 1984 (continued):

• December 26, 1984: Around 00:45 HL (23:45 TU on Dec 25), two motorists near CHAUMONT, heading towards BIESLES (52), observed a luminous red and orange tube-like object, vertical and immobile. After 5 minutes, they left to get cameras, but upon returning, the phenomenon had disappeared. The distance was estimated between 500 and 1000 meters. No sound was perceived. The investigation concluded the phenomenon remains unexplained.

October 1984:

• Late October 1984: Mr S.... B....... (40 years old) in GOLBEY (88) briefly observed an unusual metallic object with a transparent central part, described as rectangular. It disappeared quickly. No sound, smell, or trail was detected. The object's speed was very fast, and its altitude was estimated at about a hundred meters.

November 1984:

• Early November 1984: Mme T... D....... in BULGNEVILLE (88) observed two clear orange luminous sources, fixed and similar in apparent size to car headlights. They disappeared after three to four minutes. The hypothesis of a car turning off its headlights was considered probable.
• November 19, 1984 (or possibly the 26th): Between 05:45 and 05:50 HL (04:45-04:50 TU), Mr the Curé of S. (near CHATENOIS) observed a red light filtering through his shutter, which he initially thought might be a car or a prowler, but concluded it was coming from the sky. The light appeared to be descending and swaying. The phenomenon lasted only a minute or two and disappeared. No sound was perceived. The investigation found no plausible source.
• November 1984 (after the 18th): Mme L... C... and her daughter A... S..... in GERARDMER (88) observed a fleeting luminous orange ball, larger than the full moon, which disappeared almost immediately.

1985:

• June 2, 1985: Around 04:00 HL (02:00 TU), four women working in the pediatric service of the hospital in REMIREMONT (88) observed a luminous point in the sky towards GERARDMER (88). It was visible for over an hour, projecting luminous rays. It slowly ascended and moved slightly to the right (South). The phenomenon disappeared with the daylight. No sound was perceived. The explanation provided is that it was the observation of Venus rising, mistaken by those unfamiliar with astronomy.
• June 22, 1985: Around 23:00 HL (21:00 TU), two young men at a festival in UXEGNEY (88) suddenly saw a very bright point in the sky. It moved in a straight line and disappeared. They stated it was not an airplane due to the lack of blinking lights or colored lights. No sound was heard.
• June 23, 1985: Four members of CVLDLN, on surveillance duty near CIRCOURT-DOMPAIRE, observed the ascent of a luminous point in the sky towards THAON-LES-VOSGES. It was 03:34 HL (01:34 TU) on a cloudy, rainy night. The orange light seemed to emerge from behind a treeline and rise vertically.

September 1985:

• September 8-9, 1985 (or Sept 15-16): Around 02:50 HL (00:50 TU), a man going to check his sheep observed a sudden, bright light above a forest. It lasted two to three seconds, followed by a fast-moving blue and green ball with a trail of sparks. It crossed the sky rapidly. No sound was perceived by the witness, who is deaf. The investigation found no plausible source.

1982 (Complementary Case):

• October 21, 1982: Monsieur HENRI, a 30-year-old biologist, reported an observation from his garden in V1. Around 12:35, he saw what he initially thought was an airplane coming from the Southeast. He then observed an oval-shaped object, about 1.5 meters in diameter and 0.8 meters thick, hovering about a meter above the ground for twenty minutes. The lower half was metallic (polished beryllium), and the upper half was blue-green. It emitted no sound, heat, cold, or radiation. He provided a sketch. The object then ascended vertically at high speed. No marks were left on the ground, and the grass was not affected, except that it stood up straight upon the object's departure.

Precisions et Commentaires

This section, written by G. Munsch for C.N.E.G.U., introduces the catalog of observations from 1984-1985. It notes that this catalog follows previous editions and adheres to a defined format, with a 'quality index' replacing the 'credibility index'.

Munsch expresses disappointment at the low number of observations submitted for these two years, suggesting that his previous calls for contributions have not been heeded. He states that the document has reached a level of rigor and exhaustiveness that cannot be surpassed, and the lack of new contributions implies that past actions were sufficient or that the field is not active.

