Ufologia - No 30 - Avril-Mai-Juin 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: 30
Date: April-May-June 1982
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0399-8274

This issue of 'ufologia' magazine, a quarterly publication from the Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU), is dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The cover features a prominent question mark, a flying saucer graphic, and the magazine's title, along with the tagline 'objets volants non identifiés questions connexes'. The issue is presented as a documentary and informational review.

Action to Support

The editorial emphasizes that 'Ufologia' is an independent magazine funded solely by its subscribers, editorial team, and collaborators. It appeals to readers to subscribe to support its mission of objective public information, highlighting that all contributors are volunteers. Readers are encouraged to help disseminate the magazine's information and work.

Information from All Directions

The magazine boasts an international network of correspondent-investigators contributing to the CFRU. 'Ufologia' promises to publish detailed investigations of UFO landings and low-altitude flights, theoretical hypotheses aligned with current knowledge, general catalogues of past and present cases, articles on paranormal and PSI phenomena, and informative summaries on related fields like astronautics, astronomy, archaeology, exobiology, and lost civilizations. It also includes bibliographical references for further reading.

Subscription Conditions

Subscription rates are provided for one year (4 issues). For France, an ordinary subscription is 50 FF, and a support subscription is 70 FF. For international subscribers, Europe pays 55 FF (ordinary) and 75 FF (support). USA and Canada subscriptions by airmail are 60 FF, and for Japan, USSR, and Argentina (surface mail), it is also 60 FF. Payments should be made to UFOLOGIA-CFRU at the Forbach address. A stamped envelope is requested for any letter requiring a response.

Important Note to Collaborators

'Ufologia' welcomes contributions from readers. Submissions will be reviewed by the editorial team and should ideally be typed on 210/297 mm paper. Collaborators are encouraged to include sketches or photographs to illustrate their texts, with drawings to be done on white CANSON or BRISTOL paper. Political, religious, or advertising content will be refused. The responsibility for published documents lies with their authors.

Notes

Reproduction of excerpts or articles is permitted with the magazine's title and address. Readers are invited to become local correspondents by providing their name, address, and surveillance zone. All observations should be reported, with anonymity respected upon request. Submitted articles must include their dated source. The bulletin is available free of charge in exchange for other similar publications, and advertising is accepted on a reciprocal basis.

Cover and Editorial Content

The cover of issue 30 features a striking graphic with a large question mark and a flying saucer, set against a vibrant pink background. The magazine's title, 'ufologia', is prominently displayed, along with the ISSN and the subtitle 'Revue Documentaire & d'Information du Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques'.

Page 5 presents the table of contents for issue 30, which includes articles such as 'The FBI's Official Dossier and Involvement', 'A Low-Altitude UFO in Moselle (Unpublished Investigation)', 'Life on Earth 3.8 Billion Years Ago', 'UFOs in the Pineville/Missouri Sector - USA', 'A Giant Flying Object and its Occupant?', 'Giant UFO over Virginia', 'The UFOLOGIA/CFRU Press Review', 'Ufological Observations in Brief (Catalogue)', 'A Special 'C FRU' Badge', 'Humor & Realism: Let's Find Ufologists', 'A New Science Fiction Magazine: "ORBITES"', and 'INFO-SERVICE CFRU'.

The editorial, titled 'EDITORIAL N°30', reflects on the magazine's longevity, noting that CFRU is entering its 16th year and 'Ufologia' is approaching its 7th year. It acknowledges the financial support of readers and the unwavering dedication of collaborators. The editorial highlights the current issue's focus on both current events and history, featuring a significant dossier translated by Jean SIDER. It also touches upon the nature of UFO phenomena, quoting Jacques BONABOT: "It's not because a phenomenon cannot be explained that it doesn't exist..." The editorial encourages reflection on the UFO phenomenon and the possibility of encountering "other things" or "intelligence" that momentarily manipulates our person.

