La ligne bleue survolee - No 21 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?
Issue: 21
Date: 1989
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 Lumières dans la Nuit and the Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques (CNEGU). It serves as a platform for ufological research and information exchange among various groups.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

Editorial

The editorial, written by G. Munsch, notes the resurgence of UFO activity and media interest, with numerous testimonies emerging, particularly in Belgium. It highlights ongoing investigations in the region and mentions new books for summer reading. The editorial also discusses the preparation for a second study trip on 'Corn Circles' in England, anticipating surprises in 1990. A significant portion of the editorial addresses a 'reform' within the CNEGU, which is evolving into a 'network structure' to better integrate individuals rather than just groups, aiming for greater dynamism and effectiveness after 12 years of existence.

CNEGU Activities

The bulletin details the activities of the CNEGU, including its role in press relations, communiqués, and the safeguarding of archives. It also lists the translations of landing case studies from Spitzberg, with original articles and translations by Robert Fischer and Michèle Barret.

Women in Ufology

A section is dedicated to 'Les Femmes dans l'Ufologie' (Women in Ufology), featuring Francine Juncosa, Isabelle Dumas, and Elisabeth Antoine.

Press Articles

There are references to press articles, including those from 'Science et Vie', and a compilation of articles related to 'Les OVNI du Passé' (UFOs of the Past) by Gilles Munsch, as well as a collection of press articles compiled by C.V.L.D.L.N. and a booklet on 'Corn Circles'.

Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit - Organization and Activities

The structure of the Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit is outlined, listing its president (Gilles Munsch), vice-president (Claude Fleurance), treasurer (Francine Juncosa), and secretary (Elisabeth Antoine). Their activities include investigations, surveillance nights, liaisons with other groups, managing archives, the revue, press relations, library services, detection, technical files, catalogues, and information dissemination.

Regional UFO Group Meetings

The issue covers several meetings and sessions of ufological groups:

• 10th Session of the Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques in Chaumont: This session, organized by Group 5255, focused on reviewing regional UFO observations from 1980. Participants included groups from Vosges, Meuse, Moselle, Luxembourg, and the Aube region. Discussions covered case investigations and the notable Cergy-Pontoise case. Group 5255 presented a distance measuring device they developed.
• Haut-Rhinois Ufologists Meet in Hirtzfelden: This meeting aimed to foster collaboration among ufological associations to share information and research on UFO phenomena.
• 22nd Session of the Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques in Gérardmer: This session brought together associations from northeastern France and the Paris region to discuss their ongoing research and present findings on UFOs. It also served as a preparation for a night of observation.
• Nancy Congress on UFOs: Ufologists from Luxembourg and Nancy attended a congress in Luxembourg on May 12-13, where researchers like Claude Poher presented their work.
• Creation of a Regional UFO Study Committee: During a meeting in Nancy on October 7-8, several UFO research groups agreed to form a regional coordination committee for northeastern France and Luxembourg. This committee will cooperate with the GEPAN (Groupe d'études des phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés).

Spitzbergen Flying Disc Incident (June 1952)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a translated article from the 'Saarbrücker Zeitung' dated June 28, 1952, detailing an incident on Spitzbergen. Norwegian fighter jets reported interference with their equipment while flying near the Nordostland. They then spotted a large, metallic, disc-shaped object, approximately 40-50 meters in diameter, with a plexiglass dome and 46 circular nozzles. The object was later examined by specialists, including Dr. Norsel, who noted Cyrillic markings on its instruments. The object was believed to be Soviet in origin, possibly a V-7 type craft, and had a range of 30,000 km and a flight altitude of 160 km. It was suspected that a guidance error caused it to land on Spitzbergen. The article also mentions a German V-weapon constructor, Riedel, who commented that the craft resembled a V-7 he was working on.