He reflects on what he sees as a fundamental characteristic of Private Ufology: its global inability to conduct rigorous research. He suggests that the field tends to become complacent when current events do not provide new distractions. While acknowledging this pessimistic view, he considers it a significant finding from his seven years of investigation.

Munsch concludes by stating that achieving even minimal results requires rigor, abnegation, and imagination. He expresses hope for elements for the 1986 catalog, should current events be fertile and if any readers remain vigilant enough to continue this 'ant-like' work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the observation of luminous aerial phenomena, often described as balls or points of light, with varied colors and behaviors. The editorial stance, as expressed by G. Munsch, is one of critical analysis, emphasizing the need for rigor and lamenting the perceived lack of sustained, in-depth research within the private ufology community. There is a clear emphasis on cataloging and presenting factual observations, with explanations often considered or dismissed based on evidence. The document highlights the challenges of collecting and verifying UAP data.

This document is a collection of press clippings from 1968, compiled under the title "ARCHIVES DE PRESSE - 1968" and published by "LIBERTE DE L'EST". It focuses on reports of mysterious aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and related scientific investigations from various locations around the world.

Key Articles and Reports

"CES MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES" (Wednesday, March 6)

This article reports on a call from the French Air Force review, "Forces aeriennes françaises," for the creation of a "commission formed of eminent members" to investigate the existence of flying saucers. The review, supported by the Air Force's general staff, cited numerous unexplained testimonies and phenomena that suggested "something is certainly happening." In France, these objects are officially termed O.V.N.I. (Objets Volants Non Identifiés) or M.O.C. (Mystérieux Objets Célestes) by the "bureau de prospective-air."

"LES SIGNAUX DES CANADIENS SONT ILS "EXTRA-GALACTIQUES" ?" (Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17)

Three Canadian astronomers at the Algonquin Park Observatory in Ontario reportedly captured mysterious signals from space using a radio telescope. These signals, first noted by British researchers in July, were initially considered terrestrial interference reflected by the moon. However, the current opinion is that they might originate from beyond the solar system. The signals appear as regular pulsations lasting 3/10 of a second, repeating every 1.337 seconds. The astronomers involved were Dr. Allen Yen from the University of Toronto, and Drs. Jack Locke and Rupert Charke from the National Research Council.

"TRIANGLE VOLANT" - APERCU PAR DES HABITANTS DU DOUBS (Tuesday, April 23)

Eight residents of the village of Evillers in the Doubs region of France claimed to have seen a mysterious object on Saturday evening. Described as a white equilateral triangle bordered with red, it projected a bright light and moved horizontally at a speed estimated to be less than that of an airplane. After about thirty seconds, it emitted two smaller bright spheres that disappeared into the sky. The object was observed for nearly fifteen minutes by witnesses throughout the village.

"APPARITIONS DE LA VIERGE AD CAIRE ?" (Monday, April 6)

The Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Kyrillos VI, announced that apparitions of the Virgin Mary had occurred at the church in Zitoun, a suburb of Cairo. Archbishop Athanassios, a collaborator of the Patriarch, presented a communiqué detailing these events. The prelate stated that he was among thousands of Christians and Muslims who had witnessed the Virgin appear above the church. The first apparition was reported on April 2nd. The "Al Ahram" newspaper published a photo taken by an amateur photographer, allegedly showing the apparition as a white cloud above the church dome.

"Etoiles qui parlent" DANS LA VOIE LACEE... (Monday, May 20)

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena discovered that four stars in the Milky Way emit regular pulsations and send signals on frequencies ranging from 40 to 2292 megacycles. One star emits on a frequency used for guiding spacecraft, while two others emit on frequencies used for television and radio. The fourth star emits on 40 megacycles. The scientists could not determine the origin of the signals or the energy source, but they speculated it might come from a system of two small stars orbiting a common center.

"OBJETS" DECOUVERTS A L'EXTREME LIMITE DE L'UNIVERS (Friday, May 24)

Two objects at the extreme limit of the universe were detected by the Jodrell-Bank radio telescope. Sir Bernard Lovell, director of the observatory, announced that one object was approximately five billion light-years from Earth, and the other was even further, meaning Earth did not exist at the time the signals were emitted.

