Realite ou Fiction - No 02 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: REALITE OU FICTION
Issue: N°2
Date: 1979 (2nd quarter)

This issue of 'Realite ou Fiction' presents itself as a modest bulletin intended to provide a press service to inter-group organizations, focusing on UFO phenomena, particularly in the Nord-Est region of France and more specifically in Lorraine. It aims to publish fresh information, articles, investigations, and press clippings, appearing quarterly. All published articles are the sole responsibility of their authors.

Informations du Monde Ufologique

The magazine reports on the third meeting of the Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques, held on May 12-13 in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. Organized by the Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques, the meeting brought together representative groups from the North-East, including Groupe 5255, Cercle Vosgien LDLN, CLEC, and GPUN. Participants strengthened their working ties and friendship, and a regional catalog for 1976 was created. A notable observation was the increase in sightings in the North-East of France since late 1978. The article expresses hope for continued collaboration and the joining of other associations.

Case of the 'White Lady'

A significant portion of this issue is dedicated to a case that occurred in 1978. A new witness, Alain C., has been found who was present at 'La Pelouse' when the phenomenon was observed. According to Alain, a 'white ray' or 'flash' fell from the sky, and a 'White Lady' appeared before a group of frightened young people. The figure was described as a woman in her thirties, wearing a long, pleated white tunic, and moving above the ground. The witnesses fled in panic. Alain, who is religious, found the experience 'supernatural' but did not link it to religion.

Ufoscopie: A Critical Look at Ufology

An article titled 'Ufoscopie' by J.-C. NECLAIS offers a critical perspective on the ufology field. The author, who became interested in UFOs after the 1954 wave, expresses a growing doubt despite extensive reading and personal interest. He attributes this to two main reasons:

1. Predecessors' Objectivity Leading to Doubt: Convicted ufologists, initially objective, have become hesitant after numerous investigations, falling into the illusion that searching automatically yields results. The author argues this is false, comparing it to cancer research.
2. Michel Monnerie's Influence: The book by Michel Monnerie, which arrived at a psychologically opportune moment, made researchers question their findings. It suggested relying on 'reason' or 'common sense' when direct searching yields no results, making the reality of the phenomenon seem to fade.

The author finds the first point more surprising. He notes that after over 80 investigations, including strange cases with seemingly credible witnesses, doubt has crept in. He suggests that ufologists initially expected to find concrete evidence but became disillusioned when this proved impossible. The field is described as being overwhelmed by 'believers' and 'eccentrics', leaving only a few 'serious' individuals on the verge of abandoning their pursuit.

Neclais critiques Michel Monnerie's work, stating that after a personal observation convinced him, he later doubted everything after experiencing a driving illusion. Monnerie's book is characterized as an exposition of misperceptions, hoaxes, and errors, suggesting that 80% of sightings are explainable. This deduction, while simplistic, arrived at a critical time and caused significant distress among amateur ufologists.

The author concludes that amateur ufologists are left in a state of confusion, caught between the desire to believe and the skepticism promoted by figures like Monnerie, leading them to question their pursuit of 'chimeras'.

The Nature of 'Perfect' Cases

Neclais argues that there are no 'perfect' UFO cases, as there will always be someone who finds a rational explanation or a hoax. He criticizes the tendency to seek definitive proof, stating that ufology will never advance if it relies solely on groups that are not truly scientific. The material only surfaces through the public, who are described as 'irremovable' because they are part of the phenomenon. Therefore, researchers should be content to be mere relays, without expecting sensational revelations. He believes that if UFOs exist, their principles are still undiscovered, and it is normal that no one can explain them yet. The dream of a single group solving the mystery is dismissed.

Enquêtes - Observations: Étude des OVNIs (Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien)

This section details investigations by the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien (GPUN) into UFO sightings, specifically focusing on humanoid encounters and a case reported in the press.

Report on Repeated Sightings in Buxières-aux-Dames (54)

A dossier compiles two investigation reports concerning humanoid sightings without UFOs in the same location, along with research into communal and journalistic archives. The case began in 1974 with an observation near Nancy.

