Recherches Ufologiques - No 05 - 2e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 5, of the bulletin "RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES" from the "GROUPEMENT NORDISTE D'ETUDES" (GNEOVNI) was published in the second quarter of 1978, with a cover price of 3 F. The GNEOVNI, founded in 1965, is a non-profit association dedicated to informing the public about unusual phenomena in Northern France. This issue covers a range of topics, including an editorial, a bureau composition for 1978, a detailed catalog of regional UFO observations from 1954, and articles exploring various aspects of ufology, including historical accounts and theoretical discussions.

Editorial

The editorial by Jean-Pierre D'Hondt addresses previous articles by Vice-President Dominique CAUDRON, particularly those critiquing Michel Monnerie's book and examining specific cases like the Hem and Aniche observations. D'Hondt notes that CAUDRON's work, which aims to eliminate explainable cases, demonstrates that ufologists are actively engaged in rigorous investigation. He emphasizes the importance of in-depth investigations over relying solely on press articles, acknowledging past limitations in availability but stressing that this is no longer an excuse for a lack of veracity. The editorial announces that some cases in the current catalog will be rectified or annulled, while others will be added to create a more credible document for researchers.

Bureau Composition for 1978

The General Assembly held on February 12, 1978, elected the following bureau for 1978:

• Honorary President: Mr. Eugene SOREZ
• Active President: Mr. Robert DE RYCKER
• Vice-President: Mr. Angélo FRANCESINI
• Vice-President: Mr. Dominique CAUDRON
• Treasurer: Mr. René LECONTE
• Assistant Secretary: Mr. Jean LEBORGNE
• General Secretary: Mr. Jean-Pierre D'HONDT

Catalog of Regional Observations

This section presents a detailed catalog of UFO sightings primarily from 1954 in Northern France:

• October 15, 1954 - Calais (62): A baker reported a luminous, mushroom-shaped object (approx. 4m diameter, 2m high) landing on a railway track and then flying away.
• October 27, 1954 - Linzeux (62): A merchant and employee experienced an electric shock as a bright, low-flying object stopped their car and extinguished its lights.
• October 27, 1954 - Huby Saint Leu (62): Many inhabitants saw a very luminous sphere flying over the Hesdin forest.
• October 27, 1954 - Lewarde (59): Mr. Stawsky reported seeing small, hairy beings with slanted eyes, but no object.
• October 27, 1954 - Oye-Plage (62): The town clerk observed a brilliant, illuminated cigar-shaped object flying very low (20m altitude) along the RN 40, which suddenly made a right-angle turn and vanished.
• November 12, 1954 - Cousolre (59): Madame Leclercq saw an object emitting a red glow, oscillating between cigar and disk shapes, before ascending and moving southwest.
• November 13, 1954 - Berck (62): Near the airport, Mr. Davril saw a round hut-like object about 300 meters away, which took off silently.
• November 1954 - Saint Waast la Vallée (59): A fire-colored ball appeared, grew larger, and approached the witness, then reappeared closer and more voluminous before disappearing.
• November 1954 - Maureuge (62): The Mozin couple saw a metallic, obus-shaped object with a 'Michelin man' figure inside. After passing, they found three footprints and a carbonized circle with an indefinable odor.
• 1954 - Bavay (59): Mr. François Marcel saw a fixed, yellow-orange luminous point that intensified and moved rapidly, becoming white before disappearing.
• 1954 - Baisieux (59): An motorist observed an object on the road with small beings moving near it. The witness did not dare to get out of his vehicle.
• 1954 - Mons en Bareul (59): Mr. and Mrs. Storm saw two fixed, silvery lights high in the sky, which turned rapidly and disappeared at fantastic speed.

Articles and Features

• "L'étrange, l'étrange, l'étrange" by Philippe Finet: This chronicle discusses a curious observation from around 950 AD in Ireland, described in an ancient manuscript. The account details a metallic anchor falling from the sky, attaching to a church arch, and a ship with men aboard floating by a rope. A man descended the rope, detached the anchor, and rejoined the ship, which then disappeared. The anchor remained. Finet uses this to discuss the evolution of UFO shapes and the possibility of different exploration vehicles adapted to various environments, questioning the idea that modern technology is the sole source of such craft.

