Realite ou Fiction - No 12 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: REALITE OU FICTION
Issue: 12 (Special Issue)
Date: 1987
Publisher: Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien (GPUN)
Country: France
Language: French

This special issue of 'Réalité Ou Fiction' serves as a commemorative publication celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien (GPUN), an association dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. Founded in Nancy on August 1, 1975, the GPUN has been actively involved in investigations, conferences, and the dissemination of information related to UFOs in the Lorraine region and beyond.

Historique du GPUN

1) Origine

The GPUN was established in December 1987, marking 12 years of existence since its founding on August 1, 1975, in Nancy. The association's philosophy centers on the free exchange of data to advance research. It was instrumental in founding the Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques (CNEGU), a regional coordination committee. This special issue aims to retrace the associative life of the GPUN, highlighting its significant moments, efforts, successes, and failures over its 12 years of operation.

Au Fil des Ans

• Année 1975:
• The year began with investigations by 'Lumières Dans La Nuit' (LDLN) members Martial Robé and Philippe Leclert.
• A conference by Jimmy Guieu in Nancy on March 5th attracted a large audience.
• On August 1st, the GPUN was officially declared as a non-profit association in Nancy, with 7 founding members aged 13-25.
• The group began investigations into 'strong' cases, such as the quasi-landing in Laître-sous-Amance and the humanoid encounter in Bouxières-au-Dames.
• The first issue of 'Réalité ou Fiction,' the association's publication, was released as a small, artisanal, color-printed bulletin.
• On November 29th, members attended a conference by Professor P. Maubeuge of the Academy of Sciences of Nancy.
• A call for witnesses was launched in the regional press on December 4th.

• Année 1976:
• A police inspector in Tomblaine reported observing a brilliant object moving at high speed (5,000-6,000 meters altitude) over the Meurthe river.
• The GPUN issued a call for witnesses to report similar phenomena.
• The association established epistolary contacts with other groups like LDLN, SVEPS, CIJU, and CFRU, as well as Professor Maubeuge.
• A wave of UFO observations occurred in the Nancy region during the summer, attracting significant media attention.
• J.-C. Bourret interviewed a witness from FR3-Nancy regarding a manifestation on July 22nd.
• Several ufological reviews, including 'Approche' and 'Ufologie Bulletin,' reported on this wave.
• The GPUN's membership grew to 40, attributed to the publicity surrounding the wave.
• Claude Vorilhon (Raël) gave a conference in Nancy.
• LDLN published an investigation into an observation in Bazoilles-et-Ménil.

• Année 1977:
• Jean-Louis Brochard of ADEPS-Atlantique proposed the GPUN represent Cufos-France for Meurthe-et-Moselle.
• The association participated in international vigils organized by SVEPS, during which a red luminous phenomenon was observed and photographed.
• The GPUN conducted public awareness meetings in Nancy.
• An investigation in Gondrecourt-le-Château led to a meeting with René Faurin of GALPO.
• Correspondence was maintained with LDLN delegates and national reviews.

• Année 1978:
• The GPUN established relations with the CE de Yutz, though these were short-lived due to differing research approaches.
• A statistical study was compiled on 63 cases investigated in Lorraine between 1963 and 1977.
• The GPIRS, another ufological association, was created in Jarville.
• GPUN representatives attended the CECRU meeting in Chambéry.
• The film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' was released, sparking a major publicity campaign.
• The Association des Journalistes Nancéiens organized a debate following a screening of the film.
• The GPUN, along with other groups, participated in this debate, which saw Professor Daumann of the Faculty of Sciences of Nancy being heckled for his rationalist views.
• The GPUN received a request for cooperation from Professor Samarov in Novosibirsk, USSR.

OVNI: le secteur de Nancy particulièrement visité par les étranges objets

This section highlights that the Nancy sector is particularly frequented by UFOs. It mentions that 36% of described phenomena are explainable, while 64% remain unexplained, aligning with national statistics compiled by GEPAN. The article quotes Martial Robé, president of GPUN, stating, "There is something. Of what origin, of what provenance? No hypothesis is sufficiently substantiated to be decisive." The section also touches upon the fear associated with UFO sightings and the group's efforts to collect data through questionnaires. It notes that certain areas in the Nancy region form a triangle (Arraye-et-Han, Amance, Le Pain-de-Sucre) that appears to be a hotspot for phenomena.