Observation of a Small White Figure at 'La Pelouse'

• Date: Around August 15, 1974
• Location: 'La Pelouse', Buxières-aux-Dames (54)
• Time: Around 9:30 PM
• Witnesses: 9

Testimony of Marie-France:

During the night, while discussing with her cousin Valérie and cousin Pascal, a white being approached them rapidly. It passed very close, about 50 cm away, without them being able to discern its features. They were astonished and turned to see the being, described as small, quite stout, but with no visible features. It disappeared behind a tree. The family, initially skeptical, went to the location. A white light appeared in the distance, described as a 'white force', and everyone saw it before it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. They returned later, hoping to see it again.

Site Description:

'La Pelouse' is a classified site with historical significance. It is a clearing surrounded by old, twisted oak trees, about 300 meters in diameter, bordered by a forest. The subsoil is riddled with old iron mines and underground tunnels. A high-voltage power line runs through the area.

Analysis of the Observation:

• Witnesses were surprised by the passage of the 'phenomenon' (described as a 'being').
• The phenomenon was observed for a few seconds to a minute.
• It rarely touched the ground, moving smoothly.
• Its movement was described as 'mechanical' (fluid and automatic).
• The phenomenon moved from South to North.
• No sound was heard.
• The figure was described as humanoid, about 1.20 to 1.50 meters tall, with a phosphorescent white appearance, moving as if on air cushions. It was seen in a standing position.
• The forms were well-defined, appearing as a 3-dimensional entity.

Further Testimonies:

• Marie-France's parents were skeptical but later confirmed the event.
• The phenomenon was also observed by others in the area.
• The parents of Valérie forbade her from discussing the matter.
• Another witness, 'Y...', reported similar events later.

Press Article and Further Testimonies

A press article from the newspaper 'LE REPUBLIC' dated October 15th reported on a strange phenomenon occurring on 'La Pelouse' around 10:30 PM, where a white-clad, unidentified person was seen near vehicles before disappearing. Several residents of Buxières had witnessed this apparition.

Daniel S. (17 years old) Testimony:

Daniel reported seeing a strange white figure on 'La Pelouse' twice. He and two friends, Sylvain D. and Philippe B., went to investigate.

• Date: October 12, 1978
• Time: Around 10:30 PM

They observed a luminous white form approaching at high speed. It was described as humanoid, with a head, body, legs, and a right arm, wearing a long, transparent tunic. The figure glowed as if phosphorescent and hovered above the ground. In panic, they turned on their car headlights, and the figure fled rapidly.

• Date: October 17, 1978

Daniel, accompanied by his sister (18 years old), a friend, and three other companions, returned to 'La Pelouse'. While walking in the woods, a phosphorescent form appeared in front of him. He shone his flashlight, and the car's headlights illuminated it. The figure fled into the forest.

Detailed Characteristics of the Phenomenon (based on Daniel's accounts and others):

• Appeared around 10:30 PM.
• Minimum distance observed: 50 meters.
• No specific facial features or details were discernible, only a luminous white color.
• Movement was fantastic, like a running person, but it hovered.
• The phenomenon sometimes disappeared on the spot.
• Witnesses were deeply disturbed by the figure's ability to move silently and hover.
• Height estimated at 1.70m.
• No sound was heard.
• The figure fled when a flashlight beam was directed at it.
• No disturbance was noted on vehicles or watches.
• The phenomenon appeared and disappeared below the tree line.

Testimony of M. B. (Daniel's mother):

She confirmed her son's fear and stated he was not himself upon returning. However, she seemed skeptical of the story.

Testimony of C. L. (18 years old):

• Date: October 15, 1978
• Time: Around 10:30 PM
• Witnesses: 2

C. L. and a friend decided to investigate reports of strange apparitions on 'La Pelouse'. They waited in a car with the headlights off. Around 10:30 PM, two identical vertical white forms emerged from the woods, moving along the path under the high-voltage lines. The figures did not touch the ground. The witness's friend, who had a heart condition, became terrified. The car's headlights suddenly turned on, and the figures rapidly moved away and disappeared into the forest. They attempted to follow but the figures were too fast.

Further Details from C. L.'s Testimony:

• Witnesses approached within 15 meters.
• They remained in the car throughout the observation.
• No sound was heard.
• The figures were identical and lacked specific details, described only as tall, vertical white forms.
• They moved very rapidly and seemed to 'hover'.
• They did not illuminate the surroundings.
• Their height was estimated to be around 1.20 to 1.50 meters.
• The car had difficulties starting, attributed to the driver's nervousness.
• The witnesses were deeply affected by the spectacle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the critical analysis of ufology itself. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of presenting witness testimonies and investigative findings while also acknowledging the skepticism and challenges within the field, as highlighted by the 'Ufoscopie' article. There is an emphasis on detailed reporting of specific incidents, including witness accounts, locations, and descriptions of the phenomena observed. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging collaboration among ufological groups and presenting a platform for sharing information, even if it challenges conventional understanding.

