Vaucluse Ufologie - No 03 - Mai-juin 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE

Issue: n°3

Volume/Year: Année: 1977

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

Type: Bulletin d'Information Bimestriel

Country: France

Language: French

Editorial

The editorial, signed by Philippe Crespy and J. Manuel Cervantes, emphasizes the significant effort required to produce the information bulletin, which takes time away from ufological research. It highlights the importance of thorough investigation techniques for UFO cases and announces a meeting on Saturday, June 4th, to discuss this subject. The editorial notes the G.R.E.P.O.'s growing reputation and acceptance among other groups, mentioning its delegation for the international group 'Lumières dans la nuit' and its role as the representative association for C.U.F.O.S. France. It stresses the need for collaboration and active participation from all members to make the association a highly effective ufological circle in the department. The editorial also includes a quote from Marc Thirouin (1954) advocating for a scientific approach that embraces doubt while rejecting systematic skepticism, acknowledging that historical impossibilities can become today's truths.

Key Articles and Reports

Le cas de Saint-Gilles, une affaire sous hypnose.

This case study details an event that began with a hypnotic regression and led to the observation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The initial information was obtained during a hypnosis session conducted by Father H. in February-March 1974 in Orange. A 14-15 year old boy, under hypnosis, described an upcoming UFO landing in the region, linked to the full moon period. Troubled by this, Father H. later hypnotized a friend, a German professor in Orange, without providing specific details. The subject then declared that several UFOs would land in Saint-Gilles in three days, between 11 PM and midnight. Although the location was specified, the exact spot was not. Father H., accompanied by an investigative team, went to Saint-Gilles on the predicted night. Despite cold weather and a clear sky, they observed a large, luminous, electric blue sphere descending slowly. This sphere was surrounded by four other identical, smaller spheres. The formation moved in a curved trajectory, then descended vertically over Saint-Gilles. The objects then disappeared behind the town's buildings. The witnesses, particularly the adults, were deeply disturbed. Father H., an air force officer with experience in identifying natural phenomena, found the case singular and difficult to identify.

Les groupes et le phénomène de Poitiers.

This section reviews the information and international conferences held in Poitiers in June 1975 and June 1976. The author, René Faudrin, attended the second conference and expresses disappointment. He notes the presence of prominent ufologists but questions what concrete advancements were made for research. He mentions Captain Bernard Cocherau of the gendarmerie, who presented his personal opinion rather than an official stance, and acknowledges the gendarmerie's role in collecting UFO testimonies, though it's seen as semi-official. Jean-Pierre Petit is highlighted as the only speaker who energized the audience by discussing the possibility of creating their own UFOs, suggesting he could advance research. The author criticizes the lack of progress and the 'frustration of investigators' mentioned by Claude Poher. He calls for better coordination among UFO groups, more rigorous investigation, and a more organized approach to research, suggesting a 'Poitiers' level event for all groups to revitalize the field.

L'armée de l'air face aux O.V.N.I.

This article discusses the French Air Force's (Armée de l'air) involvement with UFOs, referencing an article by Lieutenant-Colonel Alexis in the review 'Armées d'aujourd'hui' (April 1976). The Air Force's role, as defined in 1954, is to examine testimonies for national defense relevance and correlate observations with aerospace phenomena, not to determine the origin or veracity of UFOs. The Commission d'Etude des Objets Célestes, created in 1954 within the Air Force, was dissolved after concluding no aggressive acts were observed. The article notes that no specific instructions exist for military personnel to report UFO sightings, leading to many potentially valuable testimonies being lost. It highlights the expertise of Air Force personnel (pilots, navigators, air traffic controllers, meteorologists) who frequently observe strange phenomena but lack a formal channel to report them. The author suggests that radar recordings and reports from competent individuals could greatly advance ufological knowledge, but the current system offers little motivation for military observers to submit such data.

Radar Detection of a UFO

This section reports on a radar detection of a UFO by an Air Force control center on the night of Monday, December 13th, to Tuesday, December 14th, 1976. Around 2 AM, a UFO was detected descending on Lyon at a bearing of 180 degrees. At 3 AM, it was observed heading towards Nancy, covering approximately 112 kilometers in 40 seconds, equating to about 10,080 km/h. Six observers witnessed this phenomenon. Again at 3:30 AM, the same phenomenon was observed. On Saturday, December 4th, 1976, three military controllers at the same center observed a fireball above the Vosges mountains with the naked eye. The article stresses the importance of such factual reports, supported by radar recordings, for ufological research, as they provide objective data beyond human testimony.

UN LABORATOIRE PHOTO ET UN BON PHOTOGRAPHE POUR LE G.R.E.P.O?

This is a call for assistance from the G.R.E.P.O. They are seeking an amateur or professional photographer with a well-equipped darkroom who is passionate about UFOs or their impact on photography. The association needs help analyzing photographic evidence and advising during observation nights. The goal is to study unusual photos already in their files and to document new cases more effectively.

UN O.V.N.I À L'ISLE SUR SORGUE

On Tuesday, January 25th, 1977, at 7:30 AM, a witness named Madame O. observed an unusual object while commuting to work. She estimated its altitude at 100-150 meters and its size comparable to a fighter jet. The object, described as flat with a dome and two non-blinding yellow lights, moved slowly and silently. It later appeared as a diamond shape with a red light in the center and a white light at the rear. A second witness, Mlle S., corroborated the observation. The gendarmes had also documented a third witness but had not yet located them. The object disappeared behind buildings after covering approximately 150 meters.

