Vaucluse Ufologie - No 09 - Mai-Juin 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE

Subtitle: BULLETIN D'INFORMATION DU G.R.E.P.O.

Issue: N° 9

Date: Bimestriel (Bi-monthly), July 1978

Publisher: G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Étude du Phénomène OVNI)

Country: France

Language: French

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: The Role of Ufologists and Scientific Engagement

The editorial, written by J. Pierre Troadec, begins by quoting Marc Thirouin: "Our role as precursors is to clear the ground; then will come scientists whose first preoccupation will be to forget us and deny our very existence." Troadec reflects on this sentiment, considering the potential future engagement with scientific bodies like GEPAN. He emphasizes the importance for ufologists to maintain their integrity, honesty, and tenacity, even while acknowledging that scientists are currently best equipped to study the UFO phenomenon with advanced techniques.

Troadec suggests that unofficial and private contact with scientists might be possible and could yield results. He proposes that if such contact is made on a human level, it could be fruitful, and only after such attempts could they re-evaluate their stance towards these phenomena.

The editorial also includes quotes from Albert Einstein ("What is incomprehensible is that the world is comprehensible.") and Jean Cocteau ("Mirrors would do well to reflect before returning certain images.").

G.R.E.P.O. Organization and Administration

Page 2 details the structure and administration of the G.R.E.P.O. It is declared as an ASBL (non-profit association) and holds delegations for "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" and the "GROUPE D'ETUDES DES OBJETS SPATIAUX" (representing CUFOS France). The bureau composition is listed, including honorary president Camille Ferrier, president René Faudrin, vice-president and treasurer Jean Pierre Troadec, and secretary Lyliane Troadec, among other members responsible for investigations, detection, and photography.

Honorary members include Jean Michel Cervantès and Jean Leclaire. The editorial committee consists of Lyliane Troadec and Laurent Gachet. The bulletin welcomes contributions from all members and readers, with authors being responsible for their content. Article reproduction is authorized with clear source attribution.

Subscription details are provided: 50 Francs for subscription and membership to G.R.E.P.O., 30 Francs for a simple subscription, and 5 Francs per issue. All subscriptions begin on January 1st. Membership includes a member card and access to G.R.E.P.O. activities. Correspondence should be addressed to Jean Pierre Troadec in Lyon, and the association's headquarters are located in Sorgues.

Catalogue of Observations: Vaucluse, 1977

This section, authored by Philippe Crespy, presents an analysis of approximately thirty UFO sighting cases reported in Vaucluse up to early 1978. The study aims to provide an overview of the UFO phenomenon's presence in the department.

Synthesis:

Monthly Distribution: Out of 31 cases (with case 3 assimilated and case 23 split), a peak is observed in January with 6 cases. A dip occurs in July, followed by a gradual increase towards November, which also had 5 cases. A resurgence is noted in January 1978.

Hourly Distribution: Most observations (about a quarter) occur between 7 PM and 10 PM, which is typical. Notably, there are 4 observations at 7 AM, considered unusual. The data is presented in a circular graph.

Geographic Distribution: The phenomenon appears concentrated in a corridor to the East-Northeast of Vaucluse, particularly between Avignon and Orange. The author questions whether this is due to the higher population density in this area or if it's simply where more observers are located and information circulates better. The possibility of the phenomenon occurring throughout Vaucluse, undetected in less populated areas, is also raised.

Observed Phenomena: "Flying saucers" in the classic sense are not abundant. However, luminous balls and lights are frequently reported. The difficulty lies in accurately assessing the distance and true size of these objects. Some sightings might be misinterpretations of artificial or natural phenomena by observers in good faith.

