Vaucluse Ufologie - No 02 - Mars-Avril 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE

Issue: n°2

Date: 1977

Publisher: GROUPEMENT DE RECHERCHE ET D'ÉTUDE DU PHÉNOMÈNE OV.N.İ. (G.R.E.P.O.)

Type: Bulletin d'Information Bimestriel (Bimonthly Information Bulletin)

Country: France

Language: French

Editorial and Organizational Information

The issue begins by noting that G.R.E.P.O. is two years old, having been founded in March 1975. The bulletin, titled 'Vaucluse Ufologie', aims to summarize the group's actions and extend its study of UFO phenomena throughout the Vaucluse department. It is presented as the consecration of the G.R.R.P.O. - Vaucluse Delegation of Lumières Dans La Nuit (LDLN), thanking Mr. Veillith for entrusting them with this. The publication serves as a call to all passionate Vaucluse residents and LDLN investigators to join and support their efforts, highlighting the lack of organized ufological activity in the region previously.

The composition of the bureau for 1977 is listed: Camille FERRIER (Honorary President), René FAUDRIN (President), Jean-fanuel CERVANTES (General Secretary), Philippe CRESPY (Deputy Secretary), Jean-Pierre TROADEC (Treasurer - Regional Delegate LDLN), and Robert FRANCHINO (Coordinator of public meetings).

Reproduction of articles is authorized with clear attribution. The responsibility for the content of the articles lies solely with their authors. Subscription details are provided: 6 issues per year for 30 francs (ordinary subscription) or 50 francs (subscription and membership to G.R.E.P.O.). Correspondence should be addressed to Monsieur Jean-Manuel CERVANTES at 104 allée des Lilas, L'Arbalestrière, 84130 LE PONTET. The registered office is located at Maison de Jeunes et d'Education Permanente, avenue Pablo Picasso, 84700 SORGUES. René FAUDRIN is listed as the Director of Publication.

Historical Context of UFO Research Organizations

An article by Jean-Pierre TROADEC, Regional Delegate LDLN, details the history of the 'Lumières Dans La Nuit' (LDLN) organization. Founded in 1958 by Mr. VEILLITH, director of a children's home, LDLN began as a mimeographed publication. VEILLITH's passion for astronomy and vital questions about humanity led him to study UFOs after reading Aimée Michel's book 'Lueurs sur les S. V.'. He aimed to gather information and share the truth about UFOs. LDLN grew, initially with a monthly mimeographed publication until August 1961, then alternating with printed issues, and finally becoming fully printed in November 1962. A magnetic detection network was established in March 1963, but VEILLITH struggled with the volume of correspondence. Rising printing costs in 1964 led to bimonthly publications. Local study groups began forming, focusing on specific aspects of ufology like contact cases and humanoids.

A significant development occurred in 1966 when F. LAGARDE, a passionate reader, joined VEILLITH, bringing enthusiasm and contributing significantly to LDLN's growth. By spring 1968, the revue returned to monthly publication. The organization expanded its networks for alerts and investigations, and established international exchange programs, including a translation service. Numerous volunteers contributed to the revue through secretarial work, archiving, and other tasks. The article also mentions the 'RESUFO' (sky photographers network) and 'FIDUFO' (UFO documentation computer file), as well as the 'GTR' (technical research group).

In 1969, Aimée MICHEL, an authority in the field, joined the editorial board. The article emphasizes the collaborative effort involving technicians and scientists. It describes the role of an 'Enquêteur' (Investigator) as the cornerstone of ufology and information gathering, responsible for field research, witness interviews, and documentation. Each investigator receives an official card and a guide. The Regional Delegate's role is coordination, facilitating communication between investigators and transmitting regional information to the central office. The article concludes by quoting Alexis Carrel on the power of collective effort, encouraging contributions to the common work regardless of perceived insignificance.

UFO Observations and Research in Vaucluse

René FAUDRIN presents 'LA RUBRIQUE DES ANNEES 50' (The 1950s Column), aiming to present UFO observation cases from the Vaucluse department from that decade. He seeks to stimulate further investigations and acknowledges that most information comes from limited press reports, expressing a desire to uncover more details.