• "Brève rencontre dans l'espace-temps" by Richard Berqué and P. Finet: This article connects the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" to the "Triangle des Bermudes" incident, suggesting a link between UFOs and the theory of space-time. It explores concepts of physics, such as the nature of electricity and matter, and how objects can exist in multiple places simultaneously without traversing space or time. The authors playfully address "proper ufologists" and present a case from April 25, 1977, where Corporal Armando Valdès disappeared for fifteen minutes, reappearing with abnormal beard growth and his watch indicating a time and date fifteen minutes later.

• "Ovnis où ballons ?" by Alain Verbrugge: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "En fouinant dans les archives" by Dominique Caudron: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "Tougouska" by Dominique Caudron: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "Les origines mystérieuses de la vie sur Terre" by Vincent Archer: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "Des nouvelles de l'étranger" by Philippe Finet: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "Science et extra-science" by Philippe Finet and Joelle Leroy: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

• "Déception à Dennebroeucq" by Dominique Caudron: This article is not detailed in the provided text.

Library of GNEOVNI

The GNEOVNI library offers over sixty ufological works and related subjects (astronomy, archaeology, human sciences, natural sciences, space). It includes books, special dossiers, archives, journals from other groups, and cassettes. Loans are available to members during quarterly meetings for a small fee (2 F for books, 3 F for cassettes) for a trimester. Delayed returns incur a penalty. Five simultaneous loans grant one free loan. A special loan rate is available for members writing articles for the bulletin.

Info-Groupement

This section provides updates on the group's activities:

• Mrs. Verbrugge and De Rycker are working to reconstruct a super-detection station.
• Mr. Verbrugge is studying an inter-communication network that could serve French and European groups.
• Mlle Leroy, a science teacher, has joined the group.
• An anecdote describes a car stopping inexplicably, possibly due to interference from small beings.

OVNI HUMOUR

This section contains humorous anecdotes:

• A restaurateur serves frog legs as "OSNI" (Objets Sauteurs Non Identifiés).
• An extraterrestrial plays pranks on firefighters and time travelers.
• A theory suggests that national UFO designs reflect societal characteristics (round for Russians, phallic for Americans), anticipating French and Belgian designs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the cataloging and analysis of UFO sightings, particularly historical ones from the 1950s in Northern France. There's a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation and the elimination of explainable phenomena, as highlighted in the editorial. The magazine also touches upon the theoretical aspects of UFOs, including their potential connection to space-time and the nature of reality, as explored in the "Brève rencontre dans l'espace-temps" article. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, promoting detailed research and a scientific approach to ufology, while also acknowledging the mysterious and potentially unexplainable aspects of the phenomena.

Title: Le Monde Inexpliqué
Issue: 12
Volume: 1
Issue Date: October 1980
Publisher: Les Editions de l'Aube
Country: France
Price: 15 F
ISSN: 0752-8011
Cover Headline: OVNI: 30 ANS DE MYSTERE (UFOs: 30 Years of Mystery)

This issue of "Le Monde Inexpliqué" delves into the enigmatic world of UFOs and space-time anomalies, presenting a comprehensive look at historical cases and theoretical implications.

Theoretical Cases: Space-Time Anomalies

The magazine opens by discussing cases that challenge conventional understanding of space-time. The case of Valdès is presented as an example where an individual seemingly traveled into the future and then returned, a phenomenon that contradicts classical space-time theory. The theory suggests that objects removed from the terrestrial temporal field cease to age, but Valdès's case implies a different mechanism.

Another "classic" case highlighted is that of David Lang, who disappeared in 1880 and reappeared eleven months later, only to be heard calling out by his daughter for a brief moment when his space-time coordinates momentarily overlapped with his previous location. This is likened to a theoretical model of space-time where a person steps off a carousel (representing time) and rejoins it later, having aged differently from those who remained.

Spielberg's film is mentioned in relation to the classical theory of space-time, particularly concerning the "Bermuda Triangle" cases.

The Startiger Incident

A notable incident discussed is the disappearance of a Startiger transport plane on January 29, 1940. Despite a massive search, no trace was found. However, on February 3rd, strange, poorly composed radio signals were received, spelling out the name of the plane. This event is presented as an impossibility, yet it occurred.

Christophe Colomb's Observation

The magazine draws a parallel between the Startiger incident and an observation made by Christophe Colomb during his voyages. While sailing in the same oceanic zone where the Startiger later vanished, Colomb reported seeing a vertical "strange light" on the surface of the ocean. This is presented as particularly surprising given the lack of land or any other vessel in the area, and it occurred approximately 455 years before the Startiger incident.

