La ligne bleue survolee - No 23 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?
Issue: 23
Date: 1991
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0293-2032

This issue of the bulletin "La Ligne Bleue Survolée ?" from the Cercle Vosgien "Lumières dans la Nuit" reflects on the state of ufology at the turn of the decade, noting a period of reduced media interest in 1990 but a perceived resurgence in Belgium and the USSR. The cover features the title prominently, with a map-like graphic filled with repetitive text and a question mark, suggesting a focus on unexplained phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the "difficult" ufological year of 1990, characterized by a decrease in case reports and media disinterest. However, it notes a "revival" of the phenomenon in Belgium and the USSR, with some interpreting these as signs of sociological shifts. The editorial expresses hope that 1991 will bring renewed energy to ufology, particularly for the Cercle Vosgien (C.V.L.D.L.N.), which has been a driving force within the C.N.E.G.U. It emphasizes the need for collective effort to sustain the organization and wishes for the "NON-IDENTIFIABLE" to bring knowledge rather than obscurantism.

Articles

Quartier de la Vierge - Insolite

This article explores the history and legends associated with the "Quartier de la Vierge" in Epinal, France. It details how this area, once wild and forested, became a populated neighborhood. The narrative focuses on the discovery of a small statue of the Virgin Mary in a tree in the mid-17th century. According to the parish of Sainte Maria Goretti, the statue was found by woodcutters who heard celestial singing. The statue was taken to the church, but mysteriously reappeared in the tree. This event is presented as the first of many miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary at this location.

The article recounts the story of Marie Georgel, a young woman who, after a severe accident and subsequent paralysis and mental distress, heard about the statue. She was taken to the site, prayed, and was miraculously healed, regaining her ability to walk and speak. This event, documented in a 1658 procès-verbal, is presented as a significant miracle that brought renown to the site.

Les miracles

This section provides detailed accounts of miracles attributed to Notre-Dame de Consolation in Epinal, citing official church records and procès-verbaux. The first miracle detailed is the healing of Marie Georgel on May 28, 1658. The procès-verbal, signed by V. Valdenaire, curate of Docelles, describes how Marie, after a fall from a horse and subsequent debilitating symptoms including paralysis and violent outbursts, was led to the statue of Notre-Dame in the woods of Jenneson. After confessing and communing, she experienced pain, but then completed a pilgrimage to the statue, where she was instantly healed. She then performed a procession around the chapel without assistance, astonishing her family and witnesses.

• Following this, the text lists several other miracles:
• In 1659, Catherine Mulot was miraculously healed of leg ulcers.
• In 1659, the child of Barthélémy Blaise of Remiremont was healed, enabling him to walk.
• In 1650, the child of Gérard Vauthier of Remiremont was calmed from severe convulsions by water from the fountain of Notre-Dame.
• In 1661, the wife of François Honnoré of Fontenoy-le-Château was healed.
• In 1663, Jeanne Midon of Haracourt and Françoise Lhuylier of Saint-Dié were healed, and Nicolas Hiar of Plombières received miraculous protection.
• In 1671, Claude-Dieudonné Martin of Wisembach was healed.

The growing fame of the sanctuary led many sick people to seek healing there.

Miracle of Barbe Drouot

This section details a significant miracle that occurred on August 22, 1728, involving Barbe Drouot, a 25-year-old woman from Rambervillers. She had lost the use of her speech sixteen years prior due to a catarrhal illness. After three pilgrimages to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Consolation near Epinal, she attended mass on August 22nd. Immediately after her prayer, she regained her speech, exclaiming "Jesus, Maria! I speak!". This event was witnessed by assistants and considered a miracle, making her ability to speak public knowledge in Epinal and Rambervillers.

The Bishop of Toul, Scipion-Jérôme Bégon, ordered an official investigation into the miracle. The investigation, conducted by the curate of Epinal, involved examining witnesses and their testimonies. The findings confirmed the sudden and complete recovery of Barbe Drouot's speech, attributing it to divine grace through the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Consequently, public thanksgiving services were ordered in both Epinal and Rambervillers.

The bishop's ordinance prescribed processions and the singing of hymns like "Te Deum" and "Ave, maris Stella" to thank God and to encourage the faithful to invoke the Virgin Mary. The municipality of Epinal even financed the construction of a bridge for the procession.