Catalog of Cases (1977):

The bulletin then lists 30 specific cases with dates, locations, descriptions, and sources:

1. Jan 1, 1977 (20:00) - Mondragon: A semi-spherical, blinking, yellowish-white object with green lights, descending silently.
2. Jan 3, 1977 (18:20) - Vedène: An orange, meteor-like object separating into two parts, moving rapidly SW to NE.
3. Jan 22-25, 1977 - Vaison-la-Romaine: Punctual objects observed around 3 PM with aberrant trajectories.
4. Jan 25, 1977 (07:30) - L'Isle-sur-Sorgue: A flat, aluminum object with yellow headlights, diamond-shaped, moving slowly at 150m altitude.
5. Jan 28, 1977 (07:00) - Carpentras: A large, blurry, orange-yellow ball moving south under clouds.
6. Jan 29, 1977 (21:05) - Sorgues: A strong orange light appeared suddenly, moving silently for 30 minutes.
7. Feb 2, 1977 (18:55) - Bollène Ecluse: Four immobile lights observed for 5 minutes, then moved vertically.
8. Feb 2, 1977 (19:40) - Cavaillon: An object with red and yellow lights, moving rapidly at 100m altitude, estimated 6m diameter.
9. Feb 17, 1977 (07:15) - Bagnols/Cèze (Gard): A large, bright orange, circular glow with a white center, from which two lights detached.
10. Feb 24, 1977 (19:00) - Avignon: A white ball moving in a straight line at high speed.
11. Feb 25, 1977 (21:45) - Dentelles de Montmirail: Three witnesses observed a red-green-yellow ball, the size of an orange, moving vertically.
12. Mar 3, 1977 (20:30) - Orange: A luminous ball moving in zig-zags, changing color from red to silver, then making a large jump.
13. Mar 4, 1977 (05:40) - Sorgues: A white circular object moving South to North, changing color.
14. March (date imprecise) - Dentelles de Montmirail: About twenty luminous objects observed, with a large star-like shape moving erratically.
15. Apr 2, 1977 - Lauris: A magnetic detector triggered, but no visual observation was made.
16. May 9, 1977 (22:30) - Tulette-Orange: A yellow ball disappeared towards the West; later, two silent objects, one like a cylinder, were seen taking off vertically.
17. June (date imprecise) (02:40) - Chateauneuf-du-Pape: A whitish light, about 1 meter in diameter, moved horizontally at 100m altitude before turning sharply East.
18. Aug 15-20, 1977 - A7 Cavaillon: A luminous object followed a car for a long distance.
19. Aug 28, 1977 (06:10) - Orange: A pink, cigar-shaped object, becoming oval, with a smaller red object underneath, moved vertically.
20. Sep 2, 1977 (21:30) - Pertuis: A bluish, cigar-shaped object moved SW at 400m altitude, estimated 30m long, disappearing rapidly.
21. Sep 3, 1977 (22:50) - Dentelles de Montmirail: An object stopped, restarted, and disappeared at high speed. During its passage, radio communications were jammed, a compass needle deviated, and a Geiger-Muller counter registered 100 times normal ionizing radiation.
22. Oct 10, 1977 (21:25) - Sorgues: A strong whitish glow moved North at high speed.
23. Oct 17-18, 1977 - Vaison-la-Romaine: Luminous objects evolved bizarrely between Malaucène and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
24. Nov 3, 1977: Similar phenomenon observed above the Dentelles de Montmirail.
25. Nov 15, 1977 (04:15) - Avignon: An opaque sphere emitting a glow and smoke, disappearing behind an "invisible wall."
26. Nov 19, 1977 (18:00) - Avignon: A white ball moved rapidly from North to South.
27. Nov 23, 1977 (17:30) - Avignon: Two pale yellow immobile luminous balls were observed, then moved South, appearing to separate.
28. Nov 30, 1977 - Vaison-la-Romaine: An opaque object with a scintillating trail disappeared behind a cloud.
29. Dec 28, 1977 (07:07) - Gordes: A brilliant white ball moved slowly South to North.
30. Dec 31, 1977 (19:05) - N 100 Les Baumettes: An orange glow with a red ball descending like a falling leaf, followed by a yellow-orange flash before departing towards Apt.

