Vaucluse Ufologie - No 04 - Juillet-Aout 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: n4
Date: July-August 1977
Publisher: GROUPEMENT DE RECHERCHE ET D'ÉTUDE DU PHÉNOMÈNE OV.N.İ. (GREPO)
Type: Bulletin d'Information

This issue of the Vaucluse Ufologie bulletin, published by GREPO, is dated July-August 1977 and is the fourth issue. The cover features a stylized map of the Vaucluse region with several illustrations of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the main headline "BULLETIN D'INFORMATION DU G.R.E.P.O.". The bulletin is bilingual, with French content.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the various sections within this issue:

• Editorial
• Bureau meeting on May 3, 1977
• The Correspondents' Page
• Conferences and Debates
• The 1950s Section
• Landing at Pontet in June 1976
• Incidences of meteorology on ufology in Vaucluse
• Our members in Vaucluse

Editorial

The editorial on page 3, signed by J. Manuel CERVANTES, Secretary General, acknowledges that it is vacation time, but emphasizes that ufology continues. It mentions that the bulletin might appear less substantial due to technical issues with the cover design. The editorial encourages readers to continue their observations during the holidays and to send in written reports, as "only what is written endures."

Bureau Meeting of May 3, 1977

Page 4 details the GREPO bureau meeting held on May 3, 1977, with attendees including René FAUDRIN, J.Pierre TROADEC, J.Manuel CERVANTES, and Camille FERRIER. Key points from the meeting include:

• Treasury: A balance of 648.40 Fr. was reported, with expenses exceeding income since December 1976.
• Bank Account: A CCP (Compte Courant Postal) account was opened in Marseille under the name GREPO.
• Expenses: Included membership cards, postage, stencils, investigator's memo pads, paper, and conference expenses.
• Delegations: The association's delegations to other UFO groups were reiterated, emphasizing their role in research and fostering relationships.
• GREPO assumed the delegation for "Lumières dans la nuit" in Vaucluse as of January 26, 1977, managed by J. Pierre TROADEC.
• GREPO also took on the delegation for GEOS France in Vaucluse as of April 2, 1977, managed by President René FAUDRIN.
• As of May 2, 1977, GREPO became the representative association for the CUFOS France section, affiliated with the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, USA, with J.Manuel CERVANTES handling collaboration.
• Membership: GREPO had 21 members at the time.
• Statutes: Proposed amendments to articles 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11 of the statutes were discussed.
• Bulletin Regulations: Modifications were made to the bulletin's regulations.
• Bulletin Results: J.Manuel CERVANTES reported on the circulation of bulletins n°1 and n°2. Bulletin n°1 (77 copies) was distributed for free and is now out of print. Bulletin n°2 (90 copies) had 3 sold at a conference, 3 subscriptions, and the rest were free. Bulletin n°3 was expected to have a print run of 100 copies.
• New Section: A proposal was made to create a new section called "La Page des Correspondants" to publish reports and articles from members outside the Vaucluse region.

The meeting was short on time, and some topics could not be fully addressed. The absence of some members was noted as a handicap for defining the association's status.

The Correspondents' Page

Page 5 features a report from a correspondent in Lyon, Lilyane Pelle, detailing an observation made in May 1977. Two secretaries witnessed a luminous, white, pearlescent object shaped like a flute, moving at phenomenal speed. The object traveled approximately 6-7 kilometers in 60-75 seconds at the altitude of a commercial airliner. It then turned 130 degrees North-West and ascended vertically before disappearing. The report notes that a jet aircraft was observed at 150 degrees East of the phenomenon. Attempts to get information from the Lyon-Satolas airport control tower were unsuccessful.