UFO Investigations and Calculations

The issue features an investigation by Alain Verbrugge titled "OVNIS OU BALLONS?" (UFOs or Balloons?). Verbrugge presents two observations and invites the reader to find an explanation, admitting he has no satisfactory answer himself due to the complex calculations involved.

First Observation: July 15, 1975

This observation took place on a plateau near Villefort (Gard), France. The witness described a white, blue-white, transparent spherical object with golden reflections and a dark, rectangular base, resembling a "soap bubble." Photographs were taken using a radio antenna as a size reference. A radio contact with another amateur confirmed the observation.

Calculations and Object Characteristics

Detailed calculations are presented to estimate the altitude and diameter of the observed object. Based on the available data, the probable altitude was estimated to be between 25 and 85 km, with one witness suggesting 65 km, which would imply a distance of 113 km. The possible diameter of the object was calculated to range from a minimum of 21 meters to a maximum of 245 meters, depending on the angles and distances used in the calculations. The object's characteristics are described as spherical, white-blue, transparent with golden reflections, and a dark, possibly rectangular base, likened to a "soap bubble."

Chronology of 1954 UFO Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed chronology of UFO sightings reported in the French press during the weekend of October 2-3, 1954, a period identified as a peak in UFO activity for that year. This section, compiled from 118 different newspaper and magazine editions, provides a comprehensive overview of regional observations.

October 3, 1954 Sightings:

• Nivelles (Belgium): Marcel Sénéchal reported seeing a luminous object emitting a beam and two human figures.
• Chereng (France): A 9-year-old boy, J.C. Delmotte, saw an object evolving high in the sky.
• Pont sur Sambre (France): Mr. Colleur observed a mysterious object moving silently over a farm.
• Calais (France): Witnesses reported luminous trails from "flying saucers," later identified as distress flares.
• Ablain-St-Nazaire (France): Mr. Lherbier and others observed a reddish ball that changed shape and disappeared.

Additional Sightings from the 1954 Period:

The chronology continues with numerous other sightings from various locations in France, including:

• Montieres près d'Amiens: A mysterious object observed by a credible witness.
• Dreuil-les-Amiens: A mysterious object seen by a night watchman.
• Lille: An object that took the form of a sphere, then split into two cigar shapes.
• Lille: Antoine Bonte observed the moon deformed by a stratus cloud, which he suggested might explain previous observations.
• Chereng: About fifty people saw a crescent-shaped object moving slowly.
• Marcq-en-Barœul: An object that detached a second disc.
• Sequedin: A luminous object the size of a tramway that ascended vertically.
• Dunkerque: An oval object that transformed into a cigar shape.
• Roubaix: An immobile dome-like object that moved towards Lille.
• Fleurbaix: An immobile yellow-orange crescent that followed a car.
• Tingry: Two red luminous discs observed moving vertically.
• Marcoing: Two luminous balls that transformed into a cigar shape and then a crescent.
• Noyelles s/ Escaut: Similar phenomenon to Marcoing.
• Escaudœuvres: Similar phenomenon to Marcoing.
• Leval: A luminous crescent with a white light.
• Aulnoy: Similar phenomenon to Leval.
• Annoeulin: A luminous spot that became a rotating object, followed by two other objects.
• Annoeulin: An object that ascended from a mill, described as a "crazy red" silent object.
• Boves: A half-orange disc observed moving towards a wooded crest.
• Boves: Laurent Laporte reported a similar phenomenon.
• Doullens: A bright triangle within an oval.
• Doullens: Another sighting of the same phenomenon.
• Herissart: A "mushroom cap" shaped object with flames and cables.
• La Chapelle d'Armentières: A golden half-moon shaped object.
• Lille: A red object observed.
• Grand Laviers: A luminous ball that changed color.

Bibliography and Editorial Notes

The issue includes a bibliography referencing works on the Bermuda Triangle and time/triangle phenomena, such as "L'énigme du Triangle des Bermudes" by Martin Ebon and "Le temps et le triangle" by J.R. Wolfe. It also provides contact information for readers to submit their questions, suggestions, and critiques for the "Vos Questions ?? Nos Réponses" section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of space-time, the possibility of time travel, and the persistent mystery of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and theoretical discussions without necessarily offering definitive explanations. The emphasis is on documenting witness accounts, analyzing physical characteristics of reported objects, and exploring the scientific and theoretical frameworks that might account for these phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation, suggesting a community-driven approach to unraveling these unexplained events.