Statistical Analysis (Page 8)

Monthly Distribution (1977): January (5 cases), February (4 cases), March (3 cases), April (1 case), May (1 case), June (1 case), July (0 cases), August (1 case), September (2 cases), October (1 case), November (3 cases), December (2 cases).

Hourly Distribution (1977): The circular graph shows a concentration of sightings between 19:00 and 22:00, with smaller numbers in other hours, including a few at 07:00.

Observed Phenomena: Balls (12), Lights (11), Cylinders (3), Saucer (1), Semi-sphere (1).

Witnesses: 1 Witness (13 cases), 2 Witnesses (6 cases), 3 Witnesses (3 cases), +3 Witnesses (7 cases).

Geographic Distribution (Page 9)

A map of Vaucluse illustrates the locations of the sightings. Symbols indicate passage altitude, direction of approach, direction of departure, and number of objects. The concentration appears to be in the eastern part of the department, between Avignon and Orange.

Probabilistic Calculations of Average Distances Between Civilizations

This section delves into theoretical calculations based on Von Hoerner's probabilistic models for estimating the lifespan of civilizations and the distances between them. It discusses factors like destruction, degeneration, loss of interest, and the possibility of an "unlimited life" for a civilization. The calculations suggest a relatively short average lifespan for technological civilizations and explore the probability of encountering extraterrestrial life, estimating that perhaps only one in 25 million stars might host a civilization. It also considers the possibility of new civilizations developing from surviving lower life forms after a collapse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging and statistical analysis of UFO sightings within a specific region (Vaucluse) over a defined period (1977). The bulletin emphasizes a scientific approach to ufology, evident in its detailed data presentation and the editorial's call for engagement with scientific study. There's a clear stance on documenting evidence, analyzing patterns, and maintaining an open yet critical perspective on the phenomenon. The inclusion of theoretical discussions on extraterrestrial civilizations broadens the scope beyond mere sighting reports, suggesting a deeper interest in the implications of UFO phenomena.

This issue of "OVNI" (UFO) magazine, identified as issue number 16, published in France, focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial hypotheses, and related scientific considerations. The cover headline highlights "Observations de points lumineux dans le Vaucluse" (Observations of luminous points in Vaucluse), indicating a significant portion of the content is dedicated to witness reports from that region.

Extraterrestrial Civilizations and Probability Calculations

The first article presents a theoretical framework for estimating the probability of encountering extraterrestrial civilizations. It posits that if a civilization develops and survives, or if its evolutionary process repeats, the chances of finding inhabited planets increase. The calculations involve a probability factor 'p' (0.75 in the example) and a factor related to the number of stars. The article suggests that the probability of encountering a robot civilization is significantly higher than that of a biological one, estimating it to be 1000 times more likely. It also estimates the average distance between civilizations, which is calculated to be around 1,600 light-years, potentially reduced to 160 light-years if robot civilizations are considered.

Detailed UFO Sightings in Vaucluse (July 9, 1974)

A substantial part of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed report of UFO observations that occurred on July 9, 1974, in Villes s/Auzon, Vaucluse, France. The report, compiled by Alain Van Hoylandt, documents multiple sightings by five witnesses, aged 17 to 50, using 10x binoculars. The observations took place between 21h00 and 22h10 under clear skies with ambient temperatures around 20°C.

Several distinct phenomena were recorded:

• 21h00: An immobile white point, similar in size and brightness to Jupiter, was observed in the Southeast. After 20-30 seconds, it moved with a sinuous trajectory towards the Southwest, disappearing with irregular dimming.
• 21h30: A similar phenomenon occurred in reverse, starting as an immobile white point near Antares in the Scorpion constellation and moving towards the Southeast before suddenly extinguishing.
• 21h40: A yellow-reddish point, comparable to Jupiter in size and magnitude, was seen in the Northwest. It moved with a slightly undulating trajectory towards the Southeast, disappearing after a progressive dimming.
• 21h55: A larger and brighter white point than Jupiter was observed in the East-Southeast. It described an apparently semi-elliptical or semi-circular trajectory, reaching a peak altitude of 30 degrees. The object appeared to grow between points A and B and diminish between B and C, suggesting B was the closest point. The phenomenon lasted for one minute.
• 22h10: A small red point, smaller than Jupiter, followed a short, low, horizontal trajectory to the North-Northwest, observed for only 3 seconds by a single witness, deemed doubtful.