Communiqué: Safeguarding Ufological Archives

A communiqué announces the creation of an ASBL (non-profit association) named 'SAUVEGARDE, CONSERVATION & ETUDES DES ARCHIVES UFOLOGIQUES' (SCEAU/Archives OVNI). Founded by Gilles Durand, René Faudrin, and Robert Fischer, its purpose is to safeguard, conserve, and study private ufological heritage in direct collaboration with the National Archives. The organization aims to manage this documentation, making it accessible to all while ensuring its protection and organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active ufological community in France, particularly in the northeastern regions, and the ongoing efforts to document, investigate, and share information about UFO sightings. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration between different ufological groups and the importance of preserving ufological data. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the subject, encouraging research, and adapting to new organizational structures within the ufological movement. The inclusion of the Spitzbergen incident from 1952 suggests a historical perspective and an interest in significant past events within the UFO field. The magazine also highlights the role of press coverage and the need for effective communication and information dissemination within the ufological community.

This issue of the SAARBRUCKEN ZEITUNG, dated June 28, 1952, features an "Extrait" (excerpt) detailing a significant UFO event and a survey on women in ufology.

Flying Saucer Incident on Spitzberg

The main article reports on the landing of a flying saucer on Spitzberg. The incident began in mid-June 1952, when Norwegian fighter jets on annual spring maneuvers experienced severe radio interference and instrument malfunctions as they approached their destination. The control screens indicated an approaching metallic object with unusual acceleration speeds. Captain Olaf Larsen and his squadron spotted a "scintillating metallic disc" on the snow-covered landscape, estimated to be 40 to 50 meters in diameter. The object had a damaged directional dome emerging from a tangle of metallic wires, and no signs of life were detected.

Upon returning to Narvik, a team of five aircraft equipped with special landing gear was dispatched to the site. A Norwegian rocket specialist, Dr. Norsel, accompanied the team and confirmed it was likely a flying saucer. He discovered that the instrument malfunctions were caused by a radio beacon with a plutonium core, emitting an unknown frequency of 934 hertz.

Further inspection of the craft revealed it was elliptical with a flattened end, measuring 48.88 meters in diameter, and not of human manufacture. The metallic body resembled a silver disc and was equipped with 46 circular nozzles that allowed for the rotation of a central plexiglass dome. Notably, the instruments displayed Cyrillic characters. The object's estimated range was 30,000 km, with a flight altitude of 160 km. It also possessed a protection chamber designed to withstand strong explosions, potentially even an atomic bomb.

Norwegian specialists theorized that the craft originated from the USSR and crashed due to a navigational error. The craft was subsequently transported by boat to Narvik for examination. The German rocket constructor Riedel, known for the "V" type rocket (flying bomb), declared after being briefed on the object: "It's a V-7, which I am currently working on for serial production."

Women in Ufology Survey

The issue also includes a detailed survey titled "LES FEMMES DANS L'UFOLOGIE" (Women in French Ufology), conducted by Francine and Isabelle. The survey involved sending questionnaires to 30 French ufologists, of which 15 were returned, with nearly as many questions as answers.

The survey's context is explained by a recent observation: while the general number of UFO cases (casuistics) has decreased compared to 1975/76, the Cercle Vosgien L.D.L.N. has maintained a stable membership due to an influx of female members compensating for departing male members. This led the authors to question the motivations behind ufological interest.

The questionnaire aimed to understand women's motivations, better comprehend the current state and future of ufological research, and foster connections for collaborative work.

Survey Demographics and Findings:

• Questionnaires Sent/Received: 32 sent, 15 received (2 anonymous).
• Addresses: Sourced from files compiled by Yves CHOSSON and Gilles MUNSCH (President of Cercle Vosgien L.D.L.N.), found to be reliable.
• Comfort with Subject: Female ufologists are not hesitant to discuss the subject or express their opinions, with most documents returned with complete identification.
• Age Distribution:
• 15-25 years: 1
• 25-35 years: 2
• 35-45 years: 7
• 45-55 years: 0
• Over 55 years: 5
• Age-Related Observations: Those over 55 were between 13-18 during the Kenneth Arnold sighting (1947) and around 20 during the 1954 landing waves. Those aged 35-45 were young children in 1954 and in their early twenties in 1976. The survey suggests that "remarkable" UFO events haven't significantly influenced female participation, but societal context is important.
• Family Situation: Divorced: 3, Single: 4, Married: 6, Unspecified: 2. These figures are noted as being similar to average family situations in France.
• Education Level: Primary: 2, Secondary: 5, Baccalaureate: 2, Higher Education: 5, Unspecified: 1. The educational level of female ufologists is noted as being higher than the national average for women.
• Professional Activity: Office worker: 8, Job seeker: 1, Unspecified: 1, Retired: 4, Freelancer: 1. Sedentary and intellectual work is seen as conducive to reflection on the subject, and financial independence grants women greater autonomy in their personal pursuits.
• Interests Outside Ufology: 13 out of 15 respondents have interests beyond ufology, with common themes including reading, the unusual/paranormal, and nature/ecology. The desire for knowledge, particularly in human sciences and the environment, is strong. Communication methods like writing and art are appreciated.
• Active Ufologists Outside Their Field: 3 out of 15 (including 1 retired and 1 job seeker) have other professional activities. One respondent's work involves publications, conferences, and exhibitions related to ufology.
• Triggers for Ufological Interest: The most significant triggers are readings (8), personal observations (7), information received through meetings or personal contacts (4), personal relationships with ufologists (2), and philosophical interest (2).
• Triggers for Ufological Activity: Curiosity, deepening personal observations, a desire to validate theories linking UFOs to altered states of consciousness, a wish to be useful to research, and a strong personal attraction to the mystery are key drivers.
• Feminine Traits in Ufology: While the need to "know" and study the subject isn't exclusively feminine, intuition and a strong personal feeling regarding the mystery are noted as more characteristic of women.

Perception and Opinions:

• Perception by Male Ufologists: Most respondents felt "rather well" perceived, with some noting initial problems that were overcome by higher education or serious work in the field. The historically male-dominated nature of ufology can lead to initial friction, but these situations appear to have resolved positively.
• Perception by Witnesses: Six respondents felt they had conducted too few investigations to answer, while eight reported no problems. One respondent noted that in addition to general mistrust of investigators, witnesses sometimes expressed surprise at encountering a female investigator.
• Evolution of Mentalities: The survey indicates a general evolution in attitudes, with women becoming more willing to investigate "delicate" subjects, contributing significantly to ufological research.
• Women's Opinion on the World of Ufology: Opinions are reserved and cautious, viewing it as a field to be studied rather than a definitive source of truth. There is a perceived "diminution" in the number of ufologists.
• Perceived Issues in Ufology: Respondents highlighted a lack of coordination between groups, communication problems, and a lack of resources (means and structures) as significant issues, preventing many works and investigations from being published.
• Association vs. Independence: Of the 5 independent ufologists, 4 cited their personality as the reason, and 1 mentioned better time management. Of the 10 in associations, reasons included circumstances, personal relationships, the desire for a local group, and pooling resources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a significant UFO event with potential Soviet implications, emphasizing the technological sophistication and mysterious nature of the craft. The second major theme is the growing involvement and unique perspectives of women in the field of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the challenges and complexities within the ufological community, particularly concerning resources and inter-group communication. The survey on women in ufology suggests a more intuitive and feeling-based approach, while also noting their increasing engagement and professionalization within the field. The magazine presents a balanced view, reporting on both the physical evidence of a UFO encounter and the sociological aspects of ufological research.

This issue of ÉNIGME (Issue #14, dated "On sale from March 21st") is published by Excelsior Publications SA and focuses on various aspects of ufology, with a particular emphasis on the role of women in the field, notable UFO sightings, and historical and scientific perspectives.

Women in Ufology

The magazine presents findings from a survey on women in ufology associations. It reveals that while some women might leave associations, a significant number continue independently, driven by a strong personal interest in the subject. Motivations for leaving associations include a lack of particular interest in the subject or absence of synergy. Conversely, those who continue cite personal involvement and a sense that there is still much to do in the field. The survey also quantifies the time dedicated to ufology, with many reporting significant hours spent, even if not precisely quantifiable. Remarks highlight that for some, passion for the subject means time is not a constraint, especially when balanced against work and family life. Activities undertaken by women in ufology include investigations (9), secretarial work (6), bibliography (6), archive research (6), revue work (1), file management (1), congresses/conferences (1), treasury (1), press articles (1), and lectures (1). A total of over 15 activities are often combined. The remarks suggest that 5 women prioritize investigations, while others engage in complementary activities. The survey also touches upon the perceived differences in approach and methods between male and female ufologists, with women often seen as more meticulous, less direct, possessing better listening skills, and providing crucial psychological support to witnesses.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue details several significant UFO events:

• Voronej, Russia (September 1989): A 'banana-shaped' object was reported, from which creatures described as 3-4 meters tall with small heads emerged. The site of the alleged landing showed higher-than-normal radioactivity. Subsequent sightings of strange aerial phenomena were reported by adults. A police lieutenant observed a 15-meter diameter object. A cooperative was formed to offer tours to the site, promising potential encounters with 'extraterrestrials'. Scientific commissions investigated, but found no evidence of extraterrestrial activity, attributing the radioactivity to fallout from the Chernobyl disaster.
• Omsk, Siberia: Hundreds of inhabitants reported seeing a gigantic luminous balloon moving at high altitude and speed.
• Belgium (November 1989): Numerous witnesses, including gendarmes, reported a flying object with three white headlights, described as a 'fat french fry', moving at low altitude. It was seen to hover and then depart with a second similar object.

Scientific Investigations and Historical Context

The magazine discusses the efforts of French organizations like CNES in studying UFO phenomena. The Gepan department, established in 1977, analyzed 678 gendarmerie reports from 1974-1978, classifying phenomena into identifiable (4%), probably identifiable (23%), unanalyzable (35%), and unidentified (38%) categories. Sepra, which replaced Gepan in 1988, focuses on recovering space debris but also investigates UFO reports. The article notes that CNES investigations are limited by budget, with only a few cases remaining unexplained.

Historical accounts are also explored, notably a passage from Titus Livy's 'History of Rome' (Book XXI, Chapter 62) describing unusual aerial phenomena, which ufologists like Aimé Michel suggest could have parallels with modern UFO reports. The text includes Latin excerpts and notes from various translators, highlighting the challenges of interpreting ancient texts in an ufological context.

Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The issue touches upon the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). It references Frank Drake's equation (N = R* x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x T) used to estimate the number of communicative civilizations in the Milky Way. The equation's variables, such as the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planets, the number of habitable planets, the probability of life arising, the development of intelligence, and the lifespan of a civilization, are explained. The results vary drastically depending on the assumptions made, ranging from billions of civilizations to only one (ourselves).

The article mentions the Mega Channel Spectrum Analyzer, a sophisticated receiver developed by NASA, designed to scan a million channels for intelligent signals. It also discusses the vastness of the universe, with billions of stars similar to our Sun, suggesting a high probability of other life-bearing planets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the scientific and historical approaches to understanding them, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the unexplained while grounding investigations in scientific methodology and historical context. The magazine encourages continued research and critical analysis of phenomena, whether they be aerial anomalies, ancient texts, or the search for extraterrestrial life.

Title: Archives de Presse
Issue: 1970-1974
Publisher: C.D.L.D.L.M
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 70 F. + Frais d'envoi

This issue of Archives de Presse, covering the period from 1970 to 1974, features a prominent offer for a special collection related to 'Corn Circles'. The cover displays the years 1970-1971-1972-1973-1974 and the publisher's initials C.D.L.D.L.M, alongside a striking black and white illustration of a library divided into light and dark sections, with a figure seated at a table covered in newspapers.

Special Offer: Corn Circles Photographs

The second page details a special subscription offer following a study trip on 'Corn Circles' during the summer of 1989, conducted by a team from C.N.E.G.U. While awaiting the results of a new expedition planned for July 1990, the publication is offering a selection of 18 high-quality color photographs of corn circles. This collection is presented in a plastic sleeve and includes 6 pages of commentary and a map of the locations.

Orders should be sent to Hervé PIERRON at 11, rue du Char d'Argent, 88000 EPINAL. The price for this limited edition collection is 100.00 F, with an additional 15.00 F for postage. The deadline for subscriptions is June 1st, 1990, with a note that later orders are not guaranteed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue appears to focus on archival information from the early to mid-1970s, as indicated by the cover title and date range. However, the prominent offer on the second page shifts the focus to contemporary research into 'Corn Circles' (crop circles), suggesting an editorial interest in unexplained phenomena and investigative expeditions. The inclusion of a specific research team (C.N.E.G.U.) and a call for subscriptions for photographic evidence points towards an active engagement with current ufological or anomalous phenomena research.