La ligne bleue survolee - No 19 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?
Issue: 19
Date: 1988
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of the bulletin 'LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?' from the Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit, published in 1988, serves as the 10th-anniversary issue for the group. The cover features a stylized map of France filled with the repeated text 'OVNI-OVNI', under the prominent title and a large question mark, suggesting a focus on UFO sightings across the country.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Gilles MUNSCH, reflects on the ten years of the Cercle Vosgien's existence and its efforts to establish a credible presence in the field of ufology. MUNSCH notes the general decline in reported UFO cases ('casuistique') in the private sector, contrasting it with the Cercle's continued progression. He highlights the growing demand for rigor in ufological research and how the Cercle, against the trend, used a period of 'calm' to develop new strategies, expand contacts, and refine methods for more effective and credible research. The editorial also touches upon a significant internal change: the departure of the Cercle's founder, François, who left to pursue another passion, and the subsequent departure of Joêlle, the secretary, who was described as a 'ufologue of circumstance'. MUNSCH expresses gratitude for their contributions and acknowledges their irreplaceability, emphasizing the ongoing nature of ufological inquiry and the need for continuous re-evaluation and solid foundational work for future researchers.

Contents and Articles

Sommaire (Table of Contents)

The table of contents outlines the various sections of the bulletin:

• L'EDITORIAL: The editorial piece by Gilles MUNSCH.
• COMPTE-RENDU DE LA SOIREE DE SURVEILLANCE DU CIEL DU 13 AOUT 1988: A report on a sky surveillance evening.
• RESUME D'ENQUETE (La Schlucht): A summary of an investigation into a specific case.
• DANS LA PRESSE DERNIEREMENT: A section on recent UFO-related news in the press.
• LE POINT SUR L'UFOLOGIE: An overview of the state of ufology.

Le Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit

Information is provided about the organization itself:

• President: Gilles MUNSCH
• Vice-President: Claude FLEURANCE
• Treasurer: Francine JUNCOSA
• Secretary: Elisabeth ANTOINE

Their activities are listed, including investigations, surveillance evenings, liaisons with other groups, archives, the review itself, press liaisons, library work, detection, technical files, catalogs, and related phenomena.

Report on the Sky Surveillance Evening of August 13, 1988

This section details a sky surveillance event organized privately by the CERCLE VOSGIEN LDLN on the night of August 13-14, 1988. The date was chosen for the new moon and the proximity of the Perseids meteor shower. The operation took place at 'La Côte de Virine' in Circourt, Vosges, under excellent meteorological conditions (clear sky, minimal wind, around 15°C). Observers were able to see planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus. Present were members Gilles MUNSCH, Claude FLEURANCE, Hervé PIERRON, Jean-François PIERRON, Olivier DEVAUX, and Thierry SCHALLER, along with an invited guest, Yves CHOSSON. The surveillance lasted from 10:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Two groups of people were noted: a group of adolescents who stayed for about 30 minutes, and three friends of Jean-François PIERRON who stayed for about 45 minutes. The report includes a detailed table of observed phenomena categorized into 'Phénomènes Connus' (Known Phenomena) and 'Phénomènes Insolites' (Unusual Phenomena). The 'Known Phenomena' table logs observations by time intervals, counting shooting stars (étoiles filantes), Perseids, airplanes (avions), and satellites. For example, between 22:30 and 23:00, 1 shooting star, 5 Perseids, 5 airplanes, and 1 satellite were observed. The 'Unusual Phenomena' section is left blank in the provided text, with only a mention of Hervé PIERRON's name below it.

Investigation Summary (La Schlucht)

This section introduces the detailed chronological account of the investigation into a sighting that occurred on June 10, 1987, at the Col de la Schlucht. The introduction emphasizes the rapid and rigorous nature of the investigation, including note-taking, recordings, and in-depth research. Due to technical reasons, only one map from the extensive case file could be included, indicating the location of the witnesses.

#### Chronology of the Investigation (Case F/98/68-8706-10(01))

The investigation began on Wednesday, June 10, 1987, when Claude FLEURANCE received a call from Mr. S.D., who reported an observation at the Col de la Schlucht with his family. Subsequent steps included:

• June 12, 1987: Claude FLEURANCE contacted the weather station at Trois Fours and was advised to contact the ENTZHEIM base.
• June 16, 1987: Mr. S.D. called again, providing more details about the apparent size of the phenomenon.
• June 17, 1987: A response from the ENTZHEIM base eliminated the 'weather balloon' hypothesis. Claude FLEURANCE informed Mr. S.D. of this.
• June 25, 1987: Gilles MUNSCH was briefed on the case and agreed to contact Eric ANTOINE of the Alsace delegation.
• June 26, 1987: Mr. S.D. wrote about the 'hot air balloon' hypothesis. Claude FLEURANCE spoke with Mr. S.D.'s mother, who had partially witnessed the event.
• June 29, 1987: Hervé PIERRON (CVLDLN) called regarding the observation and a surveillance evening.
• July 2, 1987: Claude FLEURANCE followed up with the Trois Fours station for information on aerostats and spoke with Mr. S.D. to confirm conclusions. A meeting was proposed.
• July 6, 1987: J.M. FERRY contacted them with negative results from investigations with the gendarmerie and aerostiers in the Alsace region.
• July 10, 1987: Mr. S.D. called to confirm a meeting for July 11.
• July 11, 1987: An on-site investigation took place with Mr. S.D. and his father, and Claude FLEURANCE. Mr. S.D. provided his drawings and notes.
• July 13, 1987: Claude FLEURANCE discussed Eric ANTOINE's correspondence about aerostiers with Gilles MUNSCH.
• July 16, 1987: Eric ANTOINE provided information about aerostiers, indicating that a club in Porrentruy confirmed no balloon activity during the observation period.
• July 20, 1987: Mr. V. provided further details about the Porrentruy aerostiers club.
• July 22, 1987: Mr. S.D. responded to a query about the date his file was established.
• August 1, 1987: Mr. S.D. called, and the film he took of the phenomenon was to be developed soon.
• August 9, 1987: Mr. S.D. called again, reporting the film was ready for development.
• August 23, 1987: Mr. S.D. was reminded by mail to send the film.
• September 1, 1987: Mr. S.D. informed Claude FLEURANCE that the film was ready to be sent.
• September 14, 1987: Mr. S.D. confirmed the film had been posted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufological investigation, witness testimony, and the challenges of private research in this field. The Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit positions itself as a rigorous and dedicated group, committed to thorough investigation despite a general decline in reported cases. The editorial stance emphasizes perseverance, the importance of accurate methodology, and the long-term nature of understanding complex phenomena. There is a clear dedication to building knowledge step-by-step and fostering a community that can continue this work. The bulletin also serves as a platform for sharing findings and engaging with other ufological groups, both domestically and internationally, through exchanges.

Title: Canard Euchaive
Issue: n° 3537
Date: Août 1988 (August 1988)
Publisher: Canard Euchaive
Country: France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Canard Euchaive delves into various UFO-related topics, with a prominent focus on the "L'affaire du Rust français" and a detailed account of a sighting by Monsieur S.D. It also explores the broader landscape of ufology in France and presents other international UFO reports.

Detailed Content

The Monsieur S.D. Sighting and Investigation

The magazine meticulously chronicles the events surrounding a UFO sighting by Monsieur S.D. and his family on June 10, 1987, between 9:15 and 9:25 AM, near Munster, France, while they were en route to attend an RTL television show. The object, described as a luminous, unusual oval shape, was observed at the Col de la Schlucht. Monsieur S.D., who identified himself as an "ufologist," used a compass to note its bearing at 100-105 degrees north and a height-measuring device that indicated a near-zero angle. The phenomenon was initially observed as an "oval ball" or flattened disc with indistinct contours to the naked eye, but through binoculars, it vaguely resembled a "hat." Monsieur S.D.'s father also took photographs.

Shortly after, the oval shape seemed to shrink, and a smaller, luminous ball appeared beneath it, seeming to "dance in place." The main phenomenon then disappeared from view, though the smaller ball remained visible through binoculars for a moment before vanishing. Monsieur S.D. noted that the disappearance occurred in place, with the smaller ball vanishing first.

Meteorological conditions were described as windy with scattered clouds, allowing the sun to be visible but not in the same direction as the phenomenon. Monsieur S.D. also noted the launch of several weather balloons at 9:50 AM, 10:10 AM, and 10:25 AM upon his arrival in Munster, though he was unsure if others had been launched earlier. He also observed a military convoy and mentioned that his father experienced a severe migraine about an hour after the observation, which was unusual for him. Monsieur S.D. later hypothesized a lenticular cloud.

The magazine details the subsequent investigation, including phone calls and correspondence from September 1987 to December 1987. Monsieur S.D. received the photographic film on September 15, which was developed by Monsieur MARE in GERARDMER. Initial examination revealed nothing visible. Further discussions with Monsieur MARE focused on exploiting the negative and photos. Enlargements were disappointing. Monsieur S.D. inquired about the film's status and was informed that the CERCLE VOSGIEN L.D.L.N. would keep the negative. A meeting of the CERCLE VOSGIEN L.D.L.N. took place in THAON LES VOSGES. Reproductions of the photos were ordered, and copies were sent to Monsieur S.D. on October 17. On November 7, Monsieur S.D. asked if the study of the clichés and the investigation could lead to a conclusion of "OVNI or not OVNI?"

