Recherches Ufologiques - No 15 - 1er et 2e trim 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 15, of 'Recherches Ufologiques' by the 'GROUPEMENT NORDISTE D'ETUDES' (GNEOVNI) was published in the second quarter of 1982. The cover features a map of the Nord-Pas de Calais region of France, the GNEOVNI logo, and a stylized image of the Earth, along with the ISSN and issue number.

Editorial Stance and Content

The bulletin addresses a perceived crisis in ufology, with both the editorial and the President's message highlighting a decrease in subscriptions, renewals, and reported observations. The editorial by J.P. D'HONDT apologizes for the delay in publication, attributing it to the same difficulties faced by other ufological reviews. It notes a decline in interesting and spectacular observations, questioning whether the creation of GEPAN (an official French UFO research group) has made witnesses more hesitant to report sightings due to fear of rational explanations or ridicule. However, it also posits that the phenomenon itself might be becoming rarer, or that the current period represents a 'trough' in a cyclical wave of UFO activity.

The President, Ph. FINET, echoes these sentiments, agreeing that ufology is in crisis and that GNEOVNI is not immune. He dismisses the idea that the crisis is generating 'ufological visions' and suggests that the current low point in the wave of phenomena requires researchers to remain steadfast and not abandon their ideas, drawing on the experience of 'old GNEOVNI members' who have faced similar periods.

Key Articles and Reports

"A Camiers dans le Pas de Calais"

This article, authored by M. M. D., details a UFO sighting that occurred on Sunday, May 30, 1971, around 2:05 PM in Camiers, a small village south of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The GNEOVNI only learned of the incident three months later, on September 8, 1971, through a local newspaper article. The witness, a woman identified as Madame X, who wished to remain anonymous, described herself as being from a modest working-class background, not inclined towards science fiction. She was gathering grass for her rabbits when she observed a dark, somber being in a chalk quarry about 800 meters away. The silhouette was distinct against the white chalk. She noted the being's small size (approximately 0.90m) and a voluminous torso with a round head, and an intermittently visible brilliant aureole.

The being moved with an oscillating, duck-like gait, appearing not to touch the ground. It bent down as if to pick something up, then continued its movement. Madame X then noticed an unusual object towards which the being moved. The object was hovering about 0.70m above the ground. Its dimensions were estimated to be about 3 meters in diameter and 1.60 meters high, with a slightly bulging lower part and a lateral bulge. The object appeared to be made of dull, dark metal. The small being then bent down, disappeared into the object as if sucked in, and the object ascended obliquely at a very high speed, described as 'like lightning,' and without any noise. A flash of light was observed on the object at the moment of takeoff.

Madame X immediately went to alert her husband, but the object disappeared before he arrived. The disappearance was instantaneous once the object reached the top of the quarry. Subsequent investigation by GNEOVNI, involving two teams of investigators (Mr. Bazin and his son, and Mr. De Rycker and Mr. Vasseur), found no physical traces. The clover field where the being was observed had been flattened, but this was attributed to the extraction of chalk. The witness's testimony was recorded on a 40-minute cassette. The investigators found Madame X to be sincere, though she expressed fear of the being's return. The testimony was collected over three months after the event, with multiple investigators having already interviewed her. Her excellent eyesight was noted, given the distance of the observation.

Other Content

• Editorial: Discusses the crisis in ufology, the decline in GNEOVNI's membership and activity, and the cyclical nature of UFO phenomena.
• President's Message: Reinforces the editorial's points about the ufology crisis and the need for perseverance.
• Catalog Regional (Suite): Continues a regional catalog of observations.
• Classement et Archivage: An article on classification and archiving by V. Archer.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

Information is provided on the availability of back issues of 'Recherches Ufologiques'. Issues 7-8 and 10 are priced at 4 F, while issues 11-14 are 5 F. Due to increased postal rates, single back issues cannot be sent individually; interested readers are advised to wait for the next bulk mailing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the perceived crisis in ufology, characterized by declining interest and fewer reported sightings, and the detailed investigation of a specific UFO encounter in Camiers, France. The editorial stance is one of concern about the current state of the field but also one of resilience, urging researchers and members to remain committed despite the apparent lull in activity. The bulletin aims to document unusual phenomena and encourage further investigation, even in challenging times.

This issue of LETRANGE, identified by its cover title and the subtitle 'La Mémoire des OVNI, des Argonautes aux Extraterrestres' (Mercure de France), delves into the study of UFOs (OVNI) through a combination of contemporary case reports, historical analysis, and methodological discussions. The publication appears to be a French-language periodical focused on ufology, with this particular issue containing a regional catalog of sightings, an examination of a historical legend, and a discourse on the scientific approach to UFO research.