Another observation from July 10, 1974, at 21h50, described a bright white point similar to Jupiter moving horizontally in the South-Southeast, exhibiting characteristics of a satellite, with a progressive dimming and an orange flash observed through binoculars. This was considered likely a satellite.

A sighting on July 12, 1974, at 22h00, involved a white point of low luminosity in the South-Southwest, moving towards the Southeast and then rising towards the Northeast. It displayed a significant increase in brightness before fading and accelerating irregularly. This observation lasted two minutes.

A diagram illustrates the trajectory of an object observed on July 9, 1974, at 21h55, showing altitudes of 15 and 30 degrees and the apparent path from appearance to extinction.

Personal Investigations and Calculations

Alain Van Hoylandt also conducted personal investigations, contacting the Haute Provence Observatory and the St-Christol military base. The observatory reported no unusual sightings on the dates in question, and the military base declined to provide information. Van Hoylandt also performed personal calculations, estimating the size, altitude, and speed of potential "lights" originating from the St-Christol base (30m diameter, 6-11 km altitude, 4-5000 km/h) or the Île du Levant (215m diameter, 50-80 km altitude, 30-36000 km/h).

Conclusion on Vaucluse Sightings

Van Hoylandt concludes that while Jupiter and its satellites, high-altitude aircraft, artificial satellites, and even helicopters were observed, the reported phenomena were "INSODITES" (unusual) or at least not readily identifiable with known phenomena, unless further information from the military is provided.

Other UFO Reports and Books

The magazine also includes a "Revue de Presse" (Press Review) section, listing numerous bulletins and publications related to UFOs from various organizations like CERPI, CLEU, AAMT, SPEPSE, SVEPS, SLEPS, ADEPS, CRUN, AESV, GEOS, and others. It also reviews several books:

• "Le dossier secret des O. V. N. I." by A. Schneider and H. Malthaner, described as a photo catalog of UFOs.
• "Les 12 mystérieux triangles de la mort, des Bermudes au Japon" by A. Ribera, which explores twelve zones of anomalies, including the Bermuda Triangle.
• "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" by Aimé Michel, focusing on Celestial Mysterious Objects from the 1950s.

A communiqué notes the publication of "L'Annuaire de la France ufologique et des pays de langue française" by AAMT of Valence.

Phenomenon in Vaucluse (April 27, 1978)

Another report details an observation on April 27, 1978, in Sérignan and Camaret, Vaucluse, by a group of six people. They observed a formation of four red-orange luminous spheres that were initially immobile and then moved rapidly and silently in a horizontal plane. The phenomenon blinked rapidly and alternatively. The witnesses could not determine if the objects were material. A separate witness in Caderousse reported observing a formation of three orange-tinted objects moving in a triangle. In Bonnieux and Vallon de Buoux, an object emitting fluorescent red lights, estimated at 10 meters in diameter, was observed moving towards the Southwest.

Hypothesis on UFO Disintegration

An article by Daniel Mersadier proposes a hypothesis regarding the disintegration of UFOs. It suggests that UFOs might be composed of antimatter, originating from a 'negative' plane. According to this theory, such objects cannot approach Earth without disintegrating, explaining phenomena like sudden explosions or disappearances. The hypothesis draws an analogy with electrical polarity (positive and negative) to explain the concept of planetary opposites and their interaction with matter and antimatter.