• Further miracles are listed following this event:
• In 1731, Louis Haussonville of Crépey was healed.
• In 1732, Jean-Claude Raidot was healed.
• In 1738, Barbe Lochien of Gigney, who was possessed, was delivered.
• In 1749, Sébastien Urbain of Monthureux-le-Sec was healed.

Miracle of Françoise Guyot

This section recounts a miracle that occurred on October 2, 1659, involving Françoise Guyot, wife of Henry Vautrin, residing in Remiremont. Her three-month-old son had been suffering from continuous convulsions since the previous evening. Anne Marc, a pilgrim returning from Notre-Dame, brought a bottle of water from the chapel's fountain. Upon learning of the child's critical condition, she administered the water. The child immediately opened his eyes, began to nurse, and was instantly healthy and cured. Françoise Guyot brought the child to the chapel to give thanks for this miracle.

Organization Information

LE CERCLE VOSGIEN "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT"

• The bulletin identifies the leadership of the Cercle Vosgien "Lumières dans la Nuit":
• President: Gilles MUNSCH
• Vice-President: Claude FLEURANCE
• Treasurer: Francine JUNCOSA
• Secretary: Elisabeth ANTOINE
• Assistant Secretary: Isabelle DUMAS

The organization is described as the delegation for the Vosges of "Lumières dans la Nuit" and a member of the "Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques (CNEGU)". The review is exchanged with other French and foreign ufological groups. The articles published represent the views of their authors, and reproduction requires written consent from CVLDLN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the state of ufology, the historical documentation of miracles, and the role of religious faith in healing. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism for the future of ufology, emphasizing the need for collective effort and a focus on knowledge-seeking. The publication also highlights the historical and religious significance of local sites like Notre-Dame de Consolation in Epinal, presenting documented miracles as evidence of divine intervention.

Title: ETRANGE, ETRANGE
Issue: 01
Volume: F/98/88810322
Date: March 22, 1981
Publisher: CVLDLN
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "ETRANGE, ETRANGE" details several unexplained phenomena, focusing on anomalous events and a significant UFO/UAP sighting.

Anomalous Electrical Phenomena

The first section describes a series of startling events occurring in the home of an anonymous resident, witnessed by several people. These included lamps turning on and off by themselves, a video game activating late at night with all switches off, and a radio-controlled car moving on its own. Even more peculiar was an electric clock without a battery that began to function, and a glass that spontaneously cracked. Investigations into the home's electrical system revealed no faults, and humidity levels were normal. A magnetic field detector also failed to register any anomalies during these occurrences, leading to the conclusion that the phenomena were not attributable to standard electrical or environmental causes.

The Dinoze Sighting (March 22, 1981)

The main report details an observation made on March 22, 1981, around 3:30 AM, involving four witnesses returning from an event. While driving near Dinoze, the rear passenger spotted a luminous object in the sky to the right. The driver stopped the car, and all four occupants exited to observe. The object was described as being visible near the Epinal TV relay, at the height of the last red signal lamp. It was bright orange, pronounced, and had a distinct elliptical or oval shape, with an apparent length 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the moon. The phenomenon was stationary, emitting its own light, with slightly blurred contours.

Remarkably, the witnesses noticed that three other cars had also stopped, with several people observing the same phenomenon. The object then began to oscillate and tilt slightly relative to the horizontal. This movement convinced the witnesses that it was not the moon distorted by atmospheric conditions. They decided to approach the object by driving to a viewpoint overlooking Epinal, directly above the phenomenon's apparent location. However, upon reaching Saint-Laurent, the object was intermittently obscured by houses. By the time they reached the hilltop, the phenomenon had completely disappeared. The observation lasted about ten minutes under a clear, starry night. The witnesses did not observe the moon and perceived no secondary noise or effects. The direction of observation was North-North-East, and the apparent size was estimated at 07 on the LDLN comparator.

The Epinal Sighting (July 1981)

A separate account, summarized from Jean-François and Françoise P. of Epinal, describes an observation made in July 1981, around 1:00 AM. While returning from the theater, one of the witnesses felt an intense urge to turn around and saw a large, non-brilliant white sphere in the slightly overcast sky. The sphere had a thin blue light corona around its perimeter, which was described as beautiful, reminiscent of the ocean's blue. The object appeared to be gliding as if suspended by an invisible cable. It descended slowly, passing behind the TV relay and progressively disappearing behind the trees on the hill of La Vierge, in the direction of South-North/North-East. Both witnesses observed the phenomenon. They could offer no logical explanation but provided additional details: the distance to the TV relay was approximately 1,300 meters as the crow flies. The phenomenon's diameter was estimated to be at least twenty meters, possibly more depending on its distance. This event occurred on the hill of La Vierge, an area where several previous observations had been reported.

