Realite ou Fiction - No 01 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: RÉALITÉ OU FICTION
Issue: N°1
Volume/Year: 1979
Publisher: GROUPE PRIVE UFOLOGIQUE NANCEIEN
Location: Nancy, France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This inaugural issue of 'Réalité ou Fiction' marks the relaunch of a bulletin by the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nanceien (G.P.U.N.) in a more modest format. It aims to serve as an inter-group information service, focusing on UFO phenomena, particularly within the Nord-Est region and specifically the Lorraine area. The bulletin is intended to be published quarterly and will reproduce articles, inquiries, and press coverage related to the subject. The first issue features several detailed reports of UFO sightings and investigations conducted by the G.P.U.N.

Key Articles and Reports

SURVOL D'UN QUARTIER DE NANCY PAR UN OBJET LUMINEUX (Overflight of a Nancy Neighborhood by a Luminous Object)

This report details an observation made on October 6, 1978, in Nancy. A witness, Mme X, reported seeing a slow-moving, orange object shaped like a rugby ball with no sound, passing over rooftops at low altitude (under 30 meters). The object was estimated to be the size of a medium car and moved from South-West to North-East. The observation lasted only 5 seconds. The G.P.U.N. investigation found no other witnesses and no radar detection, with authorities confirming no air traffic was scheduled at that time. The location in Nancy, situated in a basin, might explain the lack of radar detection.

OBSERVATION D'UN DECOLAGE D'ENGIN LUMINEUX (Observation of a Luminous Craft Take-off)

This case, dated November 16, 1979, in Sainville-sur-Yacon, describes a witness, N.C., who observed a significant light in a field. He initially thought it was an agricultural tractor but then identified it as a "bombed" craft with a dome and an orange glow. The object took off vertically without sound, then moved horizontally towards the east at high speed. The witness, a 75-year-old retiree, was initially skeptical of UFOs but became a believer after this sighting. The G.P.U.N. investigation found no other witnesses and confirmed with the Ochey military base that no aircraft were in the area. The object was described as having a green metallic appearance with a dome and three powerful red and orange lights.

OBSERVATION PROLONGUES D'UNE SOUCOUPE VOLANTE EN SURVOL (Prolonged Observation of a Flying Saucer in Overflight)

This extensive report, dated November 23, 1978, near Pont-à-Mousson, involves multiple witnesses, including Mme C. and her two children. They observed a large, green, disc-shaped object with three red and orange lights hovering at low altitude over fields. The object emitted a loud humming noise, distinct from that of an aircraft. It performed circular movements for at least two hours before disappearing towards the North. The witnesses were very frightened, with the children fearing the object would destroy their house. The G.P.U.N. investigation visited the site but found no physical traces. Military authorities confirmed no air traffic was scheduled. The object was described as being about 10 meters in diameter.

ARTICLES DE PRESSE DU JOURNAL L'EST RÉPUBLICAIN (Press Articles from L'Est Républicain)

The issue includes reprints of three articles from the local newspaper 'L'Est Républicain' concerning UFO sightings:

• "Un objet étrange aperçu dans le ciel au haut de Rieupt" (November 25, 1978): This article details the sighting by Mme Goncalves and her children of a strange, green, disc-shaped object with red and orange lights hovering over Rieupt for over two hours. It notes the lack of other witnesses and mentions that the gendarmerie received no other reports.
• "Un OVNI filmé à Roanne" (December 4, 1978): A brief report about a luminous phenomenon filmed by Jean-Luc Michault in Roanne, observed by multiple witnesses.
• "Un second témoignage sur l'étrange objet volant" (November 26, 1978): This article presents a second witness, Patrice Siest, who corroborates Mme Goncalves' description of the object seen over Rieupt, adding details about its green color and yellow eyes. Military bases confirmed that only two Jaguars flew over the area at the reported time, which does not match the description.

La boule de feu observée dans le ciel vosgien et franc-comtois: une fusée rentrant dans l'atmosphère (Fireball Observed in the Vosges and Franche-Comté Sky: A Rocket Re-entering the Atmosphere)

This article from December 5, 1978, discusses a luminous phenomenon observed by Mme Oderte Laplagne and her son in Chevrenion. It was described as a "fireball" or a cylindrical object. The report includes two meteorological observations from Belfort and Mulhouse describing a luminous, cylindrical object descending at high speed. The article suggests this phenomenon was likely a rocket re-entering the atmosphere, citing specialists who examined the reports. Another witness, M. Guy Lescoffier, also reported seeing a luminous trail followed by a bright light.

Démystification de deux chercheurs US: Les « OVNI » seraient peut-être des essaims de papillons. (Demystification by Two US Researchers: 'UFOs' Might Be Butterfly Swarms.)

This section presents a theory by US researchers P. Calianan and M. Manking suggesting that some UFO sightings could be explained by large swarms of butterflies. They observed a correlation between UFO sightings in Utah (1965-1968) and massive butterfly migrations. According to their hypothesis, when these insects are exposed to strong electric fields, they can produce visual effects that might be mistaken for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The 'Réalité ou Fiction' bulletin appears to adopt a serious and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is to present witness testimonies and press reports objectively, while also conducting its own investigations. The magazine aims to explore the reality behind UFO sightings, as suggested by its title. There is an emphasis on detailed descriptions of objects, their behavior, and the circumstances of the sightings. The inclusion of press articles suggests an effort to cross-reference reports and gather information from various sources. The magazine also touches upon the possibility of misidentification and offers alternative explanations, as seen in the butterfly swarm theory and the rocket re-entry explanation, indicating a balanced perspective rather than outright acceptance of all sightings as extraterrestrial craft. The G.P.U.N. is presented as a member of larger ufological coordination bodies, underscoring its commitment to the field.