Further investigation included a letter to the meteorological base at ENTHZEIM on November 23, 1987, requesting examination of the photos and information on weather balloons. The response on December 4, 1987, indicated that the weather balloon hypothesis seemed unlikely. A call to Eric ANTOINE on the same day sought to confirm if a weather balloon had been found in the region at the time of the event, which he denied. A recorded call to the Gendarmerie of MUNSTER followed on December 7.

In January 1988, Gilles MUNSCH stated he could research the possibilities of solar reflection. Monsieur S.D. confirmed the return of witness forms for the CNEGU questionnaire. The CERCLE VOSGIEN LDLN met again in THAON LES VOSGES, and a map was provided to Hervé PIERRON for potential field research, indicating the direction of the observed phenomenon. A remark noted that the projection line passed near the FESSENHEIM nuclear power plant. A slide from Monsieur B.H. was deposited with Monsieur MARE for printing on January 25 and retrieved on January 30. Monsieur S.D. sent a letter on February 11 regarding the return of witness forms, and an acknowledgment of receipt was sent on February 15. As of August 26, 1988, further information was still pending.

The "Rust Français" Affair

The cover story, "L'affaire du Rust français," details an incident involving an aircraft described as a "fou volant" (crazy flyer) or "super-Rust." This aircraft reportedly evaded identification and radar surveillance during its flights, including a notable appearance on the night of Sunday, August 7. The article suggests the aircraft may have been changed, possibly a twin-engine plane or a ULM, but its identity remained unknown to radar, helicopters, and air traffic investigators. Authorities began referring to it as an "unidentified flying object." The article humorously notes that the Minister of Defense, Rocard, was planning to dismiss security officials responsible for Paris air traffic control. It also mentions a "scoop" that the "super-Rust" was allegedly "kidnapped" by a rival French magazine and that the writer Paul-Loup Sulitzer had not yet purchased the aircraft.

Other UFO Reports

Japan: A UFO on the Telephone: The town of Hakui in Japan offered a telephone service (0767 22-1940) to hear a "sound from space," which was the recording of a UFO from January 28, 1975, made by a Swiss farmer. International sound specialists analyzed the tape and concluded the sound was unknown on Earth and could not be artificially produced. Nippon Telephon and Telegraph (NTT) reported 23,000 calls since the line was installed. Hakui, with 30,000 inhabitants, has a "mystery club" that provided the tape to promote the town as the "UFO capital of Japan." NTT has a history of such services, having previously offered a "dinosaur's voice" and the "synthetic voice of the Mona Lisa."

UFOs in Iran, Hundreds of Witnesses: In Tehran, hundreds of Iranians reported seeing a UFO in the early morning. An Iranian Air Force Phantom jet pursued the object, but the aircraft's radio and measurement devices failed, forcing it to return to base. A second fighter jet took over, and the pilot reported a smaller object emerging from the UFO and heading towards his aircraft. Attempts to launch an air-to-air missile failed, and the pilot had to dive to evade. The smaller UFO then returned towards the larger one, and simultaneously, the Phantom's equipment resumed functioning. The UFO then moved away.

Radio Nostalgie Report: On August 18, 1988, Radio Nostalgie reported a UFO sighting on the Côte d'Azur on the evening of August 17.

The State of Ufology

The magazine includes an analytical piece titled "LE POINT SUR ... L'UFOLOGIE" (The Point on ... Ufology), reflecting on the "current malaise" in private ufology in France after ten years of investigation. The author posits two main periods in ufology: the first, post-WWII, characterized by a high number of cases when society was unprepared for such phenomena in the atomic age and space exploration era. Media coverage was significant, and there was an expectation of a single, global explanation. The second period, starting in the late 1970s, saw a decrease in case numbers and media impact. The expected explanation became more elusive, leading to confusion and a return to realism and skepticism. The author describes this as a regression in ufology.

The author analyzes the casuistry (the collection of cases), noting it's global, significant but disseminated and "censored." The credibility and strangeness of cases vary. Ufology is heavily influenced by the media, and a "sorting" process is needed. Approaches to ufology are diverse, including official studies (often seen as politically motivated), ideological/religious recuperation, commercial recuperation (books, films), and private studies. The author questions the objectivity and competence of these approaches.

The "heritage" of ufology is described as a vast amount of information, often individualized and of uneven quality, making it difficult to exploit. The author emphasizes that this heritage is a result of circumstances, not deliberate effort.

Regarding global explanations, the author notes that the term "UFO" inevitably leads to the need for multiple explanations due to the diversity of reported cases. The author also discusses the current state of mind in ufology, noting official silence, public confusion, media variability, witness fear of ridicule, and ufologists' doubt and discouragement.