Supporting Documentation

The issue includes photographic evidence and maps to support the reports. Page 5 shows a montage illustrating the evolution of the phenomenon, marking the point of appearance, passage behind the relay, and zone of disappearance. Page 6 presents a graph of azimuths and altitudes. Pages 7 and 8 contain a map of the Epinal area, indicating the location of the witnesses, the TV relay, and the trajectory of observation. Pages 9 and 10 provide contour line graphs (courbes de niveaux) for different axes (106°, 101°), illustrating the terrain's elevation changes in relation to the observation points.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "ETRANGE, ETRANGE" appears to focus on reporting unexplained phenomena, including domestic electrical anomalies and aerial sightings. The editorial stance seems to be one of documentation and investigation, presenting witness testimonies and supporting evidence such as photographs and maps. The tone is serious, aiming to record events that defy conventional explanation, as suggested by the cover headline and the detailed nature of the reports. The inclusion of technical data like azimuths, altitudes, and contour maps indicates a desire for rigorous analysis of the observed phenomena.

This issue of AVIATION DESIGN, dated January 1991, features a prominent article on the "PROTOTYPE A-12 'Avenger II' le Triangle d'Or de la Navy..." and a multi-part discussion titled "Réponse à 'Avion furtif F117 ou OVNI ?'" which delves into UFO sightings, particularly the Belgian wave.

"Avenger II" le Triangle d'Or de la Navy...

This section introduces the A-12 "Avenger II," a new stealth attack aircraft for the U.S. Navy, intended to replace the aging A-6E Intruder. The article highlights its 'flying wing' design, developed by McDonnell-Douglas and General Dynamics, emphasizing its advanced technology, high survivability, and capacity to penetrate enemy defenses. The A-12 is described as a two-man crew aircraft, featuring a cockpit with advanced instrumentation and 'fly-by-wire' controls. Its propulsion system consists of two General Electric F412-GE-400 turbofan engines. The development program is noted to be the culmination of over ten years of studies in modern armament and electronic warfare techniques. The article mentions that the aircraft's design is partly inspired by the Northrop B-2 and has an approximate wingspan of 20 meters. The projected flight of the prototype is scheduled for early 1992, with sea trials in March 1993 and operational service expected by mid-1995. Several U.S. Navy bases and aircraft carriers are listed as potential recipients or users of the A-12.

Réponse à "Avion furtif F117 ou OVNI ?"

This section, authored by Robert Fischer, responds to the idea that the F-117 stealth fighter might explain the Belgian UFO cases. Fischer acknowledges Eric Maillot's a priori explanation but disagrees that the F-117 is involved in all cases. He addresses several points:

1. Operational Patrols: NATO bases maintain operational patrols of two aircraft ready to scramble if a radar alert is confirmed.
2. Air Defense Zones: Each base has a specific zone to monitor and does not intervene in another's area.
3. AWACS: The presence of an AWACS aircraft is considered not very important for the events.
4. Brussels Connection: A link between the object over Brussels and other cases remains to be demonstrated.
5. F-117 Speed: Fischer corrects the speed of an F-117, stating it does not fly at 48 km/h (too slow) or 1800 km/h (too fast), with a minimum speed of 130 km/h and a maximum of Mach 1 (approx. 1250 km/h).
6. Radar Stalling: Radar loss can occur due to a target's sudden maneuver.
7. F-117 over USSR: The idea of an F-117 over the USSR is dismissed as a joke unless the Soviets are refueling it themselves.
8. Video Analysis: Videos available in France have been studied frame-by-frame by Yves Chosson and Fischer, providing instructive insights.
9. Noise: No remarks were made about noise.
10. English Sighting: An object seen in England was a Vickers Valiant, which is entirely different from what the Belgians observed.
11. Landing: The reason for not landing is the high population density, making it difficult to remain unnoticed.
12. Belgian Air Force: Fischer doubts the Belgian Air Force will share information about the problem.
13. Infrared Radiation: If infrared radiation is responsible for the photos disappearing, Fischer humorously suggests it's time for him to stop taking them.