Conferences and Debates

Page 6 discusses a conference held by Jean Claude BOURRET in Avignon on June 9, 1977, on the theme "UFOs: Myth or Reality?". The conference was organized by a private secretariat that contacted local groups for publicity. GREPO, along with AREP, was involved in the local organization. The conference attracted a large audience, filling the 900-seat cinema. The presentation included the case of Corporal Armando Valdes, the experiences of Betty and Barney Hill, and Maurice Masse at Valensole. A debate followed, with questions answered by Mr. GOUIRAN (VERONICA) and Jean Pierre TROADEC (GREPO). Other attendees included Mr. TRALONGO (SOVEPS) and leaders from AREP. Approximately 80 subscription prospectuses for the GEOS magazine "LES EXTRA-TERRESTRES" were distributed.

Page 7 continues the discussion on the Jean Claude BOURRET conference, noting that attendees were seated in the balcony, leading to some initial friction. The author expresses a consistent opinion about Jean Claude BOURRET, acknowledging his significant influence due to his role as a journalist, which raises public awareness of UFOs.

Book Review: "CHASSEURS D'OVNI" by François GARDES

Page 7 also includes a review of the book "CHASSEURS D'OVNI" (UFO Hunters) by François GARDES, written by René FAUDRIN. The book is described as an excellent work, despite some imprecisions. The reviewer notes that the author, who was previously the general secretary of ADEPS Méditerranée, started with a skeptical tone but became a defender of UFOs through his writing. The 300-page book is highly recommended to sympathizers and members. The review quotes GEOS magazine, stating that the later chapters, where the author takes a clear stance, are the best. However, GEOS also points out that while the book aims to popularize the subject, its fragmented and ironic style might hinder a comprehensive understanding for the non-specialist. Michel SORGUES concludes that the book is an excellent critique of the ufological milieu and is published by Albin Michel in the "les chemins de l'impossible" collection.

RICHARD BESSIERE AT BOLLENE

Page 8 details a conference given by Richard Bessière in Bollène on April 20, 1977. Bessière, a recipient of the "Grand prix international de Science Fiction 1974", presented on topics such as the origin of flying saucers, parallel worlds, the magic triangle, and the presence of extraterrestrials. The conference included a projection of 200 slides illustrating celestial phenomena and theories about UFOs. Bessière suggested that ancient texts might describe ancient atomic explosions and that Vimanas were rockets. He also raised questions about Nazca lines, Tassili rock carvings, Tihuanaco, Palenque, and the hypothetical destruction of the continent IU. The review mentions Aimée Michel's orthoteny and the evolution of man, suggesting that life on Earth may not be unique. The presentation also touched upon human PSI faculties, the Bible as a source of information about extraterrestrial visits, Dr. Pagès' work on antigravitation, Einstein's relativity, the Bermuda Triangle, and the New York blackout.

The review of Bessière's conference is critical, noting his reliance on NASA as the sole source of information, which the reviewer deems insufficient for ufology. Several specific criticisms are raised:

• The reviewer questions Bessière's assertion that NASA is the sole criterion for information, stating that NASA is a "weak instrument" in ufology.
• Photos of Apollo missions are mentioned as being presented with a "ufological role" that stops there.
• Photos from Barrada-Tijuca (Rio) in May 1954, allegedly provided by NASA, are questioned.
• Doubtful photos from San José de Valdéras (Spain) were mixed with those from Cluj (Yugoslavia), with the reviewer finding the objects dissimilar.
• Photos from the 1950s taken near the Île de la Trinité by a national navy ship were presented as being taken in 1972 over Nevada, which the reviewer considers a significant error.
• The famous photo from Salem is questioned as a potential hoax.

Page 9 continues the critique of Richard Bessière's presentation. It points out a photo from a De Vecchi book that allegedly shows flying saucers over Orly, but is described as "several oil stains on a window" that have been enlarged. The reviewer also notes the use of photos from San-José de Valdéras to illustrate traces found in Valensole in 1965. The section concludes with a strong statement from Jean Pierre TROADEC urging Bessière to "quickly fill his gaps in ufology."