The author outlines their approach, focusing on private ufologists driven by good will, who study UFOs directly or through "residues" like testimonies. They emphasize the need for self-awareness, admitting incompetence, recognizing errors, and filling knowledge gaps. Motivations for engaging in ufology are explored, including the need for dreams, escape, communication, self-affirmation, ambition, overcoming boredom, altruism, or the impact of a personal observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, witness testimonies, and the analysis of the phenomenon's impact on society and the field of ufology itself. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet engaged stance, meticulously documenting cases while also offering analytical perspectives on the broader context of UFO research and its challenges. The editorial stance seems to favor detailed reporting and thoughtful reflection on the subject matter, encouraging further investigation and critical thinking.

This document, likely an article or essay from a French ufology publication titled "Ufologie," outlines a proposed framework for a "new ufology." Authored by Gilles MUNSCH, it details a set of principles and practical considerations for researchers aiming for a more rigorous, collaborative, and modern approach to the study of UFO phenomena. The text emphasizes a shift from speculative or disorganized efforts to a structured, evidence-based discipline.

Principles for a New Ufology

The author begins by stressing the importance of working in collaboration, maintaining critical thinking (a "methodological doubt" akin to Descartes), noting and organizing information, informing oneself and others maximally, and considering future researchers. This leads into the core proposal for a "certain ufology."

Principle of Clarity:

This principle emphasizes the need to define a precise "canvas" for this new ufology, including its objectives, methodology, and deontology, in order to achieve broad consensus.

Principle of Adherence:

Individuals participating in this new ufology should conform their actions to the established practices, accepting the rigor and constraints necessary to maintain the coherence of the collective effort.

Principle of Neutrality:

Researchers are urged to maintain the greatest neutrality regarding reported facts and disseminated information, avoiding personal interpretation and passionate considerations. Subjectivity, intuition, or genius are reserved for personal reflection rather than for the reporting of facts.

Principle of Collaboration:

Recognizing that unity is strength, each individual should help others in their research by providing information, sharing skills, or offering resources.

Principle of Transparency:

Information hoarding is to be proscribed. Data should be communicated, sources clearly stated, and the methodology followed and retained should always be specified.

Principle of Safeguarding and Continuity:

Conscious of the ephemeral nature of situations, individuals should strive to value the ufological heritage and ensure their work contributes to its enrichment, especially upon ceasing their own activities.

Principle of Respect:

All actions must respect individuals and their private lives. Sterile polemics should be avoided by accepting others' ideas, even without necessarily sharing them.

Possible Actions: Organization

The author discusses various modes of functioning (independent, group, committee, federation), noting that imposing a "top-down" structure is illusory. Instead, the structure should be molded to the present, evolving context, emphasizing a "fabric" of motivated individuals in constant, coherent relation. Effective organizations should have light structures that are flexible and energy-efficient. A current project aiming to redefine this "fabric" is encouraged.

Pooling Resources:

Specialized actions serving the collective are promoted to avoid duplicated efforts and ensure efficiency. The example of "OVNI PRESSE SERVICE" is cited as a model where partial specialization contributes to increased effectiveness and coherence.

Short-Term Work:

While ambitious long-term projects are acknowledged, the author suggests that short-term projects (e.g., one-year duration) are more practical. They are easier to complete, yield publishable results quickly, and thus facilitate the acquisition of diverse support, constructive criticism, and sustained motivation. These shorter projects also encourage broader participation in collective actions and reduce the risk of work becoming obsolete or lost.

Safeguarding Heritage:

The document highlights that ufology's heritage, despite being rich, is disseminated and often heterogeneous and questionable. This is attributed to a lack of concern for preservation among past researchers. The author calls for a shift towards valuing this heritage and for the creation of stable structures for archiving past, present, and future ufological information. Recent initiatives to create such structures are seen as a positive step.

Modernization:

Given the technological evolution over 40 years, the author advocates for reconsidering research methods. Embracing efficiency through informatics, office automation, and telematics is crucial. This includes using tools like computerized files and desktop publishing (PAO), and engaging with initiatives like "SOS OVNI."

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Gilles MUNSCH posits that private ufology has reached a stage of maturity. It must move beyond dreams, rivalries, and distractions towards rigor, tenacity, and clear-sightedness. The focus should be on building a solid edifice, stone by stone, based on a plan, rather than chasing chimeras. The author reflects on the long road ufology might take to become a science, comparing it to astronomy's development, and urges patience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the professionalization and scientific maturation of ufology. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a rigorous, systematic, collaborative, and transparent approach. It criticizes past disorganization and lack of foresight, calling for a disciplined methodology, effective use of modern technology, and a commitment to preserving the field's history for future generations. The author's tone is one of earnest appeal for a more serious and structured engagement with the subject matter.