Recherches Ufologiques - No 18 - 3e et 4e trim 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 18, of "RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES" is published by the "GROUPEMENT NORDISTE D'ETUDES" (GNEOVNI), with the ISSN 0180-159. The cover date is indicated as the 3rd/4th Trimester of 1983, with a price of 5 French Francs. The cover features the title of the publication, a map of Northern France highlighting cities like Lille, Arras, Calais, and Boulogne, and imagery of the Earth and an abstract shape. The magazine is printed in French and originates from France.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial, written by Jean Pierre D'HONDT, secretary of GNEOVNI, reflects on the current 'ufological crisis,' noting a significant decrease in reported UFO observations in the Nord Pas de Calais region since 1981. He contrasts this with the abundance of sightings in 1974 and questions the interpretation of this lull. While some might see it as proof of a hoax, D'HONDT posits that the rarity of sightings is, in fact, the most evident demonstration of the phenomenon's reality, suggesting that people only report what they see. However, he expresses a need for more concrete cases to aid understanding.

The issue includes a section on "DERNIERES NOUVELLES REGIONALES" (Latest Regional News) detailing three specific sightings:

• 12-11-77 ANICHE Nord: A young man observed a large, luminous white ball with regular, slightly flattened contours that suddenly extinguished. The moon was not visible that night.
• 30-03-81 ABSCON Nord: Two individuals reported seeing a strong white light behind clouds, emanating from a fluorescent-like source that projected a beam before moving north and disappearing.
• 20-04-83 BERMERAIN Nord: A driver encountered a large, red-orange, brilliant disk hovering very low over the road. The witness was traumatized, and his vehicle experienced electrical issues, with the car's paint changing color.

For further details on these cases, readers are directed to the review "LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), issue 233.

Letters and Group Activities

The "COURRIER DU G.R.U.A." (Mail from GRUA) section features a letter from S. VANGREVENINGE, secretary of the GRUA (Groupement de Recherches Ufologiques Audomarois). Vangreveninge expresses concern about the declining state of ufology, noting that his own group is struggling with few members and the potential for dissolution. He attributes this 'crisis' partly to a lack of media impact and public interest, suggesting that only 'mini-waves' of sightings or celebrity involvement can attract attention. He also laments that only hoaxes seem to gain media traction.

Jean Pierre D'HONDT responds to Vangreveninge's letter, acknowledging the difficulties faced by ufological groups and encouraging perseverance. He offers GNEOVNI's support within its means.

The magazine also announces upcoming quarterly information meetings for the GNEOVNI, scheduled for February 19, May 13, September 16, and December 16, 1984, to be held at the collective residence Corail in Lille. An annual general assembly for members is also mentioned for February 19, 1984, during which new officials will be elected.

Thematic Articles

"LA PLURALITE DES MONDES HABITES" (The Plurality of Inhabited Worlds), the second part of an article by René LECONTE, explores the possibility of multiple worlds or universes beyond our current understanding. It discusses the potential for these worlds to be inhabited by superior spirits or beings who may have visited Earth, possibly in 'humanoid' or 'entity' forms. The article draws parallels between UFO phenomena and religious miracles, urging a careful distinction. It also addresses the diversity of UFO encounters, ranging from benign to aggressive, with some resulting in physical harm and lasting trauma.

Another section, "LES ANGES ET LES OVNI" (Angels and UFOs), is mentioned in the table of contents but its content is not fully detailed in the provided pages. Similarly, "INFOS-ECHO-UFOS" appears to be a news or information roundup.

Other Sections

"LES VOEUX DU PRESIDENT" (The President's Wishes) is a section where the president of GNEOVNI extends New Year's greetings for 1984 to various ufological organizations, researchers, and even fictional entities like E.T.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges facing ufological organizations, the cyclical nature of UFO sightings (waves vs. lulls), the need for credible evidence, and the broader implications of UFO phenomena concerning other worlds and intelligences. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a belief in the seriousness of the UFO phenomenon, despite the current difficulties in gaining public and media attention. The magazine encourages its readers and fellow ufologists to persevere in their research and to avoid premature conclusions or dismissals.

This issue of "Les Anges et les O.V.N.I." (Angels and UFOs), published by GNEOVNI and dated September-October 1983 (N° 231-232), explores the intersection of ufology with theology and religious phenomena. The magazine features articles by René Leconte and others, discussing the growing interest of theologians in UFOs, detailed accounts of specific sightings, and the activities of ufological research groups.