Two specific cases are detailed:

• May 28, 1952: A luminous blue ball was observed around 1 AM in Vaison-la-Romaine. It was later seen heading towards Gap, accompanied by a blue halo, and was observed by a controller in Roussillon, then moving towards Vienne. It was also seen by three journalists in Décines and by four witnesses in Hodanc (Savoie) around 1:15 AM, described as leaving a pale trail and appearing orange. The reference for this case is 'La Propulsion des Soucoupes Volantes' by Joan Plantier (1955).
• 1958 (around 11:30 PM): A witness, then 14 years old and a member of G.R.E.P.O., reported seeing an orange then bluish ball near the Legion barracks on the road to Avignon in Orange. The object was described as silent, without a trail, and significantly larger than a shooting star, appearing to be at a high altitude. The witness could not recall exact details of the event.

FAUDRIN encourages readers to share any information they might have on these or other cases from the 1950s in the Vaucluse.

Scientific Analysis of a Celestial Object

An article by Dr. Pierre KOHUR (from 'Espace' n°150) analyzes a celestial object observed on August 3, 1975, near Jupiter. The object, appearing dark and circular, moved slowly across Jupiter's disk for 20-30 seconds. It was noted that its diameter was approximately 1/3 larger than Jupiter's largest satellite. The article explores several hypotheses:

• Artificial Satellite: Calculations based on apparent speed and angular diameter suggest that if it were a terrestrial artificial satellite at altitudes of 200 km or 3000 km, its apparent speed would be significantly higher than observed. Even considering a geostationary orbit (36,000 km), the speed remains too high.
• Asteroid: For an asteroid at an average distance of 250 million km from Earth, its diameter would need to be around 2500 km, which is larger than any known asteroid. If closer, its apparent speed would still be too high. The article dismisses the possibility of large asteroids (over 100 km) being undetected at closer distances.
• Atmospheric Object: If the object was close (e.g., 30 km), its real diameter could be around 30 cm, with a plausible speed of less than 1 km/h. At 300 km, the diameter could be 3 meters, with a speed of less than 10 km/h. However, the altitude required for such an observation angle would exceed 100 km, making it improbable for a balloon.

The analysis concludes that the observed object's characteristics do not align with known natural or artificial celestial bodies based on current understanding.

G.R.E.P.O. Activities and Communications

Public Conference: On Wednesday, March 9, 1977, G.R.E.P.O. was invited to give a conference on UFOs at the Centre Féminin Agricole in Vaison-la-Romaine. Approximately forty people attended. Jean-Manuel CERVANTES and Jean-Pierre TROADEC presented the history and current situation of UFOs in France and worldwide, using numerous slides. The session included a Q&A session and a discussion on contact cases, featuring the famous Georges Adanski case.

Public Conference: On Tuesday, March 22, 1977, Jean Claude BOURRET, a journalist for T.F.1, gave a conference-debate on UFOs in St-Paul-les-Trois-Châteaux, organized by the Young Economic Chamber of Provence. Around 500 people attended. BOURRET discussed his access to French gendarmerie UFO files from 1975 and presented slides of various phenomena, including 'Foo-Fighters', UFO photographs, and observations by cosmonauts. G.R.E.P.O. had a behind-the-scenes meeting with BOURRET, sharing their first bulletin and investigation methods.

Press Service: The bulletin lists received press materials, including bulletins from the Centre Etudes Fraternité Cosmique, a manual from the Groupement Nordiste d'Etudes O.V.N.I., the first bulletin of the Association d'Etudes des Soucoupes Volantes, and an article from 'L'Autre Monde' magazine. It also mentions past international journals like 'Le Courrier Interplanétaire'. These materials are available for consultation by members.

Upcoming Meetings: Dates for G.R.E.P.O. meetings at the Maison des Jeunes in Sorgues are announced: April 23, May 21, June 11, July 9, August 6, September 24, October 21, November 25, December 23. Meetings are held from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Archives and Research

René FAUDRIN emphasizes the importance of archival research, particularly in press archives, to uncover UFO observations in the Vaucluse that may not be widely known. He encourages contributions from anyone who has conducted similar research, noting that while time-consuming, archival discoveries can be very rewarding.