The FBI's UFO Dossier and Official Involvement

Pages 6-10 delve into an article by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, translated by Jean SIDER, titled 'THE UFO DOSSIER AND THE OFFICIAL INVOLVEMENT OF THE F.B.I.'. The article introduces Dr. Maccabee as a physicist and researcher involved in UFO investigations, affiliated with MUFON, NICAP, GROUND SAUCER WATCH, and CUFOS.

The author explains that he obtained approximately 400 pages of FBI UFO-related documents, considered the 'best of the bunch'. His initial impression is that the FBI's interest was significant, though the magazine's editorial team expresses a differing opinion on the extent of this interest.

The documents are categorized into three types:
1. 40% consist of reports and documents on already known cases, including hoaxes (e.g., the Maury Island incident).
2. 40% are teletype dispatches and transcripts of UFO sightings, some not included in the Project Blue Book.
3. 20% are internal FBI publication notes, revealing inter-service activities and the US Air Force's stance on UFOs.

The article details the FBI's involvement starting in 1947, particularly noting a surge in interest in 1964 during the L. Zamora (Socorro) case. It highlights that the FBI's initial mandate was to investigate witnesses, but after October 1947, their focus shifted towards the Armed Forces, though they continued to archive reports and conduct some verification.

Key directives from FBI Director Hoover are presented, emphasizing the need to determine if alleged UFO sightings were genuine, misinterpretations, or hoaxes. The FBI was to be immediately informed of all reports and investigation results. The article also mentions the FBI's cooperation with the Army Air Force (AAF) starting in July 1947, based on the AAF's indication that UFOs could be experimental devices or the result of subversive individuals aiming to create public psychosis.

The FBI's initial reluctance to open a full investigation is noted, with some internal memos suggesting that alleged discs were hoaxes. However, Hoover's personal intervention and insistence on obtaining access to recovered discs, particularly from the Louisiana case, are highlighted. The article concludes by stating that the FBI had an agreement with the AAF to investigate UFO reports, which appeared to be a cordial arrangement that could have lasted for many years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, historical investigations, and the official responses (or lack thereof) from government agencies like the FBI and the US Air Force. There's a strong emphasis on documentation, research, and providing a platform for detailed case studies and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging critical thinking and reflection, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation or even deliberate deception surrounding sightings. The magazine positions itself as an independent source of information, relying on reader support and volunteer contributions.

This issue of UFOLOGIA magazine, identified as issue number 21, focuses on a 'Review of the Press' and 'Current Events' related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Key Articles and Reports

The Lachambre, France Case (March 5, 1974)

The issue details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Lachambre, France, on March 5, 1974, at 9:00 PM. The report, based on an investigation, describes a multi-phase incident. The primary witness, Madame K., was in her garden when she was surprised by a powerful, localized flash of light. She described the light as being like a spotlight, illuminating only her and a small circular area around her. She felt momentarily 'amorphous' or 'insensibilized.'

Following the flash, Madame K. observed a luminous object flying overhead, described as being 'a little higher than the roofs of the houses.' The object had two distinct parts: a main body that was intrinsically luminous and a multi-colored trail. The main body was described as roughly oval, white-green-blueish in color, and larger than the apparent diameter of the moon. The color was compared to that seen during welding work. The trail was described as 'rainbow-colored' with three perfectly separated colors: white, then bluish, then red, with a thin scarlet streak where the trail met the object. The phenomenon emitted no sound and had no discernible metallic structure.

The object's trajectory was determined to be at a low altitude, estimated between 10 and 20 meters. The witness felt a displacement of air linked to the phenomenon. The object reportedly 'brushed' a village transformer and flew very close to high-tension cables, accompanied by a strong crackling sound, compared to electrical wires in winter. Despite this, no electrical power disruptions were reported. The object then flew in a south-east/north-west direction, over fields between Lachambre and Petit-Ebersviller, before the observation ended.