AMICAL UFOLOGICAL MEETING

Page 9 also announces an "AMICAL UFOLOGICAL MEETING" held on June 11-12, 1977, in Imbours (Haut-Vivarais). This meeting, organized by A.A.M.T. and other associated groups, aimed to bring together UFO research groups from the South and Southeast of France. The purpose was to foster camaraderie and share information. Several groups were listed with their presidents and number of members present:

• A.A.M.T. (Association des Amis de Marx THIROUIN)
• C.R.U.N. (Comité de Recherches Ufologiques de Nice)
• C.S.E.R.U. (Comité Savoyard d'Etudes et de Recherches Ufologiques)
• G.L.R.U. (Groupement Langedois de recherches Ufologiques)
• G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Etude du Phénomène O.V.N.I.)
• G.R.I.P.H.O.M (Groupe de Recherche et d'Information Plocéen sur les Objets Ilystérieux)
• V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A.
• and the D.E.P.S. association.

Presentation of Groups - Activities and Projects

Pages 10 details the activities and projects of some of the groups present at the Imbours meeting.

• A.A.M.T.: Founded in late 1973, it has 65 members and 80 subscribers. Their activities include investigations and public information through audio-visual presentations. Their main project is the creation of a comprehensive file of all observed UFO cases in France, including humanoid presence and landings, managed by Mr. FIGUIER. This file, along with archived documentation, is available to all groups.
• D.E.P.S.: Presented the work of one of its members, who has developed a triangulation of France based on precise landing sites. After 10 years, these points form a logical pattern. The base of the triangles creates an orthotenic line. This triangulation is being programmed for a computer to predict future landing sites. Results are expected in a few months.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Vaucluse Ufologie emphasizes the ongoing nature of UFO research despite seasonal breaks like vacations. It highlights the importance of documentation and reporting observations. The bulletin actively engages with other UFO research groups, fostering collaboration and information exchange, as seen in the coverage of the Imbours meeting. There is a critical stance towards inaccurate or sensationalized reporting, particularly evident in the critique of Richard Bessière's conference. The publication also reviews books related to ufology, offering both praise and constructive criticism. The overall stance appears to be one of serious, albeit sometimes skeptical, investigation into the UFO phenomenon, with a focus on factual reporting and critical analysis within the French ufological community.

This document, titled "La Rubrique des Années Cinquante," appears to be a section or a special issue focused on UFO (OVNI) phenomena, particularly within the Vaucluse region of France. The content spans observations and research from the 1950s through the 1970s, with a specific focus on meteorological influences and the activities of various UFO research groups.

UFO Research Groups and Their Activities

The issue details several UFO research organizations:

• CRUN: Founded 1.5 years prior to the article, it comprises about twenty members, including ten scientists from the CNRS. CRUN is studying 140 cases of humanoid sightings in France, using computer analysis and both scientific and psychological perspectives. Their code is based on POHER.
• C.S.E.R.U.: Established in 1974-75 with 70 members (25 active), this group focuses on investigations, establishing an information network in the Haute Savoie region, and conducting conferences to educate the public. They systematically collect reports from the gendarmerie and air bases and are in contact with Dauphiné Libéré. Their projects include an exhaustive study of ufology in French by author and a chronological census of UFO phenomena from antiquity to the present day.
• G.L.R.U.: Created in 1975 by H. PEYRET, it has 10 contributing members. Their bulletin is distributed free of charge. The group's main activities are investigations and archival research, with a particular focus on the observation-rich year of 1954.
• G.R.E.P.O.: Founded in 1975, it has 23 contributing members and a bi-monthly bulletin. It represents CUFOS and LDLN (among other present groups) and GEOS in the Vaucluse. Their primary activities are investigations and conferences, including the use of magnetic detectors and radioactivity controllers.
• G.R.I.PH.O.II: Established in 1973 with 31 members, this group has considerable resources from donations and member financing. They specialize in UFO techniques and traps, having developed a digital electric thermometer, an ultrasonic receiver/emitter with a 36 km range, and an EI-SCANNER system linked to a probe for magnetic field detection. Their projects also include an oscilloscope for measuring alternating magnetic fields, a pulsograph for luminous frequency emitted by UFOs, and detectors for telluric currents and seismic tremors.
• V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A.: Founded in February 1974, it has 75 contributing members and 75 subscribers. Their activities involve public information, information gathering, and research participation, including the development of a detector. Their original project is a photo-ciné system mounted on a kite. The group is in contact with the Pyrénées Orientales and is an IDLN delegation for the Gard region.