G.R.E.P.O. Slide Show Presentations

G.R.E.P.O. has created two slide show presentations available for public display:

1. General Ufology Presentation: Approximately 180 slides covering the history of LDLN, Marc Thirouin, UFO phenomena through sketches and photographs (including 'Foo-Fighters' and 'ufological diaporama' of the best global UFO photos), phenomena that are not UFOs, historical UFO sightings, cosmonaut observations, famous cases (Valensole, Quarouble, Dr. X), robot portraits of UFO occupants, observed alien craft, ground traces, current ufology, films of UFOs, and conclusions.
2. George Adamski Case Presentation: This presentation is dedicated to the life and contact cases of George Adamski, featuring his famous photos of alien spacecraft, analysis of these documents, and other similar craft photos from around the world.

Any group or association interested in hosting these presentations can contact G.R.E.P.O.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion and development of UFO research within the Vaucluse region of France. There is a strong emphasis on historical research, particularly through archival work and the review of past observations from the 1950s. The bulletin highlights the organizational efforts of G.R.E.P.O. and its affiliation with national and international ufological groups like LDLN. Scientific analysis of specific sightings is presented, demonstrating a commitment to a rigorous approach. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, information sharing, and encouraging public participation in understanding the UFO phenomenon. The publication aims to be a central hub for ufological activity in Vaucluse, fostering collaboration and disseminating knowledge.

This issue of 'L'Écho des Anomalies Lunaires' (N° 13), published by G.R.E.P.O. in February 1977, focuses on UFO/UAP sightings in France and explores theories regarding extraterrestrial activity on the Moon. The magazine features detailed witness testimonies, research articles, and information about the organization's activities.

Witness Accounts

Sorgues, Vaucluse - February 25, 1977

Reported by Jean-Pierre Troidoc, four witnesses (an hotel owner, his mother, an employee, and a merchant) observed a strange object on the evening of February 25, 1977, at 9:45 PM. The phenomenon, described as a ball-shaped object with red-green-yellow colors, predominantly yellow, appeared above the Dentelles de Montmirail. It seemed to hover, then executed a vertical translation movement, giving it a strange appearance. The object scintillated strongly and had an angular height of 30 to 35 degrees. The witnesses retreated into the bar, and the phenomenon continued its up-and-down oscillating translation.

Sorgues, Vaucluse - October 13, 1975

This report details an observation by a 10-year-old witness, Mar C., on October 13, 1975, at 7:05 PM. The object was described as delta-shaped and composed of three assembled rods, appearing as large as a transport plane in length and width. It moved constantly and regularly in a horizontal plane towards the Southwest (S.O.). Its speed was compared to that of a 'caravelle' in altitude. The object had a moon-like color that did not scintillate but was brilliant. No sound was heard. The object then seemed to vanish slowly and progressively, moving vertically and disappearing over a distance of 2 to 3 kilometers. The witness was visibly distressed by the event.

Eyragues, France - January 12, 1977

An investigation by Alain Baricaud for LDLN-GREPO documents an observation by Jacky Bas, a CNRS technician, and his family on January 12, 1977. While driving home, Mr. Bas noticed a luminous point resembling Venus but in an area where no star should be. The light intensity decreased and returned to normal. Later, he and his daughter observed two luminous points, similar to the first, moving southwards. These objects descended slightly, accelerated, changed color from bright yellow to dark red, and disappeared at an altitude of 200 meters. Another object then appeared and repeated the process. Mr. Bas used a telescope to observe one object, describing it as a 'dome' with a blurry cone below, with light 'dripping' and a reddish hue. He noted that these objects made no noise, unlike a passing airplane. The objects performed several trajectories, eventually accelerating rapidly towards the south and disappearing towards the Alpilles.

Research and Archives

"RECHERCHES D'ARCHIVES" by René Faudrin

René Faudrin emphasizes the importance of researching historical press archives for UAP sightings, particularly in the Vaucluse region. He encourages readers to share their findings from municipal archives, museums, and local legends to build a comprehensive understanding of ufology in the area. He acknowledges that such research is often tedious but rewarding.