A confirmation of this event came from M. M., a resident of Petit-Ebersviller, who described the same object, time, and trajectory, corroborating Madame K.'s account.

Thionville Sighting (March 5, 1974)

Several days later, a person from Thionville, who wished to remain anonymous, reported observing a similar phenomenon on March 5th, shortly after 9:00 PM. The observation lasted about 5 seconds. The witness compared the object's brightness to electric welding and noted its shape was similar to the Lachambre case. The UFO appeared to be flying at low altitude and heading northwest, consistent with the Lachambre trajectory.

Interestingly, the Thionville witness initially didn't think much of the incident but recalled it the next day, prompting speculation about a direct psychic effect on witnesses.

Speed Hypothesis

Based on the Lachambre and Thionville sightings occurring within minutes of each other, the magazine calculates that the object covered 50 kilometers in approximately 3 minutes, implying a speed of about 1000 km/h. This speed is deemed too high for conventional aircraft to pass unnoticed and without significant noise.

Eliminations and Conclusion

The report systematically eliminates other possibilities: ball lightning (due to clear weather), shooting stars (different appearance), sounding rockets (different trajectory), satellites (usually unnoticed), and conventional aircraft (too noisy and high-flying). The conclusion is that the object was something entirely foreign to known terrestrial phenomena, strongly suggesting an extraterrestrial origin.

Complementary Note: Mairy-Mainville and Metz Sightings

An excerpt from 'Le Républicain Lorrain' dated March 7, 1974, describes an OVNI seen by M. René Hedin in Mairy-Mainville on March 5th around 9:00 PM, characterized by a blue ball-shaped head and a long reddish trail. Other testimonies corroborated this sighting. Additionally, an observation from Metz on March 4th at 9:00 PM is mentioned, describing a large metallic object with a riveted surface, similar to a warship, flying silently at low altitude (150-200m) along the Metz-Thionville axis.

"La Voix du Nord" Report: Fressin Meteorite Mystery (October 3, 1981)

This section details an event in Fressin, France, where residents were awakened by an exceptional noise. The following morning, a farmer discovered a strange, approximately 30 cm wide hole in his field, estimated to be six to seven meters deep. Investigations by the CNRS and the Faculty of Sciences, including mechanical excavation, were inconclusive. Experts suggested the object, if a meteorite, was small and might have disintegrated upon impact, or the phenomenon could have been caused by lightning.

"L'Alsace" Report: Marseille Sighting (November 3, 1981)

Fishermen and police in the Pointe Rouge area of Marseille reported seeing a UFO on Sunday morning. The object, described as sometimes gray and sometimes black, passed close to the coast for a long time before disappearing southward. Police witnesses filed a report.

"La Voix du Nord" Report: Feignies UFOs (Six Observations)

This article compiles six UFO sightings in the Feignies, France, area over three months. The first, on September 28th, involved an observer seeing a football-sized red and blue flashing object. Another, on November 6th, described a luminous object that changed from cigar-shaped to disc-shaped. Other sightings included strange balls and discs, and a cylindrical red object 4 meters high that reportedly landed in 1973, leaving behind evidence of negative ionization.

"L'Alsace" Report: Modenheim UFOs (October 10, 1981)

An inhabitant of Modenheim reported seeing five large, ovular, dark blue objects moving irregularly and silently in the sky between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The objects were described as having lights that changed from white to red and blue.

"Républicain Lorrain" Report: Taverny UFO (December 12, 1981)

Three police officers reported seeing a UFO hovering at an altitude of 200 meters above the COFAS air base in Taverny. The object remained stationary for several seconds before ascending vertically with a loud hum. Aviation authorities confirmed no aircraft were in the area at that time.

"Républicain Lorrain" Report: Mystery Cloud Around Earth (March 4, 1982)

This brief report mentions a mysterious cloud orbiting Earth at an altitude of 16-20 km, posing a problem for meteorologists who cannot determine its origin or composition. It is described as too large to be a radioactive cloud from a nuclear explosion and could be related to a volcanic eruption.