This document, titled 'OVNI OU FANTOME?' (UFO or Phantom?), is an investigative report by Le Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancidien (GPUN), dated approximately November 4, 1978 (indicated by '4/11/78 R.L.'). It delves into a series of sightings of luminous or white phenomena, with a particular focus on the area of Rouxires-aux-Dames, France, and specifically the location known as La Pelouse.

Historical Context and Sightings

The report compiles observations spanning over a millennium, with a notable concentration in modern times. It references a legend from 935 concerning Saint Cauzelin and the Virgin Mary, which involved a vision and the discovery of a site for a religious building, potentially linked to the phenomena. Another historical account mentions a U.V.N.I. (Unidentified Flying Object) landing in Pouzières-aux-Dames between 1905 and 1907. A student's account from the early 20th century describes luminous lights forming a circle on the ground with traces of earth.

More recent observations are detailed, including events from 1974 and 1978. Witnesses, often young individuals, describe a white luminous entity, sometimes perceived as a human-like figure, that appears at night. The entity is noted for its rapid movement, not touching the ground, and its sudden disappearance. The report includes sketches by witnesses, depicting the phenomenon and the surrounding locations.

Witness Accounts and Characteristics

Two specific witnesses, Daniel S. and M. L., provided drawings of the phenomenon. Daniel S. described a figure that seemed small and touched the ground while moving at a normal speed, appearing on the west side of La Pelouse. M. L. described a figure the size of an average man, whose feet did not touch the ground as it moved at a fantastic speed, wearing a long garment that covered its feet and interior. The entity was observed at the edge of a wood.

Descriptions of the locations, referred to as 'Dessin des lieux,' show patterns of circles or ovals, possibly representing crop circles or other ground markings, observed on different dates (12th, 15th, and 7th). A key indicates 'la voiture des témoins' (the witnesses' car) and 'le trajet du ou des phénomènes, ligne à haute-tension' (the path of the phenomena, high-tension line).

Consequences and Public Reaction

The 'apparitions' in La Pelouse generated significant public interest. Following an article in 'L'Est Républicain' on July 13th, many curious individuals visited the area on subsequent evenings, hoping to witness the phenomenon. This led to the formation of surveillance teams. The report mentions rumors of 'frightening things,' 'pieces of white tulle found in the forest,' and 'strange tracks emerging from the ground.' The local gendarmerie was reportedly informed but had not opened an investigation until contacted by the authors.

Comparative Analysis and Hypotheses

The report compares the 1974 and 1978 sightings with earlier ones, noting similarities such as the location (La Pelouse) and the majority of witnesses being young people. The phenomenon is consistently described as a white, luminous figure that moves silently and disappears quickly. Differences include the perceived size and interaction with the ground.

Several hypotheses are explored:

1. Religious Apparitions: The historical context of Rouxires-aux-Dames, including a reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in the past, is considered.
2. Hoax: The possibility of a deliberate hoax is discussed, but deemed unlikely due to the number of witnesses and the recurring nature of the events over decades.
3. Natural Phenomena: Explanations involving electrostatic phenomena related to high-tension lines, 'feux follets' (will-o'-the-wisps) from the ground, or atmospheric effects of moonlight are examined. However, these are found to be insufficient to explain all aspects, particularly the human-like form.

The report acknowledges the historical and religious significance of the area, noting that Rouxires-aux-Dames is situated on a hill named 'La Pelouse' and has a history dating back to the Middle Ages, with a former cemetery and a chapel.

Provisional Conclusions

The authors conclude that, after reviewing the collected information, no single rational explanation fully accounts for all the reported observations, especially the human-like form of the phenomenon. They suggest that the phenomenon might be related to religious apparitions, folklore, or potentially unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of unexplained luminous and humanoid-shaped phenomena in a specific geographical area (Rouxires-aux-Dames, La Pelouse) over a long historical period. The editorial stance of GPUN appears to be one of thorough investigation, attempting to reconcile witness accounts with potential rational explanations while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The report emphasizes the need for careful documentation and analysis of such events, leaving the ultimate interpretation open to further evidence and time.