GREPO Presentation Montages

The G.R.E.P.O. has created two slide show presentations. The first, comprising about 180 slides, offers a general overview of ufology, covering topics like 'Lumières Dans La Nuit,' the work of Marc Thirouin, UAP approaches through sketches and photographs, Foo-Fighters, historical UAP cases, cosmonaut observations, and conclusions. The second presentation is dedicated to the famous case of George Adamski, detailing his life, contacts with extraterrestrials, and photographs of spacecraft.

Conference and Debate in Portuis - February 19, 1976

René Faudrin recounts his experience at a conference organized by the Bouches-du-Rhône section of the Commission d'Etude Ouranos in Portuis. He notes the low attendance, possibly due to a simultaneous gala event. The conference included a presentation on UAP phenomena and a debate. Faudrin highlights two key points from the debate: the common misconception that UAP automatically means 'flying saucers carrying little green men,' when UAP simply means 'unidentified flying objects,' which could be natural phenomena or unknown craft. He stresses the need for strict definition and correct information. Secondly, he expresses disappointment with a response from a responsible member of the organizing committee who suggested that some 'secrets' about UAP might not be suitable for public disclosure, which Faudrin views as an 'occultation of ufology.' He also refutes the idea that UAP is a 'new belief,' arguing it's a search for truth in a civilization increasingly abandoning traditional religions.

Lunar Anomalies and Extraterrestrial Bases

"LA LUNE ET SES DEFIS A LA SCIENCE" by Alfred Nahon

This section features an article by Alfred Nahon, a psychologist and author, who has a long-standing interest in ufology and lunar phenomena. Nahon's book, published in February 1973, presents numerous scientific documents and observations suggesting the existence of extraterrestrial bases on and around the Moon. He cites the conviction of Russian and American secret services, as reported by former agent Georges Langelan, that something significant is happening on and around the Moon.

Nahon's book is described as a comprehensive catalog of manifestations related to UAP on the Moon and its periphery. He was a pioneer in this field, creating the 'Courrier Interplanétaire' journal in the 1950s, which dealt with flying saucers and human problems like the atomic bomb. The GREPO has acquired a large part of this collection for its archives.

Evidence of Lunar Activity

Nahon discusses the difficulty of summarizing his 250-page book but extracts key elements. He refers to a 1968 NASA catalog of 'lunar anomaly reports' containing 579 unusual astronomical observations from 1540 to 1967. He highlights several cases:

• October 22, 1790: Astronomer Herschel observed about 150 round, red, moving spots during a total lunar eclipse, suggesting extraterrestrial activity.
• February 13, 1836: Astronomer Gruithuisen observed two straight lines of light and a luminous band in the Messier crater.
• July 4, 1881: Multiple observers reported 'two luminous pyramidal protuberances' on the lunar limb that slowly faded.
• November 23, 1988: Astronomer Von Speissen observed a 'triangular light spot' for 45 minutes.
• May 2, 1895: Parallel lines of light were observed in the Platon crater.
• January 31, 1915: Astronomer Burgess observed 'seven white spots like the Greek letter gamma' in the Littrow crater.
• April 2, 1952: Lunar specialists Wilkins and Moore saw 21 spots on the Moon, one 'surrounded by a luminous zone.'

Nahon questions why NASA or the US government has not sent astronauts to investigate these specific craters (Gassendi, Art Starque, Platon, Alphonse), implying a deliberate avoidance of these areas.

He further elaborates on the Gassendi crater, referencing a photograph and observations by Professor Wilkins and Desmond Leslie. They noted parallel striations, triangles, geometric shapes, and holes or domes. Wilkins observed parallel lines that seemed to disappear on the opposite side of the crater, and 'regular lines of dots' ascending the mountain. He also reported a 'very bright point of light' emerging from a tunnel-like structure and flying into space at considerable speed.

Nahon concludes that these are not natural phenomena but evidence of extraterrestrial presence on the Moon, predating humanity and acting as 'conscious ecologists' for the solar system. He believes this is where a historic encounter between humanity and other civilizations will occur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UAP sightings with detailed witness accounts and attempts to provide a scientific or investigative perspective. There is a strong emphasis on archival research and the collection of evidence. The publication also champions the freedom of expression for researchers like Alfred Nahon, even when their conclusions, such as the existence of lunar bases, may be controversial or differ from the mainstream ufological community's views. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging investigation and the sharing of information, while also being critical of perceived secrecy or lack of transparency within the field.