The publication expresses gratitude for the considerable work of these groups.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• Avignon - Villeneuve lès Avignon (August 1958): René FAUDRIIN and Jean Manuel CERVANTES investigated a sighting where three friends observed multi-colored sparks for a few seconds, suggesting the departure of an engine or 'flying saucer.' They saw no object shape but felt it was the start of an engine, with a burst of blue sparks.
• Le Thor (around August 14, 1958): An instituteur reported seeing an object resembling a 'northern light' with an East-South-West trajectory. The article notes that the specific newspaper article could not be found, urging readers to provide information.
• Orange (1958, around 11:30 PM): This case was previously presented in bulletin n°2 and is noted as one of the few cases from 1958.
• Le Pontet (June 1976): The family V. reported an incident where, while driving, they observed an unusual, oval-shaped metallic mass on the ground, described as 'a pretty metallic gray' and surrounded by a greenish phosphorescent halo. The object, estimated to be about 2.50 x 1.50 meters, rose vertically like a dirigible. Mademoiselle V. followed its ascent until it was obscured by trees. The observation lasted only a few seconds. No traces were found on the ground. The object's surface was smooth and metallic, and it was compared to a rugby ball. It was positioned about fifty meters from high-tension power lines.

Meteorology and Ufology

The publication explores the intersection of meteorology and ufology, particularly concerning the Vaucluse region:

• Winds: Dominant winds in the region are identified as the Mistral (cold, dry, from the north), the Tralontane (cold, from the north), and the South wind (bringing warm, cloudy air from the Mediterranean).
• Radio Sondages: Meteorological radio sondages involve launching weather balloons at fixed hours (00:00 TU and 12:00 TU) from five stations in France (Bordeaux, Brest, Trappes, Lyon, Nîmes), with Nancy having a sixth station for 12:00 TU only. These balloons are used for measuring pressure, temperature, and humidity at altitude. When observed from afar, they can appear as luminous objects, sometimes with a smaller luminous object below (the radio sonde itself).
• Incidences on Vaucluse: Four meteorological balloon launches could potentially be of interest to Vaucluse: Lyon (00:00 and 12:00 TU) and Nîmes (00:00 and 12:00 TU). However, the probability of these balloons reaching Vaucluse is considered low, with Valence being a more likely location.
• Altitude: These balloons can reach altitudes of 1000 to 5000 meters, and sometimes higher, before potentially bursting.
• Warning: The article cautions that meteorological radio-sondes are not the only balloons of importance; scientific weather balloons are also present in the sky and may be mistaken for UFOs.
• Météo Stations in Vaucluse: Three important meteorological stations are located in the Vaucluse: Base Aérienne 115 (Orange Caritat), 1er G.M.S. d'Apt - Saint Christol, and Mont Ventoux. Information can be obtained by phone from the Orange base.
• Time Notation: The article clarifies that TU (Temps Universel) needs to be converted to local time by adding 1 hour in winter and 2 hours in summer.

Membership and Organization

The issue concludes with a list of members and investigators residing in the Vaucluse region, providing their names and addresses. It emphasizes the need for more members to organize research more effectively and encourages readers to join.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the scientific study of potential explanations, including meteorological factors. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation, information sharing, and rigorous investigation, while also cautioning against misidentification of known objects like weather balloons. The publication aims to gather data, correlate observations, and understand the UFO phenomenon more comprehensively.