This issue of L'Astronomie, dated October 1954, focuses heavily on a significant wave of UFO sightings reported across France, particularly on October 3, 1954. It also delves into scientific discussions on exobiology and the origins of life, exploring theories that touch upon extraterrestrial influence.

UFO Sightings on October 3, 1954

The magazine meticulously documents numerous UFO observations from various locations in France. These reports, often citing local newspapers and witnesses, describe a wide array of aerial phenomena:

• Demuin: Mr. and Mrs. Deslandes observed a phosphorescent, silent, and hovering object that appeared to be trying to land.
• Estrées Déniecourt to Warfurée Abancourt: Mr. Bedies and his companions reported seeing a luminous, domed object moving low to the ground, which remained stationary for ten minutes and featured a dark vertical bar.
• Rue: Mr. and Mrs. Galland and their son witnessed an elongated orange object descending to approximately 200 meters, moving silently along the road for 8 km before disappearing towards St. Quentin.
• Near Rue: Mr. and Mrs. Savary and Mr. Véron observed a brilliant red, spinning top-like object that seemed to land in a meadow. The object then took off and moved away towards Le Crotoy.
• Ablain St. Nazaire: Witnesses claimed to have seen a flying saucer land between millstones.
• Liévin: Mr. J.B. Lecocq and several other individuals observed a luminous crescent that oscillated. The lower part of the object descended before rejoining the upper part.
• Bauvin: Mr. Vankenkiste reportedly saw three flying saucers.
• Provin: The mother of the town secretary reported seeing a luminous craft with engine noise, and other inhabitants corroborated this.
• Haillicourt: Witnesses reported a mysterious object coming from Béthune, which a journalist speculated might be a weather balloon.
• Tourcoing: Several mysterious objects were observed.

The magazine notes that the conditions of observation were often poorly documented, and in some cases, the phenomena might be explained by natural occurrences like low-lying clouds or the moon's position.

Scientific Discussions: Exobiology and the Origin of Life

Beyond the UFO reports, the issue features in-depth articles on scientific topics:

Exobiology and Genetic Manipulation

An article by Vincent Archer, written by 14-year-old Monsieur Archer, explores the hypothesis of life's origin, suggesting an extraterrestrial source. It posits that a spaceship may have visited a young solar system, leaving behind bacteria on Earth. These bacteria, adapting to the planet's conditions, evolved into various life forms, including animals and plants. The article discusses the potential for humans to create their own descendants and determine their genetic future, raising questions about whether humans are a product of guided evolution or extraterrestrial intervention.

The Panspermia Theory and Genetic Exchange

Another section discusses the panspermia theory, which suggests that life's origins were brought to Earth by meteorites. While scientists initially dismissed this due to the vast distances and time required, recent discoveries of bacteria in ancient stones that regained activity have provided some support. The article then delves into the possibility of genetic exchange between humans and extraterrestrials, suggesting that UFO abduction cases might be related to such experiments. It posits that a future interbreeding between terrestrial and extraterrestrial beings is not impossible.

Theories on Human Evolution

The magazine examines various theories on human evolution, including Darwinian and Crick's ideas, and questions whether humans are the result of a primordial soup, DNA, cybernetic experimentation, or extraterrestrial intervention. It suggests that the evolutionary path of life might lead to a "thinking" primate stage, and that humans could be advanced cyborgs, guided by a predetermined evolutionary cycle, potentially participating in a larger universal evolution with extraterrestrial beings.

Foreign News and GNEOVNI Activities

Briefly, the magazine mentions UFO sightings in Ispahan, Iran, in March 1978, where pilots and air traffic control personnel observed objects moving at high speeds at significant altitudes. It also highlights the activities of the GNEOVNI (Groupement Nordiste d'Études des OVNI), emphasizing the importance of its bulletin for information exchange and collaboration among members and with international ufological groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly leans towards the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting numerous eyewitness accounts and encouraging readers to consider the evidence. The scientific articles explore speculative theories about the origin of life and human evolution, often linking them to extraterrestrial possibilities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of unexplained phenomena and the exploration of unconventional scientific hypotheses, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of evidence and sources.

