Realite ou Fiction - No 06 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: REALITE OU FICTION
Issue: n°6
Date: 1980
Publisher: Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Realite ou Fiction' delves into the complexities and challenges of ufological research, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and data collection. It features articles on simultaneous phenomena, witness testimonies, and the current state of ufological organizations.

Editorial: Un temps pour agir, un temps pour réfléchir...

The editorial expresses concern over a perceived discouragement among amateur ufologists, which can lead to either outright negation of the phenomenon or the formation of cult-like groups. The author argues that ufology is currently in its initial phase of research, focused on collecting information. They stress the importance of patience and rigorous investigation, stating that science evolves and will be better equipped to understand the phenomenon if provided with serious and accurate testimonies today. The editorial calls for action: 'Let's act, let's investigate, and let's communicate; we will reflect later on the core of the problem and its repercussions on our civilization.'

Attention!

This section announces the availability of 'Spécial CHEGU n°1', a document essential for statistical and cartographical work on close encounters. It highlights the collaboration of four groups from the Northeast of France (CR300, CVIDIN, CLEU, and OPUN) in creating this document, which includes a catalog of 69 OVEI (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) observations from 1978 in the Northeast of France, along with analyses and articles. The document can be ordered for 10 FF from 'ROBE Martial'.

UFOSCOPIE 2: The State of Ufology

This article offers a critical perspective on the current state of ufology, describing it as an activity that primarily functions to 'make urology work,' implying a lack of substantive progress. The author criticizes ufological organizations (CNECU, CECRU) as sterile machines of incompetence, suggesting that their activities do not advance the subject. They propose that collecting UFO testimonies is akin to collecting stamps or playing with model trains in terms of scientific advancement. The author labels many self-proclaimed ufologists as 'ufophiles' or, worse, 'ufomanes' (obsessed individuals). They argue that amateur ufology is pursuing the wrong objective, believing it can solve the enigma. Instead, they suggest that the focus should be on collecting testimonies without claiming to be researchers, acknowledging that their knowledge of ufology is extensive, but not necessarily of UFOs themselves. The article poses the question: 'Is it so humiliating to redefine our objectives by setting the bar much lower?'

Les hommes surtout croient aux OVNI

This section presents statistics from a survey conducted by IFRES and published in 'Le Parisien Libéré'. It reveals that nearly half of French people (47%) believe in the existence of UFOs, with men (52%) being more likely to believe than women (44%). However, only a small fraction (0.3%) claim to have personally witnessed a UFO sighting.

Giraud prudent sur les OVNI

This report summarizes a statement by André Giraud, the Minister of Industry, to the Senate regarding UFO manifestations in France. He stated that a study group has been examining the issue since 1977 with the goal of rigorous investigation. Giraud suggested that many sightings could be attributed to confusion, misidentification (planes, balloons, trees), or psychological factors (persecution complex). However, he acknowledged that some cases remain unexplained and warrant further investigation, emphasizing that while many UFOs have been identified as non-existent, science cannot yet definitively prove that unidentified flying objects do not exist.

VENDREDI 13 JUIN SUR FR3...

This is a satirical cartoon depicting various reactions and statements about UFOs, likely referencing a television program. Characters express beliefs ranging from 'The phenomenon exists because I sell it' to 'I am intimately convinced of their existence,' and 'It's just a bad dream.' One character claims to have 'dismantled the hoax of 54 by telephone,' while another warns, 'We must warn the world of the peril it is in.' The cartoon humorously illustrates the diverse and often contradictory perspectives on UFOs.

ET SI LES OVI NE REVENAIENT PAS...

This article explores the hypothetical scenario of UFO phenomena ceasing to occur and its implications for ufology. The author posits that if sightings stopped, the field would be devastated, rendering detection stations and archives obsolete. Ufologists would become mere historians, interpreting past documents with the inherent risks of misinterpretation and loss of memory. The article suggests that ufology, and the health of ufological associations, is closely tied to current UFO activity. It emphasizes the need for objectivity and precision in research, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts like standardized investigation reports and regional catalogs. The author concludes that ufology must become more rigorous in its methods to gain precise and scientifically exploitable data.

EST REPUBLICAIN: Un OVNI observé dans l'Aube

This news report details a UFO sighting in the Aube region of France. On a Tuesday night, a retired man, Hubert, and his granddaughter, Teahelle, observed a large luminous object with two fire trails for approximately fifteen minutes. The object moved from Sainte-Menehould towards Berzieux before disappearing. The local gendarmerie commander, Adjudant Satpaux, recorded their statements, and an investigation was opened.

ENQUETE - ENQUETE - ENQUETE - ENQUETE - ENQUETE - ENQUETE - ENQUETE

OBSERVATION SIMULTANEE DE PHENOMENES LUMINEUX DANS LE CIEL DE LA BANLIEUE NANCAYENNE

This report details a simultaneous observation of luminous phenomena in the sky near Nancy on September 20, 1977. Three witnesses, including Mme Michelle B., observed three luminous yellow spheres moving rapidly at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. Later, Mme B.'s husband, M. B., who works as a technician in an air base and has a passion for astronomy, observed a yellow-orange disc moving at a similar speed and altitude. The report notes that the phenomena were luminous and silent, circular in shape, and compared to a disc. The witnesses are described as credible, with M. B.'s professional and hobbyist background lending weight to his observation. The report highlights the coincidence of the observations by husband and wife in geographically close locations, suggesting they may have witnessed the same phenomenon.

CÈNE UFORISTIQUE DU CE.CRU.

This is a satirical cartoon depicting a gathering of ufologists. The dialogue humorously touches upon different aspects of the field: the lack of discipline among French ufologists, the need for a code of ethics, the importance of respecting protocols, and the historical value of their work. The characters express varying opinions, with one questioning the professor's thoughts on the matter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and methodologies of ufological research. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigor, objectivity, and the collection of credible data. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, advocating for continued investigation while acknowledging the current limitations of the field. The magazine critiques the current state of ufology, suggesting a need for a redefinition of objectives and a more scientific approach. The issue also touches upon public perception of UFOs and the potential future of the field if sightings were to cease.