"Midi Libre" Report: Televised UFO (November 8, 1981)

A UFO was filmed by FR3 television in the Mireval and Montpellier region. The luminous object was seen making slow vertical movements before disappearing.

"L'Union" Report: Seine-et-Marne UFO (November 12, 1981)

Three witnesses reported seeing a hemispherical, luminous object, about 7 meters long and 3 meters high, hovering over a field in Seine-et-Marne. The object had a projector illuminating the ground.

"R.L." Report: Roanne UFO Identified (March 3, 1982)

An object seen by passengers and crew of three airplanes near Roanne was identified as a meteorological weather balloon operating at over 25,000 meters altitude.

"R.L." Report: Witnesses of Faith (February 25, 1982)

This report mentions officials, including a prefect and a general council president, who reported seeing a bright object, possibly a balloon, moving at 15,000 meters altitude near Roanne.

"L'Alsace" Report: Mulhouse UFO (February 14, 1982)

Fifteen police officers and other witnesses observed a bright white 'ball' in the sky over Mulhouse for over an hour. The object was described as 15 to 20 times larger than a star and moved slowly at low altitude. Photos were taken but did not capture the phenomenon. The object's shape seemed to change, and it was observed to have antennae-like structures and a cloudy trail. It eventually ascended vertically and disappeared towards Switzerland.

"Républicain Lorrain" Report: Missing Plane in Meuse (February 22, 1982)

A tourist plane disappeared in the Meuse region after the pilot reported engine trouble and intended to land in a field. The plane's code number was not provided, hindering identification. Search efforts were unsuccessful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, often emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses (e.g., police officers, pilots, farmers, schoolchildren). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, with a tendency to lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial origins when conventional explanations are ruled out. The magazine highlights the challenges in identifying such phenomena and the ongoing mystery surrounding them. There is a clear focus on detailed descriptions of object characteristics, behavior, and witness experiences.

This issue of "OBSERVATIONS UFOLOGIQUES" (page 21) presents a condensed compilation of press reports detailing numerous UFO sightings from April to October 1980. The publication focuses on unidentified aerial phenomena, astronautics, archaeology, parapsychology, and unusual phenomena, as indicated by the cover and the CFRU's areas of interest.

UFO Sightings from April 1980

The magazine begins with a series of reports from April 1980:

• April 2, 1980, Bar-le-Duc (Meuse): A slightly orange luminous point, larger than Venus and of high intensity, was observed for the fourth time in a week, making movements from bottom to top and left to right, heading northwest.
• April 5, 1980, Quimper (Finistère): A mother and her two children observed a luminous, silver object with a halo, evolving above the Kermoysan towers.
• April 6, 1980, Pouldergat (Finistère): Around 2:15 AM, an OVNI was seen moving at high speed near a quarry, then stopping at a distance from a car. It then reappeared from behind trees, stopped briefly above a radio pylon, and disappeared.
• April 7, 1980, Louhans (Saône-et-Loire): An automobilist and his sister saw a red-orange ball hovering above houses. The OVNI then dived obliquely to the roadside and disappeared two minutes later.
• April 8, 1980, Sainte-Menehould (Meuse): M. Hubert observed a luminous ball surrounded by two fire trails for about fifteen minutes.
• April 9, 1980, Kembs (Haut-Rhin): A silent, diamond-shaped OVNI, as large as a plane with two blinking white lights, followed a motorist in the forest near Kembs, disappearing slowly to the south. It was observed by many witnesses.
• April 12, 1980, Goesdorf (Bas-Rhin): Shortly after 11:30 PM, a luminous sphere, orange or dark red, rotating and moving slowly northwest, was observed by numerous witnesses. It stopped above a mountain and then disappeared rapidly.
• April 4, 1980, Civray (Charentes): A large, bright, stationary light hovered for several minutes, described a circle, and then headed northwest without noise.

