Recherches Ufologiques - No 02 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 2, of 'Groupement Nordiste d'Etudes Recherches Ufologiques' (GNEOVNI) is a French publication focused on ufology. It was published in the third quarter of 1977 and is priced at 3 French Francs. The cover features the organization's name, the issue number, a map of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, and stylized graphics of a UFO and the Earth.

Editorial

The editorial section marks a turning point for GNEOVNI, emphasizing the need for evolution in its actions. The organization, founded in 1965, has accumulated significant archives and knowledge of UFO cases but acknowledges the difficulty in fully understanding the phenomenon itself. The editorial highlights a new and significant development: GNEOVNI is now the representative for the 'CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES' (CUFOS) in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. This affiliation is presented as a major promotion, ensuring that GNEOVNI's investigation reports will be accessible to competent international scientists. The editorial calls for increased member participation and proactive engagement, urging members to promote the group within their circles to expand its reach beyond the immediate Lille area. The importance of ufology as a scientific research field is stressed, offering a chance for non-scientists to contribute to solving a profound enigma.

New Collaboration

This section details GNEOVNI's new affiliation with CUFOS, an organization founded in 1973 by Professor J. Allen Hynek, author of 'Ovni mythe ou réalité'. CUFOS is described as an international body, and its French section, led by Monsieur Jean Louis Brochard, has appointed GNEOVNI to represent it in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. This responsibility is seen as an opportunity to enhance the group's efforts in gathering UFO observations within its sector. The article references Jean Claude Bourret's book 'La nouvelle vague des soucoupes volantes' for further information on CUFOS.

A New Book on UFOs

The magazine announces the release of a new book titled 'La science face aux extraterrestres' by Monsieur Jean Claude Fouriet, published around July 16-7-77. This is Fouriet's third book on the subject, following 'La nouvelle vague des soucoupes' and 'Le nouveau défi des ovni'. The article notes that the book, despite its potentially tendentious title, aims for objectivity. It specifically draws attention to the book's inclusion of the Ronchin case from 1971, for which GNEOVNI provided investigation results and analysis of metallic particles. This case was previously published in 'Phénomenes Inconnus' and 'LDLN'.

Compliments in Bulk

This section acknowledges an article published in the French Ufological magazine 'UFOLOGIA', titled 'OVNI en Virgule'. The article, written by Monsieur Jean-Pierre Cancel, is described as a concise anthology that summarizes key questions in ufology and offers hypothetical answers. GNEOVNI commends this article for its potential to serve as an introduction for newcomers to the UFO phenomenon and encourages other ufological groups to use it for public outreach. The magazine thanks Monsieur Cancel and Monsieur Schalfer, the director of 'UFOLOGIA', for allowing them to feature the article.

Note: A Film on Extraterrestrials

A brief note mentions the release of a French film titled 'Les Extra-Terrestres', an German documentary by Gerald Reiss. The film is described as long (1h20) and has been criticized by French critics for its lack of seriousness.

Monsieur Carter Saw a UFO...

This article reports on a declaration made by President Jimmy Carter, who, as Governor of Georgia in 1969, reportedly saw a 'brilliant object like the moon'. A researcher specializing in UFOs, Heydan Hanes, revealed this information in 1973. Hanes emphasized that the significance lay not in Carter seeing a UFO, but in his willingness to report it and allow his name to be used. The article also references a 1966 statement by Senator Gerald Ford calling for serious investigation into UFOs. It further cites a 1974 article from 'The National Tattler' suggesting that the US Department of Defense was preparing to admit the existence of UFOs and their extraterrestrial origin, with a gradual public announcement planned over three years. The article speculates that France's more open policy towards UFOs might have influenced the US decision. It expresses hope that Carter's declaration will encourage the French government to broaden official UFO investigations beyond the Gendarmerie Nationale, suggesting the involvement of other organizations like the military, lighthouse keepers, and residence supervisors.

Impressive Speed... Unlimited?

A UFO Sighted Near Arras?

This report from 'LA VOIX DU NORD' on September 15, 1976, describes an observation by three restaurant employees near Fresnes-lez-Mon-Auban. They witnessed a flying object for about fifteen minutes, described as circular and flat, with two close headlights and emitting a bluish cloud. The object reportedly moved towards Cambrai-Lens at an impressive speed and without noise.

Analysis of the Arras Sighting

The article then analyzes the direction of the UFO's departure (Cambrai-Lens), suggesting a general South-East/North-West direction. It posits the existence of an 'aero-corridor' used by many fast-moving UFOs, which might follow the Franco-Belgian border, passing through Strasbourg, Maubeuge, Valenciennes, Lille, St. Omer, and Calais. The concept of 'orthoteny', a ufological working method, is mentioned in relation to locating these phenomena. The article speculates whether this corridor extends over Switzerland or Germany, or even Scotland, and questions if it's part of a larger 'spiral' encircling the globe, utilizing magnetic properties for ultra-rapid travel.

