REALITE OU FICTION

Magazine Overview

This issue of "REALITE OU FICTION" (N°5, 1980) delves into the realm of UFO phenomena, exploring whether they are "Reality or Fiction." The cover prominently features the title along with "PHENOMENES SIMILAIRES" (Similar Phenomena), suggesting a focus on comparative cases and the nature of unexplained aerial events. The issue includes several detailed reports of UFO sightings and investigations, primarily from France, and discusses the role of coincidence in ufological research.

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial section begins with a positive outlook on 1980 as a "good year for ufology," noting the phenomenon's return to public attention through interviews and reports. It highlights a significant interview with Franck Fontaine and a report from Peru. A key piece of news is the announcement of results from the work of J.F. Cille, a Doctor of Sciences from C.N.R.S., on 'isocolie,' signaling a move towards more concrete, scientific ufology. The secretary, A. Robé, commends this scientific approach.

OVNI: Meeting of UFOlogists in Chaumont

A report details a meeting of several UFO research and study associations in Chaumont, organized by the "comité nord-est des groupes ufologiques" (CNEGU). The meeting, attended by groups from various French regions and Luxembourg, focused on presenting group activities, discussing recent regional cases, and developing a methodology for training investigators. The participants also worked on cataloging regional observations from 1979 and updating a map of observations from the northeastern region for 1978. Recognizing public interest, the groups decided to develop local presentations and conferences. The Association Dijonnaise de recherche ufologique et parapsychologique presented its latest work from the European Committee for the Coordination of UFO Research, with a future meeting planned in Dijon.

UFO Sightings in Alsace and Strasbourg

Several specific UFO sightings are documented:

• Strasbourg (April 12, 1980): Four days after a sighting in Rembs, a similar phenomenon was observed near Strasbourg by a dozen people. It was described as a luminous sphere that moved from southeast to northeast.
• Rembs (Haut-Rhin, April 13, 1980): Two additional witnesses reported seeing a luminous, hovering object that moved slowly. One witness, a pilot, described it as a "ball" that changed color as it approached and took the shape of a flying saucer. Another witness saw a circular object.
• Strasbourg (April 12, 1980): A young woman reported seeing a UFO for a prolonged period in the forest of Hardt. The object, described as a luminous sphere, followed her car. Residents who observed the object noted its silent hovering and white lights.

"Paradis" per un OVNI (Paradise by a UFO)

This section details a sighting near Strasbourg on April 12, 1980. A young woman, Patricia Dzimba, reported being followed by a UFO. The object, described as a luminous sphere, descended towards her car and then moved towards a nearby house, where residents observed it hovering silently with two white lights.

REALISM: Coincidences in UFO Research

J.-C. Reglais writes about the importance of realism in ufological research, particularly in light of a CNEGU meeting in Chaumont. He criticizes some ufologists for having "illusions" about their standing with official scientific bodies. Reglais emphasizes the need for lucidity and cooperation with scientific institutions, even with limited resources. He argues that while the number of UFO enthusiasts can be a strength, it's crucial to present verifiable data from investigations. The article touches upon the trend of associations regrouping nationally and regionally, noting that while coordination can be beneficial, some groups might be trying to distance themselves from official research. Reglais stresses that official scientific bodies study UFOs with public funds and that ufologists should aim for collaboration rather than demanding information. He acknowledges that while amateurs may have unique insights, scientific rigor is necessary for proper analysis, and that amateurs can play a vital role as a relay between the public and scientific investigation.

Coincidences in UFO Phenomena

This section, authored by R. Robé, explores the theme of coincidences in UFO investigations. It presents several cases where different witnesses, sometimes geographically separated, reported similar phenomena with identical descriptions, directions, and altitudes. Examples include:

• Nancy (April 25, 1975): Numerous witnesses observed a luminous phenomenon, later identified as a satellite re-entering the atmosphere. However, two individuals described a phenomenon resembling ball lightning.
• Vandoeuvre (September 20, 1977): A woman observed three luminous spheres, while her husband, working at an airbase, saw a luminous disc, with their observations aligning despite a significant distance.
• Bouzières-aux-Dames (October 17, 1978) and Leyr (March 24, 1973): These cases are presented as similar, with descriptions of rectangular objects emitting lights and sounds, and causing physical sensations.

Robé also shares a personal anecdote about a coincidence where a former colleague, unaware of his ufological work, recounted an encounter with a UFO in his hometown, which was a location Robé had previously investigated.

The author questions whether these coincidences are mere chance or part of a directed phenomenon. He suggests that these might be connected to other unexplained events like Marian apparitions, animal mutilations, or close encounters. Robé concludes by stating that this particular aspect of UFO phenomena, the prevalence of coincidences, has not received sufficient attention from ufologists.

Illustration of Cited Cases

The issue includes illustrations for several of the cases discussed:

• Nancy (25.04.75): Depicting a satellite in combustion.
• Vandoeuvre (20.09.77) and Chaligny (20.09.77): Showing luminous spheres or discs.
• Bouzières-aux-Dames (17.10.78): Illustrating a humanoid figure with a luminous object.
• Bainville-sur-Madon (16.11.78): Showing a craft over a landscape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the exploration of potential scientific explanations and methodologies for investigation, and the significant role of coincidences in connecting different events and individuals within the field of ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor a more scientific and realistic approach to understanding these phenomena, while acknowledging the contributions of amateur researchers and the perplexing nature of recurring patterns and coincidences. The magazine encourages a critical yet open-minded examination of UFO reports, seeking to distinguish between reality and fiction.