International Sightings from May-June 1980

The reports then expand to international locations:

• May 1980, Montevideo (Uruguay): Witnesses observed an enormous red luminous ball with blinking green lights for four minutes. Electrical current and radio reception were interrupted.
• June 1980, Azerbaijan (Iran): The air force fired at a luminous object that disappeared. An arc-shaped OVNI was seen for 45 minutes. Another object, larger than the moon and light green, was observed.
• June 1980, Port Klang (Malaysia): A mini-flying saucer attacked a fuel depot with a laser, emitting blue and red lights. It immobilized itself above the terminal and set a house on fire with a luminous ray.
• June 1980, Chile: A Boeing aircraft on a flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago was accompanied by an OVNI at 15,000 meters, nearly colliding with it.
• June 14, 1980, Buenos Aires (Argentina): Numerous witnesses observed disc, cigar, and triangle-shaped OVNI between 7:00 PM and 7:08 PM.
• June 1980, Arequito Region (Brazil): Angel Morassi reported a strange object that emitted a bright light. The OVNI flew low over him, causing an intense ochre-colored burn on his right shoulder.
• July 1, 1980, Tulle (Corrèze): An automobilist observed a disc-shaped OVNI that transformed into a phosphorescent cigar, emitting green rays and moving silently.
• June 16, 1980, Rosario (Argentina): Four 50 cm tall humanoid figures visited a witness's room. Later, the witness was absorbed by an intense light and reappeared elsewhere, with a black spot on his right index finger.

Sightings from July-October 1980

The compilation continues with later sightings:

• July 27, 1980, Vaux-le-Pénil (Seine-et-Marne): Witnesses observed a conical OVNI with a cylindrical lower part, emitting luminous beams, moving from east to south.
• August 7, 1980, Taverny (Val-d'Oise): A landscaper observed an orange, star-shaped OVNI above a forest. It descended, stabilized for two minutes, and then moved away at high speed.
• August 5, 1980, Arcachon (Gironde): An unusual, luminous object was seen moving rapidly over the ocean, immobilizing itself several times, within a prismatic halo.
• August 16, 1980, Cergy Pontoise (Val-d'Oise): A luminous object, appearing as a very large, brilliant star surrounded by a blue halo, was observed with a slight oscillation.
• August 17, 1980, Pinols (Haute-Loire): Three orange balls were seen flying over a mountain. They formed a crescent shape, emitting strange rays, and followed a car before disappearing towards Lozère.
• August 18, 1980, Lezay (Deux-Sèvres): A witness saw a large, dazzling mushroom-shaped object that followed his car before disappearing.
• August 18, 1980, Cents (Luxembourg): A round or oval orange object approached a witness, and a smaller object detached from it. The larger object then reappeared, and the combined entity moved away at high speed.
• August 19, 1980, Honfleur (Calvados): Several witnesses saw a white, oval craft with an internal light. It suddenly ignited, and a sort of ramp descended before the object disappeared south.
• August 21, 1980, Cap-Ferret (Bassin d'Arcachon): A fireball with an orange and yellow trail, emitting crackling sounds, was observed moving south. It was identified as neither a satellite, an airplane, nor a shooting star.
• September 5, 1980, Plestin (Côte-du-Nord): Five witnesses were pursued by two fireballs.
• Late August 1980, St Jacques de Nehou (Manche): Oval lights with blurred contours were observed, followed by an intense white light crossing a curtain of trees.
• September 1980, Baridiane (Sénégal): An elongated white object with a bluish crown, emitting white smoke and heat, caused destruction, uprooted trees, and injured five people.
• September 1980, Caceres (Spain): A fireball moved rapidly at low altitude, destroying vegetation over a 3 km stretch, carbonizing animals, and drying up basins.
• September 9, 1980, Courlay (Deux-Sèvres): An object of oblong shape and orange-red color seemed to descend towards a path, then ascended and disappeared behind trees.
• September 18, 1980, Gordes (Vaucluse): Two scintillating lights moving in a zig-zag pattern were observed, followed by a phosphorescent triangle that emitted bright flashes before disappearing and reappearing.
• October 1980, Catalonia (Spain): Witnesses observed several OVNI at low altitude for over an hour and a half, emitting strong luminosity. Police observed the scene and signaled the OVNI, which responded with intermittent signals.