Une chasse très spéciale

This article describes a 'special hunt' for UFOs, initiated by a resident of Nancy. The GPUN became involved after the event gained media attention. The process involves collecting witness accounts and having them fill out a questionnaire to describe the UFO and its environment. The article notes a widespread sense of fear among witnesses and mentions that the group aims to distinguish between UFOs and explainable phenomena, citing an instance where reported sightings in Cirey-sur-Vesouse and Vagney were identified as military maneuvers.

Surveillance du ciel

This section discusses the ongoing surveillance of the sky by the GPUN. It mentions that members are trained to understand celestial factors and avoid misinterpretations of natural or artificial phenomena. The article notes that a significant number of UFO and 'ovnien' (occupant of a UFO) sightings have been recorded, with observations often involving luminous objects evolving without noise at altitudes above 500 meters, typically between 10 PM and 2 AM. The article also points out that the shapes and colors of observed phenomena remain diverse and that the group maintains a catalog of regional phenomena.

Débat public demain soir au cinéma Pathé « Que penser des OVNI? »

This article announces a public debate following the screening of Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' at the Pathé cinema. The debate aims to explore the question "What to think of UFOs?" and discuss possible origins, featuring experts including Professor Baumann, Marcel Robé (GPUN), J.-C. Belkacéni, and others. The event is sponsored by the Association des Journalistes Nancéiens.

Création d'un comité régional d'étude des OVNI

This section details the creation of a regional committee for UFO study. On May 27th, the GAU and GPUN organized the first ufological meeting of the Northeast region in Nancy. Five associations (CLEU, GAU, GPUN, G5255, and LDLN 88) attended and established the CNEGU (Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques). This committee aims to establish principles for common and coordinated actions to improve the study of UFO phenomena in the Nord-Est region and Luxembourg, without forming a formal federation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the history and activities of the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien (GPUN), its investigations into UFO sightings in the Nancy region, and its role in fostering regional ufological cooperation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, evidence-based investigation, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of the phenomenon while maintaining a rational approach and distinguishing between credible sightings and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and statistical analysis in understanding UFOs. There is also an acknowledgment of the influence of popular culture, such as films, on public interest and the ongoing debate between rationalist and pro-UFO perspectives.

This document is issue number 6 of the bulletin "Réalité ou Fiction," published by the GPUN (Groupe d'étude des Phénomènes Ufologiques et Non-identifiés). It serves as a chronicle of the group's activities and the broader ufological landscape in France and Luxembourg from 1978 to 1986.

Chronological Activities and Investigations (1978-1986)

1978

The year began with participation in a conference by Jean-Claude Bourret in Nancy. In July, the GEPAN invited ufological associations to a national meeting in Toulouse, which GPUN could not attend but initiated regular exchanges with GEPAN, receiving their technical notes. During the summer, a visit to Claude Fritz revealed extensive archives but also a discouragement with concrete research due to isolation. In October, the second CNEGU session in Nancy led to the definition of an agreement protocol and the establishment of a telephone alert network. In mid-October, GPUN participated in the CECRU in Dourdan, strengthening contacts and working on commissions. The end of October saw Jean-Louis Brochard in Nancy for an OVNI exhibition, during which testimonies were collected.

1979

An old case from 1974 concerning a humanoid observation in Douxières-aux-Dames was revisited, leading to an investigation by GPUN members. The local press reported on "OVNI inspectors." The investigation yielded new data and local archive research. An article in 'L'ER' provided publicity and testimonials. In May, LDLN N° 185 published an investigation from Réméréville. The group faced a crisis due to skepticism from some members regarding the 'fantastic' aspect of ufology, leading to a reduction in membership, but active members continued their work. The bulletin "Réalité ou Fiction" was revived to publish recent investigations. In May, the CLEU organized the 3rd CNEGU session in Esch-sur-Alzette. Regular correspondence was maintained with 37 French and French-speaking ufological associations. A public information meeting was held in Tomblaine, highlighting the need for better visual support for presentations. The 4th CNEGU session took place in Thaon-les-Vosges in September, and in October, GPUN representatives attended the CECRU in Avignon.