Theological Interest in Ufology

René Leconte notes with satisfaction that theologians are finally engaging with ufology, a field he has been advocating for over a decade. He draws parallels between the questions raised by ufology and those explored in theological discussions, referencing historical figures like Teilhard de Chardin and Abbé Moreux. The issue highlights a perceived shift in scientific and religious circles towards acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its implications.

The "Quasi-Landing" at Feignies (November 6, 1981)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed investigation of a UFO sighting that occurred in Feignies, France, between 7:45 PM and 9:00 PM on November 6, 1981. The primary witness, Mme K., alone at home, observed a luminous object that grew in size and intensity. Initially described as a bright, fluor-like light, it later transformed into a dark, cigarroïde object emitting multi-colored fine rays. The object was estimated to be about half the size of an electrical pole, hovering about 1.5 to 2 meters above the ground. Mme K. contacted the police and gendarmerie, but received little assistance. The object then changed shape to a larger, more robust horizontal form with multi-colored lights before resuming its vertical cigarroïde shape. After approximately five minutes of horizontal movement, it disappeared, replaced by a column of orange, vaporous light that ascended into the sky. The phenomenon lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes without audible sound and without touching the ground. The investigation, conducted by Mr. Bigorne and Mr. Moisans, also noted a flattened area in the vegetation near the site, approximately 1.20m by 80cm, ten days later, though its direct connection to the event was uncertain.

Catalog of 1974 UFO Sightings

The issue includes a regional catalog of UFO sightings from February 1974, documenting several incidents:

• February 1974, Douvrain: A large, ovoïde luminous object with a dome and red light was observed by multiple witnesses, then diminished and disappeared.
• February 1974, Douvrain: The same witnesses observed a bright, round object like an orange lighthouse, which disappeared after one minute.
• February 1, 1974, Flines les Raches: A witness observed an oval orange light, four times longer than wide, moving south to north and producing flashes.
• February 1, 1974, Arras: A 10-year-old girl saw an oval object that exploded in a powerful flash.
• February 3, 1974, Avion: Two people observed an engine with three lights, and the police were notified.
• February 3, 1974, Perenchies: A family observed a "fireball" near their home.
• February 3, 1974, Loon Plage: Three witnesses observed a white crescent-shaped object moving from west to east.
• February 12, 1974, Vaulx-Vraucourt: Two witnesses observed an immobile conical object with a rotating turret and flashing red light, which then disappeared rapidly.
• February 14, 1974, Flers: A witness observed a cylindrical, metallic object moving silently at medium altitude.
• February 16, 1974, Bergues: Several witnesses observed a half-sphere with a small orange luminous circle, which then moved east.
• February 17, 1974, Dunkerque: A witness observed a luminous object moving in the sky, leaving a red trail.

Organizational Activities and Reports

The magazine reports on the activities of ufological organizations. The GNEOVNI is mentioned in relation to an article in "La Gazette Economique," questioning whether ufology is becoming a commercial venture. The GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) is highlighted for its scientific work, including a report on the Trans-en-Provence case, which involved soil sampling and interviews. The article praises the GEPAN's modernized and scientifized approach to ufology.

Parallels Between UFOs and Religious Apparitions

Joaquim Fernandes' article on the Marian apparitions of Fatima is cited, drawing parallels between the physical and psychological characteristics of these apparitions and those of UFO phenomena. This comparison is presented as a way to legitimize ufological research and demonstrate that such connections are not merely "far-fetched ideas." The magazine suggests that truth may emerge more from ideologies and religions than from science alone, emphasizing that no avenue of inquiry should be neglected when facing enigmas.

Upcoming Events and Publications

The issue lists upcoming GNEOVNI meetings for February, May, and September, with a note about potential new directions. It also mentions the publication of articles by Paul Carissimo and others in "Recherches Ufologiques." A postscript from René Leconte notes that the OMEGA association is involved in parapsychology, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, and telepathy, indicating a broad interest in phenomena beyond conventional science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing legitimacy of ufology, its connections to religious and spiritual phenomena, and the importance of scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging the exploration of all possible explanations for anomalous phenomena, whether they stem from scientific inquiry, religious interpretations, or other unconventional fields. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, as exemplified by the detailed reporting of the Feignies incident and the GEPAN's work. The magazine advocates for a broader understanding of reality that incorporates the paranormal and the potentially extraterrestrial, challenging the limitations of purely materialistic or conventional scientific viewpoints.

This document is not a magazine issue but a letterhead for Jean-Pierre D'HONDT, who holds the position of Secrétaire Général. The letterhead indicates his address as "I de Déthune LESTREM 62" and provides a telephone number: "Tel. 23.17.75".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Not applicable as this is a letterhead and not a magazine issue.