In the Archives...

A Little-Known Case in Bois-en-Ardres

This case, reported by 'Nord Littoral' on September 21, 1954, details an observation by Eugène CORDIER on September 15, 1954. While at home, his wife pointed out a strange light. CORDIER observed a large, red-blood cigar-shaped object rising obliquely from the west, disappearing, and then reappearing with red and white spots. It then disappeared completely, leaving behind a red and white light.

A 'Musical Top' in the Sky of Caudry

Reported by 'LA VOIX DU NORD' on October 2, 1954, this incident occurred on October 1, 1954. François R. and Victor LEBON witnessed a luminous object described as a 'musical top', rose-coral in color, about two meters in size, trailing a bright white light. It moved approximately along RN 39 towards Le Cateau. LEBON described it as having the shape and luminosity of the sun, but its movement and direction indicated it was not the sun.

A Fire Globe of 25 to 30 Meters Near the Ground

From 'LA CROIX DU NORD' on November 11, 1954, this report from November 9, 1954, involves Antoine LEFEBVRE and his father. They saw a dark red fire globe, 25 to 30 meters in diameter, hovering very low to the ground. The object illuminated the surroundings and appeared to come from the direction of Inchy. It moved at ground level before disappearing over a hill.

UN CAS TRES CONNU MAIS BIEN ETRANGE: L'HUMANOIDE (7) DE LEWARDE

This case, reported by 'LA VOIX DU NORD' and other Douai publications on October 27, 1954, details an encounter on October 22, 1954. Casimir STANSKI, a miner, reported seeing a humanoid creature about a meter to a meter ten tall in a thicket. The creature was covered in brown fur, had oval eyes, and held two metallic rods. STANSKI, frightened, fled.

DE PLUS EN PLUS ETRANGE: UNE COINCIDENCE PLUS QUE TROUBLANTE

Also reported on October 22, 1954, this incident occurred a few kilometers from the Lewarde humanoid case. Casimir SZYMURA, a miner, was riding his motorcycle when he saw a brightly lit, submarine-shaped object. His motorcycle stopped, and he observed four small occupants inside. One occupant emerged, shook his hand, and spoke in a language resembling Chinese. After a few minutes, the occupant returned to the craft, which then flew away at high speed. SZYMURA reported feeling electrified by the handshake, gaining vigor and vivacity, and even becoming unbeatable at billiards.

UN CURIEUX RAPPORT A PROPOS D'UNE ASCENSION DE NADAR DANS SON CELEBRE GEANT

This section references an article from 'LA FRANCE' dated July 5, 1865, detailing an event from July 2, 1865. It describes a large balloon with a wicker basket carrying six men, which reportedly descended near the Rhone River. The balloon was seen at different times and locations, and witnesses reported seeing a similar balloon with a basket and a lit iron. The 'Géant' (Giant) was said to be entangled in trees. The article concludes by questioning the reality of the phenomenon, attributing it to optical illusions or imagination.

Archives and Research

This final section explains that the reported UFO cases were gathered from local newspaper archives by Mr. Caudron, who has dedicated significant effort to this archival work for GNEOVNI. Members can consult these archives during group meetings. The section also offers a 'research method' for those interested in contributing their own archival findings to Mr. Caudron.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings in France, particularly from the 1950s, and the organizational development of GNEOVNI. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, archival research, and public outreach. The affiliation with CUFOS signifies a move towards greater international integration and scientific validation of their work. The magazine appears to be a platform for sharing detailed case reports, analysis, and discussions within the ufological community.

This issue of Inforespace, published by the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS) in January 1975, focuses on the analysis of metallic debris recovered from UFO sightings and provides guidelines for UFO observation.

Analysis of UFO Metallic Debris

The magazine addresses the frequent question about the composition of metallic materials found at UFO landing sites. It highlights the importance of this information for ufological research, noting that a lack of data often leads to cases being dismissed as not serious.

Calgary, Canada (July 3, 1967)

As an exception to the general lack of detailed information, the article recounts a case from Calgary, Canada, where a UFO was observed by three witnesses. The object reportedly dropped something, and later, one witness found metallic debris. These fragments were identified as a compound of aluminum and magnesium.

São Paulo, Brazil (September 1957)

Another case mentioned is from São Paulo, Brazil, where fragments were collected following a UFO sighting. Spectrographic analysis by the laboratory of the Brazilian Ministry of Aeronautics identified the material as aluminum and magnesium. Further details on this case can be found in the book "Soucoupes volantes, affaire sérieuse" by Michel Leffont.

