REALITE OU FICTION

Magazine Overview

Title: REALITE OU FICTION
Issue: n°7
Date: 1981
Publisher: Groupe Privé Urologique Nancõien
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Realite ou Fiction' presents a collection of UFO observations and reflections on the state of ufology in the Nord-Est region of France. It includes editorial commentary, detailed case reports, and an analysis of a widely reported sighting that was later identified as an astronomical event.

Editorial: Year-End Reflections and Regional Ufology

The editorial, dated the end of 1980, reviews several UFO observations from the beginning of the year, including a reported object with two light beams on November 12, 1979, and other sightings on March 9 and March 24, 1980. It questions whether these were related phenomena. The month of October is highlighted as a particularly active period for observations, reminiscent of the famous wave of 1954. The editorial notes that the G.P.U.N. (Groupe Privé Urologique Nancõien) has resigned from the C.E.C.R.U. (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique) but has strengthened its ties with neighboring ufological groups through the C.N.E.G.U. (Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques), indicating progress in regional research coordination. The bulletin concludes by extending best wishes to colleagues and ufologists for the year 1981.

Latest News: Drome Sighting

A brief report details a sighting from the evening of December 9, 1980, in the Drome region of France. Several witnesses, including the secretary of the regional prefect, observed a large, immobile, luminous red-orange object at an altitude of 800 meters. The object was described as having the shape of a 4-branched star.

Reflections of a Ufology Group Leader

This section, attributed to Raoul ROBE, offers a critical perspective on the structure and practice of ufology. The author argues that many ufological associations are run by one or two individuals with limited resources, focusing more on group animation than on rigorous research. He questions the effectiveness of research without significant financial means, time, and scientific expertise. However, he stresses the importance of collecting and preserving witness testimonies, even with limited capabilities, to prevent information loss. He advocates for prioritizing investigation over administrative tasks and public relations, suggesting that the public is already aware of UFOs through media and literature, not primarily through ufologists. The author warns against focusing on conferences that discuss ufology in general rather than specific UFO cases, fearing that this could lead to a self-contained ufological community detached from the actual phenomenon.

October Observations

This section details two specific sightings from October 1980:

1. Nancy Observation (October 29, 1980): Six people working in an office observed a dark, disk-shaped object with an airfoil flying silently over the city rooftops at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. It moved from West to East at the speed of a propeller plane and disappeared behind the buildings. The apparent dimensions were estimated between 25 and 37 mm.
2. Frouard Observation (October 31, 1980): A single witness observed a luminous orange point traversing the sky, with luminosity comparable to Venus. The object moved from North to East at a high altitude and disappeared in the South, its trajectory appearing rectilinear or slightly curved. No sound was perceived. The hypothesis of an artificial satellite was considered, noting that two Soviet spacecraft were docking in space that same evening.

Mysterious Phenomenon in Spain: 'The Fire of the Sky'

Following the French sightings, radio reports from Spain on November 10, 1980, described a mysterious "fireball" in the province of Caceres. This phenomenon reportedly carbonized animals, dried up ponds, and destroyed vegetation. Witnesses described it as moving at high speed, about fifty meters above the ground, and emitting a noise similar to an airplane engine.

Data Collection and Analysis in Ufology

This section, attributed to J.-C. NEGLAIS, outlines a systematic approach to ufological investigation. It proposes a framework for data collection, storage, and exploitation, including:

• Enquiries (A): Emphasizing the need for quantifiable data, even if approximate. Investigators should strive to obtain precise details about the phenomenon's movement, altitude, and apparent dimensions, using reference points and potentially simple simulators. Cooperative witnesses are crucial, and investigations should be closed if a witness is uncooperative. The use of a "polaroid" camera is suggested for rapid reconstruction.
• Data Storage (B): Groups should share information about cases with neighboring groups (e.g., via CNEGU) and maintain a descriptive record for serious cases. Regional maps with a simplified symbology are recommended for plotting observations.
• Data Exploitation (C): The author expresses skepticism about the immediate exploitable results from collected data due to a lack of competence, time, and resources. However, he suggests transmitting data to organizations like GEPAN and CECRU for potential analysis. For physical traces, GEPAN should be contacted immediately.
• Propaganda (D): This aspect is treated with caution. While more members can improve finances, it can dilute expertise. Media engagement is often problematic, leading to sensationalism and the reinforcement of myths. Direct public information through conferences is deemed largely ineffective, as the public is often already informed or uninterested, and such conferences tend to reinforce existing myths rather than provide new insights.

Inter-Group Relations

NEGLAIS advocates for more streamlined communication between groups, suggesting that frequent procedural meetings are less necessary than rapid information exchange. He proposes that groups operate more autonomously, sharing results as they become available. He acknowledges that these proposals might challenge established habits but argues for a more efficient approach, comparing the current situation to a group focused on creating smoke rather than advancing the 'locomotive' of research.

Two UFOs in the Sky of Nancy / Or the Loves of Saturn and Venus

This article, from 'L'Est Républicain' dated November 18, 1980, and attributed to Georges GUINARD, debunks a widely reported UFO sighting in Nancy. The article describes how an automobilist alerted police to two "OVNI" (UFOs) hovering east of Nancy. Numerous people, including a reporter from 'L'Est Républicain', observed the phenomenon, describing two brilliant, immobile disks. Radar systems at nearby air bases detected nothing. Initially, the objects were thought to be moving apart or in relation to a distant star. However, upon closer examination and considering the Earth's rotation, it was determined that the objects had moved westward. The article concludes that the "OVNI" were actually two celestial bodies: the planet Venus (the 'Morning Star') and the planet Saturn.

Several factors contributed to the misidentification:

1. Meteorological Conditions: A frost caused a lack of mist, leading to unusual atmospheric transparency that highlighted the brilliance of Venus and Saturn.
2. Orbital Position: Venus was at its closest point to Earth, appearing large and bright.
3. Planetary Conjunction: Venus and Saturn were in close proximity in the constellation of Virgo, creating the appearance of two distinct, nearby objects.

The article criticizes the public's lack of basic astronomical knowledge, suggesting that many purported UFO sightings may stem from similar misidentifications of natural phenomena. It implies that while the event was impressive, it was a rare but natural occurrence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and methodologies of ufological investigation, the importance of accurate data collection, and the critical analysis of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, scientific inquiry within ufology, advocating for a move away from sensationalism and towards evidence-based research. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentified natural events or products of imagination. The publication also highlights the importance of regional cooperation among ufological groups.