"SCORPION" INTROUVABLE... (Thursday, May 30)

An unidentified orange object was sighted by a ship involved in the search for the nuclear submarine Scorpion, which had disappeared between the Azores and the east coast of the United States. The object was located north of an oil slick detected by the American transport ship "Monrovia." The navy stated that the orange object was the only clue that could potentially guide the search efforts, which involved about forty American ships, including submarines and rescue vessels.

EXTRA TERRESTRES (Wednesday, July 10)

Fiorella, the daughter of Italian actress Eleanora Rossi Drago, reported seeing a "flying saucer" while visiting Argentina. She described seeing the sky light up intensely, with a "ball suspended in space oscillating gently," appearing white with greenish reflections. The object remained stationary for a moment before moving away rapidly and disappearing behind trees. Other people accompanying her also witnessed the phenomenon.

UN "SOUCUPODROME" AU CHILI ! (Wednesday, August 14)

A patrol of gendarmes investigating suspected UFOs in the Andes mountains in Chile discovered two "landing strips" at an altitude of 3260 meters. These strips, apparently of volcanic origin, were formed by regular blocks measuring approximately 2.5 meters long and 2 meters wide, weighing between 20 and 15 tons. One area measured 350m by 200m, and the other 1000m by 60m. Although no recent traces of known or unknown aircraft were observed, an expert asserted that these were genuine UFO landing sites.

UN "O.V.N.I" DANS LES CHARENTES ! (Thursday, August 29)

In Royan, Angoulême, and the Charentes department of France, several people reported seeing a mysterious object in the sky on Tuesday evening. The object was described as luminous and conical, and it was suggested it could be a weather balloon at high altitude, illuminated by the setting sun. One witness was intrigued by the presence of a perfect cone above the estuary of the Gironde, emitting a red light brighter than its upper part.

DES MILLIERS DE MADRILENES ON "VU CE" "OBJET DANS LEUR CIEL (+PHOTO) (Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8)

Thousands of residents in Madrid witnessed an oval-shaped object, as bright as a star, evolving for two hours in the sky. Two pilots attempted to pursue the object, describing it as a tetrahedron with three large luminous spheres at its lower part. The Minister of Air suggested it might be a meteorological probe.

LA "SOUCOUPE" ESPAGNOLE: UNE SONDE FRANCAISE (Wednesday, September 11)

The flying saucer reportedly seen by thousands in Madrid the previous Thursday was concluded by the meteorological office in Alicante to be a French barometric sonde. The object, consisting of a balloon and a metallic capsule, was observed falling near Elche, having originated from Madrid.

SOUCOUPE AUVERGNATE (Friday, September 20)

Residents of Jussat, near St Armand Tallende in the Puy-de-Dôme region of France, reported observing a brilliant object with a trapezoidal shape on Wednesday evening. Witnesses described it as having great stability.

DES "SOUCOUPES" A LONDRES ? (Thursday, November 21)

Thousands of Londoners saw dozens of luminous objects with fiery trails crossing the sky around 7 PM (6 PM GMT). Estimates of the number of objects varied from 20 to 100. One witness described it as an "enormous group of rockets," but it was suggested they might be remnants of a space object burning up in the atmosphere. Similar sightings were reported along the English coast in Hastings and Lowestoft.

O.V.N.I (S) DANS LE CIEL BELGE (Friday, November 22)

Several airline pilots arriving at London Airport reported seeing mysterious high-altitude flying objects over Belgium, near the German border. Captain Mountney of BEA described seeing "brilliant lights in the sky" resembling a formation of aircraft with landing lights on. The objects, moving from northwest to southeast, were also sighted by a Swissair pilot and an American aircraft pilot, who reported the phenomenon to the Brussels radar.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The collection of articles predominantly focuses on UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena, reflecting a public and media interest in such events during 1968. The tone varies from reporting eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations to offering potential conventional explanations (e.g., weather balloons, space debris, barometric sondes). The publication appears to be documenting these events without taking a definitive stance, presenting them as news items of public interest. The recurring theme is the mystery surrounding unidentified objects in the sky and the ongoing efforts, both official and unofficial, to understand them.