Honchin, France (September 19, 1971)

The article then shifts to a case closer to home, in Honchin (Nord), France, also involving magnesium and aluminum. The members of GHEOVNI are familiar with this case. A summary of the analysis results for the metallic particles found on site is presented:

• November 1971 Chemical Analysis (Roubaix Chamber of Commerce Laboratory): Revealed the presence of aluminum and magnesium. Notably, the proportions of these constituents did not match any industrial alloy. More astonishingly, the samples were found to be completely and rigorously free of any impurities, despite the extreme sensitivity of the analytical methods used and the exceptional care taken in the research. None of the 22 impurities that typically contaminate all industrial metals could be detected, even in trace amounts.
• May 1975 Ultrafine Analysis (National Metallurgy Laboratory of Nancy, part of CNRS): Using a mass spectrograph, this analysis revealed that the isotopic composition of the magnesium in these particles was different from terrestrial magnesium. Furthermore, an unknown ion with an atomic mass of 44 was detected.

Summary of Analyses

The issue also references a text originally from the President of GNEOVNI, Monsieur SORE, which was communicated to J.C. BOURNET for his upcoming book. This summary indicates that across three analyses of fragments apparently from UFOs, the same constituents were found, prompting the question of similarity or coincidence.

Evening Observations

The magazine announces the continuation of observation evenings initiated by the Société Varoise d'Etude Cos Phénomènes Spatiaux (SVEPS) in Toulon for 1977. The scheduled dates are July 9, August 6, September, and October 1.

Advice for Observers

Several tips are provided for conducting observations:

• Choose a well-cleared location.
• Bring a notepad, watch, compass, and binoculars.
• Read the GNEOVNI printed material "Conseils aux observateurs" (Advice for Observers).
• Send observation reports to the GNEOVNI secretariat the day after the observation, even if nothing unusual was seen. Reports should include name, address, precise location, start and end times of observation, a summary of meteorological conditions, wind direction, and descriptions of any aerial phenomena observed (planes, satellites, meteors, UFOs), including time, trajectory, and elevation.
• A global report will be compiled and sent to SVEPS.

GNEOVNI Library

The GNEOVNI library has recently acquired about twenty new books, making most of the best ufology literature available to its members. GNEOVNI is also subscribed to the Belgian journal INFORESPACE from SOBEPS, which is described as one of the best ufological publications, reflecting the competence of Belgian ufologists.

The library also houses "cassettes" containing recordings of the "Pas de panique" (No Panic) UFO dossier, produced by J.C. SOURRET in 1974 for France Inter, as well as recordings of GNEOVNI's interventions on Radio-Lille.

Section de Lille - Advice for Observers

This section, from the Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU), provides detailed guidance on observing UFOs, acknowledging that our knowledge of UFOs limits us to a single observation technique, similar to observing shooting stars.

General Advice:

• Position yourself in a clear area.
• Avoid night-time causes of glare.
• Have a notepad, star chart, watch, a fast-aperture camera, and binoculars.
• Install yourself comfortably.

However, it is noted that in reality, suspect objects are often surprises, and observers rarely have all the necessary equipment at hand.

Measurable Aspects:

• Time Measurement: Note the exact time of the phenomenon's appearance, its duration, and any changes in its evolution. Verify your watch after the observation.
• Position Measurement: Report successive positions relative to stars or well-identified terrestrial landmarks. Most basic methods only allow for angle measurements. For example, one can state an object's elevation in degrees (e.g., 50 degrees above the horizon) but not its altitude (e.g., 200 meters). Similarly, an object's apparent width can be estimated in degrees, but not its actual size (e.g., 6 meters wide).
• Speed Measurement: Avoid expressing speed in km/h as it is not directly measurable. If an object moves 60 degrees in 12 seconds, its average speed can only be stated as 5 degrees per second.
• Aspect Measurement: Describe only what is actually seen: color, brightness, shape. For night photography, use a stable camera and expose for 1 to 5 minutes.

For all measurements, the probable error should be specified.

Psychological Aspect:

Observers should act like recording machines, refraining from drawing conclusions until the observation is analyzed and possibly compared with others. Do not state "I saw a UFO"; it is a UFO only if it remains unidentified. It is considered arrogant to claim that if you couldn't identify it, no one else could.

Reports should be made scrupulously, in simple and precise terms. Always include a sketch with reference points (stars or local landmarks).

Reports should be sent to the secretariat of the Lille section: D'HONDT Jean-Pierre, Route de Béthune, 62136 LESTREM (Tel: 26 17 73).

Publication Information

The document was printed by the secretariat of GNEOVNI. The Director of Publication is D'HONDT J.P. The registration number with the Parity Commission is pending attribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the analysis of physical evidence like metallic debris, and the importance of standardized, objective reporting by civilian observers. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous research and data collection within the ufological community, while acknowledging the limitations of current analytical capabilities and the need for careful interpretation of findings. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between observation and conclusion, and on the value of collaborative efforts among different ufological groups.