Humor Page

The issue concludes with a humor page featuring a cartoon with the caption "Mon rapport sera formel ! Il n'y a pas de soucoupes volantes !..." (My report will be formal! There are no flying saucers!...). This is attributed to "LE PROGRES LYON."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and attempts to scientifically analyze these phenomena. There is a clear interest in exploring extraterrestrial hypotheses and the possibility of advanced civilizations, including robot-based ones. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed reports and theoretical discussions while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific proof. The inclusion of book reviews and press clippings suggests an effort to cover the broader UFO landscape and keep readers informed about related publications and events. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of detailed observation and documentation, as seen in the Vaucluse sighting report.

This document, likely an excerpt from a magazine or newsletter, focuses on the scientific estimation of the existence of technically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations within our galaxy. It presents a formula developed at the Green Bank Observatory in the United States, along with a detailed breakdown of the variables involved. The publication also includes promotional material for a science fiction novel titled 'Sequians' by René Faudrin, published by 'La Pensée Universelle'.

Possible Existence of Technically Advanced Civilizations in Our Galaxy

The core of the document is the formula for calculating 'N', the number of possible civilizations. The formula is presented as:

N = V * fp * ne * fl * fi * fc * T

Each variable is explained:

• N: Number of possible civilizations.
• V: Average rate of star formation over the galactic lifetime. The document notes there are approximately 2 x 10^11 stars in the galaxy, with an estimated age of 10^10 years. A formation rate of 10 stars per year is considered a realistic estimate.
• fp: Fraction of stars that have planetary systems. The document suggests this is 1, based on the structural repetition of planetary systems.
• ne: Average number of planets capable of developing life within a solar system. It's estimated that half of nearby stars have planets orbiting them, and the closest system with these characteristics is around Barnard's Star, 6 light-years away. The product of fp * ne is estimated to be 1.
• fl: Fraction of planets where life would exist. Based on structural repetition, this is estimated as 1.
• fi: Fraction of planets where intelligent life would exist (speculative conditions).
• fc: Fraction of planets where technological civilizations are purely speculative. The combined value of fi * fc is given as a rather pessimistic 10^-3.
• T: Average time span of a technological civilization. This is noted as very difficult to calculate. If based on the capacity to use nuclear energy, the authors suggest it might be around 30 years. However, they propose considering T on the basis of a few hundred years, or even 100 years. A more optimistic estimate for survival over geological or stellar evolution is T = 10^8 years.

Calculation and Conclusion

Using the initial estimates:

N = 10 (V) * 1 (fp) * 1 (ne) * 1 (fl) * 10^-3 (fi*fc) * 100 (T) = 1

This calculation leads to the stark conclusion: "We would be alone in the galaxy."

However, the document then revisits the calculation with a more optimistic lifespan for a technological civilization (T = 10^8 years):

N = 10 (V) * 1 (fp) * 1 (ne) * 1 (fl) * 10^-3 (fi*fc) * 10^8 (T) = 10^6 = 1,000,000

This implies that there could be a million such civilizations. The ratio N/T is also calculated as 10^2, suggesting a potential birth rate of one such civilization per century.

Promotional Content

The second page is dedicated to promoting the science fiction novel "Sequians," the second SF novel written by René Faudrin, who is also the President of "La Pensée Universelle." The publisher, "La Pensée Universelle," is located at 3 bis quai aux fleurs, Paris 4°, with contact numbers provided. The book is available for sale and also mentions another work by the same author and publisher, "ET LA PLANETE SE DESINTEGRA."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the scientific inquiry into the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, framed by the Drake Equation-like formula. The document explores the variables that influence the probability of such civilizations, ranging from astronomical factors to the longevity of technological societies. There's a clear attempt to quantify the unquantifiable, leading to a speculative conclusion about humanity's solitude in the galaxy, though alternative calculations offer a different perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific curiosity mixed with a promotion of science fiction literature, as evidenced by the advertisement for Faudrin's novel.