Regional Catalog of UFO Sightings

The magazine presents a 'Regional Catalog' which is described as a compilation of summarized reports of UFO observations from the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments in France. This catalog has been assembled by GNEOVNI through investigations, witness correspondence, and articles from specialized reviews.

Three classification systems are employed:

• Classification Vallée: This system categorizes UFOs into five types: Type 1 (Engin on or near the ground), Type 2 (Cylindrical formation), Type 3 (Object stationary in the atmosphere), Type 4 (Object in translation in the atmosphere), and Type 5 (Anomalous luminous phenomenon).
• Classification GEPAN: This classification, adapted from GEPAN, categorizes phenomena as A) Identified, B) Probably identified, C) Non-identified but lacking detail or cohesion, and D) Non-identified, coherent, complete, and detailed. GNEOVNI's adaptation includes sub-categories like C' for interesting but insufficiently documented cases.
• Classification Hynek: This well-known system includes NL (Nocturnal Light), DD (Daylight Disc), RV (Radar Visual), and CE (Close Encounter) categories, with CE further divided into CE-I (within 180 meters), CE-II (with physical traces or physiological effects), and CE-III (observation of occupants or humanoids).

The catalog then lists numerous specific sightings, primarily from late 1973 and early 1974, detailing the date, location, type of object, and a brief description of the observation. Examples include:

• December 14, 1973, Perenchies: Two red luminous objects moving in a straight line.
• December 14, 1973, Malo les Bains: An intense, indefinable luminosity disappearing at high speed.
• December 14, 1973, Roncq: A bright, cigar-shaped object emitting vapor.
• December 15, 1973, Roncq: A red object identified as Comet Kohoutec.
• December 18, 1973, Lille: A cigar-shaped orange object accelerating rapidly.
• December 22, 1973, Violaines: A red luminous disc moving at airplane speed.
• December 31, 1973, Hulluch: A dark red cigar-shaped object with orange light, which tilted, turned white, and ascended rapidly, leaving behind footprints and triangular impact traces (CE-II).
• December 31, 1973, Hulluch: A red glow on the ground near a large, rugby ball-shaped object that ascended spirally (CE-I).
• January 3, 1974, Bruay en Artois: A red ball moving rapidly East to West.
• January 5, 1974, Prouvy: An orange ball moving slowly West to East.
• January 6, 1974, Baisieux: A white vertical object, then an orange ball with white lights.
• January 6, 1974, Douai: A luminous orange object, initially immobile, then shrinking and accelerating Eastward.
• January 6, 1974, Douai: Three bright objects moving in the sky.
• January 6, 1974, Denain: A white luminous object moving South-West.
• January 6, 1974, Fechain: An orange ball traversing the sky.
• January 7, 1974, Lille: A red ball observed stationary in the sky.
• January 7, 1974, Warneton: A CE-III encounter involving a helmet-shaped object, two small figures (one resembling 'Michelin Man'), and a taller figure in a metallic suit. The witness's car stalled, and he felt a shock. The beings departed rapidly towards the object.

Historical Analysis: 'The Strange Encounter'

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an analysis by Jean BASTIDE of a historical account titled 'The Strange encounter of KING HERLA AND THE DWARF KING AT THE COURT OF ENGLAND'. This text, originally by GAUTHIER MAPPE and dating from the time of King Henry II Plantagenet, is presented as a folklore tale with potential connections to Greco-Latin mythology. BASTIDE suggests that while the text might be a political allegory, its descriptive elements bear striking resemblances to modern UFO accounts.

BASTIDE highlights several parallels between the historical narrative and UFO phenomena:

• The 'Dwarf King' (Pygmy): Described as less than half human size, with a large head, and a beard, BASTIDE likens this to descriptions of extraterrestrial beings. The 'dwarf king's' dwelling is described as a magnificent house, akin to a 'kingdom of the Sun'.
• The 'Vehicle': The 'dwarf king' rides a 'very large goat', and his followers emerge from tents 'mounted in an instant'. The text mentions 'stone vessels of precious stone' which BASTIDE speculates could be analogous to advanced technology or containers for extraterrestrial beings.
• Time Distortion: The most striking parallel is the temporal displacement. Herla is summoned by the dwarf king and agrees to a pact involving reciprocal attendance at their respective feasts, one year apart. However, when Herla returns after what he perceived as three days, two hundred years have passed. BASTIDE connects this to theories of relativity and time dilation in space travel.
• Invisibility and Speed: The dwarf king's rapid departure ('quicker than the tiger') and disappearance are compared to the sudden movements and invisibility of UFOs.
• Physical Descriptions: BASTIDE notes descriptions like 'face on fire', 'abundant reddish beard', and 'skin shining like stars' as potentially descriptive of advanced suits or craft.