1980

The bulletin "extrapolation dangereuse" compared two drawings related to an investigation. GPUN participated in the 5th CNEGU session in Chaumont. LDLN N° 195 published an investigation from Bainville-sur-ladon. GPUN acquired photographic filters for night vigils. At the CECRU in Arceau, GPUN noted internal disputes and administrative issues, leading them to withdraw from the European Committee. They advocated for a better-structured national ufology organization. A FR3 broadcast featured prominent ufologists.

1981

GPUN organized the 6th CNEGU session in Nancy, establishing a new agreement protocol. Three filmmakers within the group worked on a documentary film about UAP cases. The 7th CNEGU session was held in Hollenfels, focusing on investigator training. LDLN N° 199 published investigations from Bouxières-aux-Dames and Leyr. In January, GPUN participated in the 8th CNEGU session in Clefcy, discussing a proposed French ufology federation. Surveillance and investigations were limited. The 9th CNEGU session was organized by G52-55 in Chaumont, with Michel Piccin presenting his investigation into the Cergy-Pontoise case. A joint vigil was organized in August. A new member initiated an exhibition on UAP phenomena, but public attendance was low.

1982

GPUN organized the 10th CNEGU session in Nancy, adopting a standard CECRU report format. A thorny issue of ufologists' personal testimonies was discussed. The group CONTROL joined the CNEGU. Bertrand Meheust visited to research his second book. LDIN N° 210 published an investigation from Lagny. The year saw a decline in observations and a low morale within the group. GPUN participated in the 11th CNEGU in Luxembourg and the 12th CNEGU in Euleneville. Christian Petit and Raoul Robé published a comic book, "les Visiteurs."

1983

The 13th CNEGU session took place in Chaumont. The CONTROL group organized the 14th CNEGU session in Dammarie-les-lys, where the issue of geographical delimitation was raised. CONTROL decided to leave CNEGU to form the CIGU. GPUN organized the 15th CNEGU session in Nancy. Flooding in Nancy fortunately did not affect the archives. The CLEU organized the 16th CNEGU session, with ADRUP deciding to withdraw to form CUFF.

1984

GPUN found a new local in Nancy and held an information meeting. The 17th CNEGU session was held in Alsace. GPUN participated in the 18th CNEGU in Gérardmer. Yves Chosson joined GPUN. The G52-55 organized the 19th CNEGU session in Chaumont. An investigation into the 'Amarante' case led to the identification of the witness. TF1 broadcast an episode of "Droit de réponse" on UAP, excluding independent ufology.

1985

GPUN organized the 20th CNEGU session in Remicourt, celebrating GPUN's 10th anniversary and refining practical investigation techniques. The 21st CNEGU session was held in Luxembourg, with the GHREPA having disappeared. The CIGU provided updates on the Cergy-Pontoise and Trans-en-Provence cases. The CLEU celebrated its 10th anniversary. The CVLDLN organized the 22nd CNEGU session in Gérardmer, where Raoul Robé presented a catalog of humanoid observations.

1986

The association's archives were temporarily stored due to renovations. The 23rd CNEGU session was held in Chaumont, with several observer groups attending. A national vigil was planned. The 24th CNEGU session was organized in Nancy, with ADRUP becoming a full member. A video on the "petit homme de Renève" case was presented, and a catalog of misidentifications was launched. A vigil was organized at "La Pelouse" site. The GERPI organized a national observation night, but attendance and organization were lacking. The CLEU organized the 25th CNEGU session in Luxembourg. Several observations were reported. The review 'IDI!' began publishing a regional catalog of humanoid observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently documents the activities of the GPUN and its collaborations within the broader ufological community, primarily through the CNEGU and CECRU networks. A recurring theme is the effort to establish a more structured, rational, and scientific approach to UAP research, emphasizing standardized investigation methods and data exchange. The GPUN's editorial stance, as expressed in its editorials, advocates for this organized approach, contrasting it with what they perceive as less rigorous or more sensationalist aspects of the field. The publication also reflects the challenges faced by ufological groups, including internal disagreements, skepticism from the public and media, and logistical difficulties. The bulletin itself, "Réalité ou Fiction," serves as a platform for sharing investigation results, reflections on research, and critiques of technical notes, aiming to inform and engage its readership.