Fischer concludes with two reflections: either the phenomenon is an F-117 (implying the Belgian Air Force is aware), or it's something else (a conventional aircraft, a UFO, or a mix of hypotheses, which he finds most plausible). He invites anyone with information to contact him.

QUESTION DE FORME (Suite et surement fin!)

This section discusses the analysis of video sequences and potential 'youthful errors' in ufology, particularly regarding 'proofs.' The authors proposed a common explanation for unusual shapes in camcorder footage: a technical defect inherent to camcorders. This hypothesis was sent to several ufological organizations, including LDLN, SOBEPS (Belgium), CISU (Italy), AESV, SCEAU Archives, CIGU, SERPAN, and CNEGU.

Several organizations confirmed their agreement with the hypothesis. LDLN published the article, and SOBEPS, through its president Michel Bougard and head of analysis Patrick Ferryn, also reached similar conclusions. Ferryn verified the hypothesis with PHILIPS, noting that this defect is no longer present on high-end equipment. He also mentioned that a dark central spot, often observed along with 'notches,' might be due to probable luminosity saturation.

INFORESPACE (SOBEPS's magazine) dedicated over five pages to this issue, comparing its documents with those from SOBEPS. A diagram illustrating the 'notched' component responsible for the misinterpretation is reproduced. AESV mentioned the hypothesis in its internal circular.

CISU has not yet commented, which is seen as a missed opportunity given that the CROSIA case, which initiated the inquiry, falls within their area of intervention.

The opinion of Italian investigators would be welcome, but patience is advised in ufology.

CONCLUSION:

The problem of 'Disques à encoches' (notched discs) seems definitively resolved, with apparent unanimity. The authors emphasize that while doubt can be constructive, it should not be systematic or partisan. In ufology, where dreams and naivety often prevail, rigor and realism are essential for credibility and progress. The article concludes by stating that dreams and open-mindedness are drivers of progress, but rigor and wisdom are equally important.

A schematic exploded view of a camcorder's optical tube is shown, highlighting the 'notched disc' ring responsible for the effects and the zoom lens system.

Extrait du Courrier de Jean-Pierre Petit

This is an excerpt from a letter by Jean-Pierre Petit, Director of Research at CNRS, dated August 19, 1990. He discusses the difficulty of recreating ground traces and suggests a mechanical effector or a hovering machine could cause such effects on crops. He doubts natural phenomena are responsible, especially when geometric strangeness is high. Petit has studied the Belgian events, likening them to a test or experiment to observe reactions to apparitions without landings. He suggests the English cases might be about people's reactions to ground traces.

In a subsequent part of the letter, Petit describes his efforts to create an association named GESTO to analyze ground traces, but with little success due to public indifference. He compares scientists to 'cowardly monks' and notes that his request to the CNRS for an UFO study group is unlikely to yield results. He criticizes French ufologists as either lacking means or participating in disinformation, and the press remains silent. He finds the situation curious and considers Belgium's SOBEPS to be the only serious organization, suggesting he might focus his efforts there rather than in France, which he calls a 'blanket country.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of advanced technology (like stealth aircraft) and unexplained phenomena (UFOs). There's a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous, evidence-based analysis, even when it leads to conventional explanations for what might appear extraordinary. The articles advocate for scientific methodology, critical thinking, and a balanced approach that combines open-mindedness with a healthy dose of skepticism. The challenges of ufology, particularly in France, are highlighted, contrasting it with a more serious approach in Belgium. The A-12 article showcases the cutting edge of military aviation, while the UFO section attempts to demystify sightings through technical analysis.

This issue of L'EXPRESS, dated September 14, 1990, features a cover story detailing the detection of the American F-117A stealth aircraft by a French-built radar system in Saudi Arabia. The magazine also includes an interview with UFO researcher C. Chris and a report by Francine Juncosa.

Cover Story: "Le radar qui piège l'avion furtif" (The radar that traps the stealth aircraft)

The main article, authored by Jean-Michel Caradec'h, reports a significant development in military technology: the French-designed Shahine radar system, supplied to Saudi Arabia by Thomson-CSF, has successfully detected the American F-117A stealth fighter. This unexpected capability has raised concerns for the US military, prompting them to relocate F-117A aircraft to a base in southwestern Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea, to protect them from potential Iraqi threats.

The F-117A, a cutting-edge American stealth aircraft, was designed for high-threat environments and strategic target attacks. However, the "pulse Doppler" surveillance radar of the Shahine system, built by Thomson-CSF for Saudi Arabia, has managed to 'trap' the invisible aircraft multiple times at distances of up to 17 kilometers. The system's computer was able to gather enough characteristics to create a unique signature for the F-117A, enabling immediate recognition.