He concludes that these parallels suggest that the H.E.T. (Hypothèse Extra-Terrestre - Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) is a plausible explanation for UFOs, rather than simply equating them with parapsychology.

Ufological Research Methodology

An article by V. ARCHER, titled 'CLASSEMENT ET ARCHIVAGE' (Classification and Archiving), discusses the challenges of ufology as a scientific discipline. ARCHER contrasts ufology with 'classical' sciences, noting that ufologists lack the refined tools and theoretical frameworks available to scientists studying material objects. The ufologist's 'laboratory' is described as their office, with tools including dossiers, measurement devices, common sense, and intuition.

ARCHER divides scientific domains into two groups:

1. Materialist sciences: These deal with diverse objects, where phenomena are predictable and reproducible in a laboratory setting (e.g., arithmetic, zoology).
2. Fugitive sciences: These deal with phenomena that are difficult to master and not yet reproducible at will. This category includes ufology, parapsychology, magic, and divination. Even sociology is placed here, as reproducing a normal human society in a laboratory is not yet possible.

ARCHER highlights that ufology's most 'contestable' basis is human testimony, as humans are considered flawed observers whose brains manipulate and 'correct' received information. Despite this, he emphasizes the need to rationalize subjective data through indices and classifications (credibility, strangeness, correlation, Vallée, Hynek, GEPAN). The process of 'data treatment' is presented as a simple transformation of documents to make them more usable.

Editorial Notes and Meetings

The issue also includes practical information for interested individuals. It lists the dates of GNEOVNI information meetings for 1982: February 14, May 16, September 19, and December 12. These meetings are open to everyone and take place at 3 PM at their local residence, 'Corail', located at rue du Faubourg de Roubaix in Lille.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging and analysis of UFO sightings, the exploration of historical accounts that may prefigure modern UFO phenomena, and a discussion on the scientific methodology required for ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, seeking to apply rigorous classification and analytical methods to UFO reports, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by the subjective nature of witness testimony and the elusive nature of the phenomena themselves. The comparison of historical legends with modern UFO encounters suggests an open-minded approach, considering the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a plausible explanation among others.

This issue of the magazine presents a model form titled "MODELE TYPE DE FICHE" (Model Type of File), designed for the systematic archiving and classification of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) observations. The document emphasizes the benefits of standardization and rationalization in managing observational data, contrasting it with the difficulties of handling diverse and unstructured historical records.

The Need for Standardization

The article, authored by Vincent Archer, highlights the challenges associated with traditional methods of archiving UAP observations. These often involve a variety of document types, such as book excerpts, articles, handwritten letters, or even magnetic tapes, which are difficult to organize and retrieve information from. The current system, characterized by a "certain fouillis" (a certain mess) of varied document sizes and forms, makes it cumbersome to search for specific observations, especially when the date is unknown. Archer argues that a more portable and practical system is needed, suggesting that "fiches" (cards) are the ideal solution.

The Proposed Observation Form

The proposed solution is a standardized Bristol card (200x125mm) that can be filed in a binder. The form is designed to capture essential information in a structured manner. Key features include:

• Color Coding: The color of the card can indicate the year of the event.
• Summary of Observation: The reverse side (invisible in the provided scan) is intended for a summary of the observation, highlighting its key points.
• Classification Fields: Various explicit fields are provided for basic classification.
• Reference Number: A system for creating unique reference numbers is suggested, such as "AO.00.000.0," where the first two letters denote classification types (e.g., Vallée and Hynek), followed by the year, observation number, and observer number.
• Renvois (Cross-references): A section for cross-referencing other related observations, either by the same observer or similar ones from the same period.
• Indices: A zone for providing notes on specific aspects of the observation.
• Classification Codes: Specific fields for classifications such as "Cl. Vallée," "Hynek," and "GEPAN."
• Schema: A space for a diagram or sketch of the phenomenon.
• Source of Documents: A field to note the origin of the documentation.

Practical Application for Investigators

Archer points out an additional utility of these forms: they can serve as guides for investigators conducting interviews. By filling in the available information as it is received and then steering the conversation towards the empty fields, investigators can more effectively elicit complete testimony from witnesses.

Conclusion and Future Developments

The article concludes by presenting this standardized form as a step towards a more rational approach to UAP data management. Archer indicates that further developments in index construction and analysis methods are planned for the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the importance of systematic data collection and archival methods in the study of UAP. The editorial stance, as presented by Vincent Archer, is strongly in favor of rationalization, standardization, and the use of structured formats to improve the scientific rigor and accessibility of UAP-related information. The document implicitly advocates for a more organized and professional approach to UFOlogy.