This document, identified as Document N° 14, is a compilation of activities and findings from the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien (GPUN), presented in the context of their publication 'Réalité ou Fiction'. The issue is dated 'Année 1987' and covers a period of investigations from 1975 to 1986.

CNEGU Sessions and Activities

The GPUN actively participated in CNEGU (Centre National d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) sessions. In 1987, they attended the 26th session in Francheville (Côte-d'Or) and the 27th session in La Presse (Vosges) on June 13-14. The 27th session included notable ufologists like Jean Sider and Thierry Pinvidic from Paris. During this meeting, the Cercle Vosgien demonstrated an impressive ufological computer tool, and Jean Sider presented a series of slides on crop circles in Great Britain. A policy of rational research was also presented. The 28th session was organized by G52-55 in Saint-Broingt-le-Fois (Haute-Marne).

The document also mentions that LDIN N° 279-280 presented an investigation of the Gerbéviller observation (1979) in comparison to a case from the review's columns.

Investigations and Data Compilation

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to a list of investigations conducted by the GPUN between 1963 and 1986. This list details the date, location (primarily in the Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Vosges, and Meurthe-et-Moselle departments of France), time, number of witnesses, and a brief description or explanation for each case. The explanations range from 'En altit.' (in altitude), 'Survol' (flyover), 'Ras des toits' (close to rooftops), 'Haute altit.' (high altitude), 'Basse altit.' (low altitude), 'Fixe' (stationary), 'Passe altit.' (passing altitude), to 'Humanoide' (humanoid) and 'Contactés' (contactee). Some cases are marked with 'AS' (méprise astronomique - astronomical misidentification) or 'AV' (méprise astronautique - astronautical misidentification), while others remain unexplained ('?').

In total, 109 investigations were carried out, along with 1 statistical study.

Publications and Dissemination

The GPUN has been active in publishing its findings and related materials:

• Publications: 'Réalité ou Fiction' (1st edition: 3 issues; 2nd edition: 12 issues) and a 'Hors-série' (comic book).
• Articles and Inquiries: Published in other reviews such as 'Les chroniques de la CLEU', 'Ufologia', 'Lumières Dans La Nuit', 'La ligne bleue survolée', 'Approche', 'OVNI présence', 'Ufologie bulletin'.
• Technical Notes: 24 technical notes from CNEGU.
• Participation: In 9 regional observation catalogs, 29 CNEGU sessions, 3 CECRU sessions, 3 radio broadcasts, 3 public exhibitions, and 5 public information meetings.
• Media: Realization of an S8 documentary film on the phenomenon in the region.
• Library: Constitution of a specialized library of books and reviews.

Conclusion of Investigations

The editorial section, titled 'CONCLUSION DE TOUTES CES ANNÉES D'INVESTIGATIONS', summarizes the GPUN's findings after twelve years of study. They assert their conviction that the interviewed witnesses were sincere in their declarations. While initially leaning towards extraterrestrial explanations, they now find this less credible given the broader context of surveillance, satellites, and space research. They believe that scientific study is crucial and that ufologists should gather evidence to convince scientists. The GPUN has consistently shared its main case files with GEPA since 1978. They express hope for progress through scientific exchange but acknowledge that other avenues, possibly academic, may need to be explored due to evolving circumstances.

Abbreviations

The document includes a key for abbreviations used in the 'EXPLICATION' column:

• AS: méprise astronomique (astronomical misidentification)
• AV: méprise astronautique (astronautical misidentification)
• ES: ballon sonde (weather balloon)
• CA: canulard (hoax)
• CO: contacté (contactee)
• ?: non identifié à ce jour (unidentified to date)
• N.P.: Heure locale (local time)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging of UFO sightings, the importance of organized ufological research through groups like CNEGU and GPUN, the publication and dissemination of findings, and a commitment to a rational, evidence-based approach. The editorial stance emphasizes witness sincerity, the need for scientific rigor in ufology, and a cautious but persistent pursuit of understanding the phenomenon, moving beyond simplistic extraterrestrial hypotheses towards more comprehensive scientific inquiry.