CAS PHOTO DE PONT JULIEN LE 7 NOVEMBRE 1976.

This report details a photographic case from November 7th, 1976, near Pont Julien. Two witnesses (a couple) observed a luminous point from their vehicle. The object was initially seen to the left of a reference star, moving rapidly horizontally before stopping. One witness then took a photograph of the object using a Petri EE camera with a 64 ASA Kodachrome film. The object was described as having a conical shape with the point facing down. During the 10-minute observation, the object moved away, eventually appearing as a faint point of light. The analysis of the photograph suggests the object was significantly brighter than a star, indicating it was not a natural celestial body. The article notes the presence of stratus clouds and a possible explanation for the object's appearance being related to the Coulon river valley. Further investigation of the location and route is recommended.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO sightings, the challenges of UFO investigation, the role of official bodies like the military in UFO research, and the importance of photographic evidence. The G.R.E.P.O. appears to advocate for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for objective data and careful analysis. There is a clear call for greater collaboration and active participation from members and the wider community to advance the field. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the investigation of phenomena while maintaining a critical and scientific perspective, as encapsulated in the quote by Marc Thirouin.

This issue of "Vaucluse Ufologie" (N°3), published by G.R.E.P.O. for May-June 1977, is a French-language bulletin dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Thematic Content

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine meticulously documents UFO sightings, primarily focusing on the Vaucluse region and surrounding areas in France. Several dated reports are presented:

• October 14, 1954: A busy day for UFO activity in France, with four cases noted in Vaucluse. In Vaison la Romaine, at 6 PM, five witnesses reported a fireball that appeared to burst. Earlier that day, at 1 PM in Vaison la Romaine, two planes were seen evolving around a silver, cigar-shaped object that headed towards Bollène. The issue queries if this is related to an object observed over Fontaine de Vaucluse the same day, which was reportedly followed by a patrol from the Orange-Caritat air base. Additionally, at 6:30 PM in Apt, a green, cigar-shaped object was observed by about ten witnesses. An observation in Roussillon, dated either October 14th or 15th, described a green craft evolving overhead. The publication notes the scarcity of details for these 1954 sightings and appeals for more information.
• February 2, 1977: In Cavaillon, a family observed a formation of four lights moving above the town.
• February 2, 1977: In Cavaillon, a family observed a formation of four lights moving above the town.
• March 3, 1977: Between Avignon and Orange, two individuals observed a large red-silver ball moving in zig-zags on the A7 highway.
• April 12, 1977: In Avignon, three residents reported seeing a long, brilliant white bar from their apartment window.

UFO Detection and Research

The bulletin highlights G.R.E.P.O.'s commitment to UFO detection. They are developing a magnetic detector that can register variations of 6 GAUSS, with plans to deploy multiple devices across the Vaucluse region. The aim is to track potential UFO movements by analyzing data from these detectors. The issue also mentions the acquisition of two GEIGER counters for field studies, which are being modified with the help of the 'Groupe Technique de Recherches (U.F.O.)' for current research needs.

Conferences and Publications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reporting on ufological events and publications. It details a conference held on April 15, 1977, in Sorgues, featuring writer and lecturer Alfred Nahon. Nahon presented his findings on UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on his extensive catalog of 579 reported sightings on the Moon between 1540 and 1967, suggesting the Moon might be inhabited or frequently visited by non-terrestrial craft. While acknowledging that not all his ideas are endorsed, the magazine concludes that there are indeed strange occurrences on the Moon, with a significant portion likely related to UFOs.

The issue also lists various ufological bulletins and magazines received by G.R.E.P.O. as part of an exchange program, including "UFO Informations," "PHÉNOMÈNES SPATIAUX," "L'AUTRE MONDE," "VERONICA," "UFOLOGIA," and "INFO O.V.N.I."

Organizational Information

Information is provided about G.R.E.P.O.'s structure, including its bureau for 1977, with René Faudrin as Director of Publication and Jean-Manuel Cervantes as Secretary General. The bulletin also details the organization's permanent meeting schedule at the Maison de Jeunes et d'Education Permanente in Sorgues, held on Saturdays from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

Furthermore, the magazine discusses G.E.O.S. (Groupement d'Etudes des Objets Spatiaux), an organization founded in 1967 by Gérard Lebat, which aims to study the UFO phenomenon and publishes the quarterly review "Les Extraterrestres." G.E.O.S. organizes public conferences and collaborates with various national and international groups.

Another organization mentioned is G.R.E.U. (Groupement de Recherches et d'Etudes Ufologiques), which aims to foster a new approach to research through a national action plan and epistolary contact with other associations.

Other Sections

• Letter to the Secretary of State for Research: A summary of a letter sent by René Faudrin on behalf of French research groups, urging the government to acknowledge the vast number of UFO sightings and the ongoing research by organizations like CNES and CNRS, despite limited resources.
• Le Dauphiné Libéré's UFO Column: The issue notes that "Le Dauphiné Libéré" has launched a weekly column titled "Dossiers insolites: Les O.V.N.I.", which covers UFO-related news and investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the development of UFO detection technology, and the promotion of ufological research through conferences and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information and collaboration among researchers. The publication emphasizes the importance of systematic research and data collection, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further investigation. There is a clear effort to connect with and support other ufological organizations, fostering a sense of community within the field.