October-November 1980 Sightings

Further reports from late 1980 include:

• October 20, 1980, Thonon-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie): An automobilist observed a luminous shape that seemed to approach him.
• October 21, 1980, Neuchâtel (Switzerland): Witnesses observed a luminous flying phenomenon, and an audio recording of its passage was made.
• October 27, 1980, St Dizier, Ancer ville, Chamouilley (Haute-Marne, Meuse): Two witnesses saw an orange ball with a clearer halo, which elongated and disappeared into the clouds. Later, two haloed balls appeared above a small wood.
• October 27, 1980, Vertus (Marne): Three schoolchildren saw a spherical object with blue lights at the front, red at the rear, and red and blue around the perimeter. The silent OVNI moved at high speed, emitting flashing blue lights.
• October 28, 1980, Château-Thierry (Aisne): Several people observed a luminous ball stationary at high altitude for ten minutes before it slowly moved away and disappeared.
• October 31, 1980, Montceau-les-Mines (Saône-et-Loire): A journalist saw an OVNI, and simultaneously, witnesses saw two luminous balls. Extraordinary phenomena were reported, including a transistor turning on by itself, a circuit breaker activating, a magnetized rolling system on a curtain, ejected light bulbs, and a refrigerator working without power.
• October 31, 1980, Créteil (Val-de-Marne): Three OVNI were observed. The first two appeared as stars, one very large. A third object, red, yellow, and green, appeared, moved slowly, stopped abruptly, and then turned on itself.

The Ufologist's Life

Page 6 features an article titled "Quelles sont les activités de l'ufologue?" (What are the activities of an ufologist?). It debunks the myth of ufologists having an easy life, describing their work as demanding. It details the tasks involved, such as reading UFO magazines, participating in associations, organizing conferences (including logistics like room booking, formalities, poster placement, and managing finances), writing articles for association reviews, handling correspondence, and attending meetings. The article humorously states that a good ufologist needs to have 25-hour days and possess ubiquity.

Publications and Services

Pages 7 and 8 list various publications and services related to UFOs, science fiction, and the paranormal. These include "OCTA-MAGAZINE", "AGET-SERVICE", "FACETTES", "BIBLIOMAX", "LA NOUVELLE ERE", "MESSIER" (an astronomy club), "FANTASTIQUE", "ANTICIPATION", "IDEES POUR TOUS", and "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG".

Page 8 provides an extensive bibliography of books related to UFOs, extraterrestrials, and related phenomena, listing authors and publishers. Page 9 continues this bibliography, offering a comprehensive list of titles and their respective publishers, emphasizing that these are recommended for documentation but not necessarily endorsed in their entirety.

CFRU Information

The back cover (page 10) displays the logo and name "CFRU", indicating it originated from G.E.O.C.N.I. created in 1966. It lists the areas of interest: "objets volants non identifiés (o.v.n.i)", "astronautique", "archéologie", "parapsychologie", and "phénomènes insolites...".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the documentation and reporting of UFO sightings from around the world, with a particular focus on France. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and information dissemination regarding unexplained aerial phenomena and related subjects. The detailed accounts of sightings, including dates, locations, descriptions of objects, and observed behaviors, suggest a commitment to cataloging these events. The inclusion of a bibliography and information on related publications indicates an effort to provide resources for further research and engagement with the topic of ufology.