The article highlights the effectiveness of the Shahine system, stating that its probability of destroying a target with one missile is 90%, and 99% if two missiles are fired simultaneously. The F-117A's stealth capabilities rely on its angular shapes and a special coating to reduce its radar signature. However, these design choices compromise its aerodynamic performance and maneuverability, limiting its speed to a high subsonic level, around 900 km/h. When detected by radar, the F-117A's only recourse is to use its jamming and decoy systems to evade missiles.

Despite successful tests on numerous radar systems since its entry into service in October 1983, and even a successful bombing mission in Panama in December 1989, the F-117A's detection by the Shahine system challenges its core design principles. The development and construction of 59 F-117A aircraft have cost a total of $6.5 billion.

The article notes that specific conditions in Saudi Arabia, such as long-distance horizons, heat, and the diffusion of electromagnetic waves, may have aided the radar's detection. Thomson-CSF, the manufacturer, has remained discreet about the performance of its system, citing the presence of its employees in Iraq as hostages as a reason for not commenting. They also mentioned that Saudi clients prefer discretion.

The article speculates whether the Iraqi military, which uses the French Roland anti-aircraft system (manufactured by Euromissile), could also detect the F-117A. While the Roland system is less advanced than the Shahine, the possibility exists. However, it is considered unlikely that the US would allow Iraqi radars sufficient opportunities to identify the F-117A.

Ultimately, the article concludes that it is only a matter of time before other radar systems, like the Shahine, can identify the F-117A, potentially limiting its operational career.

Interview with C. Chris: "RESUME D'UNE RENCONTRE AVEC MR CRIS"

This section features an interview with Mr. C. Chris, who identifies himself as a hypnologist and parapsychologist, a member of the National Academy of Hypnology, and associated with GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés).

Chris states his goal in organizing conferences is purely didactic. When asked about his preferred hypothesis for UFO phenomena, he offers three: extraterrestrial, space-time interference, and parallel worlds. He clarifies his connection to GEPAN, explaining that he collaborated with Professor G. of CNRS in Tours on "contactee" cases for GEPAN, but found no concrete proof for the contactees' accounts.

He expresses a strong interest in GEPAN's Report 16. Regarding physical marks or stigmas on witnesses of "close encounters," Chris, as a hypnologist, believes these can be provoked by hypnotic suggestion, either internal or external.

He has no specific opinion on "crop circles" in England, suggesting they could be human-made or related to rites. He disagrees with Aimé Michel's assertion that UFOs follow known optical laws, emphasizing that UFOs have a physical reality and are not solely psycho-sociological phenomena. He notes that parapsychological phenomena can intersect with UFO cases.

Chris observes that the decline in UFO research groups was due to a lack of current, compelling cases, leading many to leave. However, he sees a renewal of interest with a more mature public, including more young people.

He mentions plans to travel to Eastern European countries where strange occurrences involving possible humanoids have been reported.

Francine Juncosa, the interviewer, recounts her experience attending Chris's conference, noting that one session was canceled due to insufficient attendance, while a second debate had about fifteen attendees, none from the C.V.L.D.L.N. group. She found Chris's presentation to be different and improved compared to previous ones.

Other Content

A small notice on page 4 advertises a conference-debate on UFOs by M. Cris, a member of GEPAN, featuring a film and UFO images, with entry fees of 50 and 40 French Francs. It also includes contact information for C. Chris in Montpellier, France, and mentions GEPAN's Technical Note No. 16, "analysis of a trace" (Trans-en-Provence).

Page 5 contains advertisements for videos related to UFOs and mysteries of humanity, curated by C. Chris. These include "The Enigma of UFOs" video and a film titled "NASA Shows Its Films," featuring scientific reports and footage of UFOs in flight, as well as "The Mysteries of Humanity" which explores mysterious sites and enigmas across continents, including aliens and extraterrestrials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of investigative journalism, presenting significant technological developments in military aviation and defense systems alongside explorations of unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The cover story highlights a real-world military challenge posed by advanced radar technology, while the interview with C. Chris delves into the more speculative and psychological aspects of UFO research. The editorial approach seems to balance factual reporting with an openness to exploring controversial or fringe topics, as evidenced by the inclusion of UFO-related content and the promotion of related media.