This document is an excerpt from a publication by GNEOVNI, detailing a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) sighting that occurred near Dennenbreucq, Pas de Calais, France, on November 17, 1977. The article, titled 'DÉCEPTION A DENNENBREUCO', recounts the experience of Mr. and Mrs. Halloy, who reported observing a luminous, saucer-shaped object.

The Halloy Sighting

On the night of November 17, 1977, at approximately 11:40 PM, Mr. and Mrs. Halloy were driving their car and returning to Etaples. As they reached the intersection of the road to Desvres and the RN28, they noticed a luminous object, described as a red-orange cloud, appearing to be tens of kilometers away. As they drove closer, the object seemed to be only 200 meters away and about 15 meters above the ground, hovering motionless. The object was described as red-orange with a white trim, approximately 10 meters in size, and its reflection was visible on the wet road surface.

When the witnesses stopped their car, the object positioned itself above the road axis, about 150 meters away, oscillating slightly. As they drove away, Mrs. Halloy reported that the object followed their car for about 3 kilometers, illuminating the sides of the road with pale, luminous beams. The object then described an ascending curve at a 'vertiginous' speed, faded, and disappeared completely within seconds. No noise or disturbance was reported by the vehicle or its occupants.

Investigation Details

An investigation was initiated by GNEOVNI. The witnesses initially mistook the object for the moon. During the investigation, it was noted that the object's shape was indistinct at first, but later appeared clearly discoidal, with no apparent details, and a diameter estimated between 10 and 20 meters when observed from 200 to 300 meters away. It seemed to hover about 15 meters above the road axis. The witnesses deduced that the object had approached them at a very high speed, given its initial perceived distance.

Mr. Halloy attempted to turn his car into a farmyard but, finding the barrier closed, had to maneuver to turn around and flee at high speed (120 km/h). Mrs. Halloy observed the object following them for 2.5 to 3 kilometers at the same altitude before it rapidly ascended and disappeared.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The article critically analyzes the data provided by the witnesses. The apparent diameter of the object, when measured at arm's length, was estimated to be 1.75 cm, corresponding to an angular size of 35 arcminutes. The reported height was estimated to be equal to the object's diameter, but this was relative to the terrain, not the astronomical horizon. The direction of the object was determined to be along the road axis, with an azimuth of 250°1/2.

The author questions the 'vertiginous speed' interpretation, suggesting it was a deduction based on perceived changes in distance. The constant height and angular diameter during the pursuit were interpreted as the object maintaining its position relative to the car. The meteorological conditions were described as overcast with some clearings, allowing occasional views of stars, but the witnesses did not see the moon.

Counter-Verification and Conclusion

The investigation's counter-verification strongly suggests a misidentification of the moon. The article argues that if the object appeared as large as the moon at a distance of 20-30 km, its diameter should have increased significantly as the distance decreased to 200-300 meters. However, the estimated diameter remained similar. This discrepancy leads to the conclusion that the perceived distance variation was subjective, and the object was likely much farther away than initially thought.

The author posits that the moon, appearing through cloud cover, becoming clearer and brighter, and reflecting off the wet road, could explain the observed phenomenon. The movements of the car during maneuvering could create an illusion of the object oscillating or following. The faint beams of light illuminating the road edges and sides of the road could be reflections from diaphanous clouds illuminated by the moon. The apparent change in the moon's elevation could be due to the road's incline.

The case is ultimately classified as 'Affaire classée' (Case closed), concluding that the observed phenomenon was likely an illusion experienced by witnesses in a moving vehicle. The author ends with a slightly ironic remark about the author of 'Et si les OVNI n'existaient pas?' (And if UFOs didn't exist?) likely smiling.

Publication Details

The document is printed by the secretariat of GNEOVNI, located at Route de Béthune, 62136 Lestrem. The Director of Publication is J.P. D'honät, also at the same address. The publication has a commission paritaire number of 60IIO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination of UAP sightings, with a strong emphasis on potential misidentification and psychological factors influencing witness perception, particularly in the context of driving. The editorial stance is skeptical, favoring conventional explanations such as atmospheric phenomena and misperception over extraordinary claims, while still acknowledging the importance of investigating such reports. The article highlights the challenges in accurately assessing distance, size, and speed when observing objects from a moving vehicle at night.