Vaucluse Ufologie - No 10 - juillet-aout 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: Bimestriel, N° 10
Date: September 1978
Publisher: G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Étude du Phénomène OVNI)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Vaucluse Ufologie, a bi-monthly information bulletin from the G.R.E.P.O., focuses on UFO phenomena and investigations within the Vaucluse region of France. It highlights the organization's structure, editorial policies, and subscription details.

Editorial: MERCI Mr CLAUDE POHER

The editorial, signed by René Faudrin, addresses Claude Poher and references a letter from July 6th and August 11th, 1978, urging GEPAN and private groups to cease ignoring each other. The editorial frames the large gathering in Toulouse on September 12th as a response to this call. It discusses Jean-Pierre Troadec's editorial in Vaucluse-Ufologie n°9, which quoted Marc Thirouin on the role of precursors and the potential for scientists to deny the phenomenon's existence. The editorial expresses caution regarding the true intentions of scientists and notes that only their high-level positions are known. It criticizes the simplistic reactions of some private groups and mentions Jimmy Guieu's assimilation of GEPAN to the Condon Commission. The author praises the young, dynamic team encountered in Toulouse and emphasizes the need for GEPAN to be prudent due to the primary, conservative, and even harmful reactions from some private groups and the scientific world. The piece stresses that ufology requires scientific rigor, not just philosophical or reporter-based approaches. It also touches upon the need for private investigators to collect samples in cases of ground traces, noting the rarity of such well-documented landings. The GEPAN's exposition in Toulouse was favorably received.

GEPAN Meeting in Toulouse (September 12, 1978)

René Faudrin and Jean-Pierre Troadec report on a meeting in Toulouse attended by about a hundred people representing various French ufological research efforts. The meeting, initiated by Claude Poher, aimed to foster collaboration. GEPAN presented its methodology for approaching the UFO phenomenon, which the authors suggest other groups should adopt. Participants received confidential documents. The scientific council of GEPAN recommended continuing its work, affirming the reality and materiality of the UFO phenomenon. The meeting facilitated contacts between GEPAN members and private groups for potential experiments. The authors call for ufological associations to increase their efforts to help GEPAN evolve, acknowledging its limited resources. They credit Claude Poher for providing a more rational and comprehensive orientation to UFO research and express hope that this spirit will continue within GEPAN and private groups, preventing any 'Condon-like' outcomes in France.

Investigations: EN QUETE

Merindol Sighting (March 1, 1978)

Investigated by J. Marie Godard, this report details an observation by M. Valmond, a 68-year-old former insurer. At approximately 7:00 AM, while opening his kitchen window, he saw an elongated object with a greenish-blue color moving rapidly towards the Alpilles. The object, described as voluminous, seemed to move at an estimated speed of 17,000 km/h before suddenly vanishing. The notes indicate the sun had not yet risen, but dawn was breaking. The witness, described as mentally sound, shared his experience due to a relative's knowledge of the investigator's interest in the phenomenon. Accompanying diagrams illustrate the object's trajectory and the observation point.

Carpentras to Gordes Sighting (January 15, 1978)

Investigated by Camille Ferrier and Philippe Crespy, this account comes from Mr. and Mrs. L. and their three children, who wished to remain anonymous. On Sunday, January 15, 1978, around 7:00 PM, while driving between Carpentras and Gordes in rainy conditions, they observed luminous points in the sky. Initially, they noticed a large, low-lying orange star. Later, Olivier, their son, spotted three white luminous points forming a triangle, described by the parents as a white ball attached to a red one. The object moved slowly, hovered, and had no blinking lights. The family stopped the car, but the father saw nothing. They continued their journey, but the object reappeared, described as a luminous form comparable to an electric bulb, moving horizontally and growing larger. It was vaguely hexagonal with rounded angles, the middle section brighter. The right side was red. The observation was accompanied by a vermillion half-moon shape encompassing several trees on the ground, causing panic. The family then observed two more luminous forms following them, one white and red, and another white. The objects appeared to be approaching. The children became increasingly frightened. The luminous forms eventually diminished in size, resembling deflating balloons, and seemed to retreat.

Phenomenon "FORTÉEN" in Sorgues?

This section, investigated by Mr. and Mrs. Chiarinelli, details an unusual encounter reported by a witness (whose anonymity is preserved) on May 15, 1977. The witness was with friends in Avignon when they saw a girl on the side of the road with a broken-down moped. The girl was wearing overalls and sabots. The witness offered to help while his friends looked for a gas station. He sat with the girl, and the conversation revealed her to be peculiar. She claimed to be lost, possibly from Montpellier, and had difficulty answering direct questions, giving nonsensical replies. Her speech was hoarse, and her eyes were described as abnormally large. She seemed indifferent to advances. The witness eventually had sexual intercourse with her, describing her as cold and distant. He noted her intense stares, as if she were imagining someone. The witness found it strange that her new moped had broken down, and she stated she had been driving for hours and was lost. She did not ask any questions. The encounter ended with the girl agreeing to meet again. The witness found her behavior bizarre and her coldness unsettling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the importance of scientific methodology in ufological research, and the challenges posed by skepticism and unscientific approaches within the field. The G.R.E.P.O. appears to advocate for a rational, evidence-based approach, as exemplified by its support for GEPAN's scientific endeavors and its caution against sensationalism or premature conclusions. The editorial stance emphasizes collaboration, prudence, and a commitment to advancing UFO research in a serious and methodical manner, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of past investigations like the Condon Report.

This issue of 'La Revue des Sciences' delves into UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and theoretical physics, with a particular focus on reports from the 1950s and 1970s in France. The cover story, 'La rubrique des années 50,' highlights various sightings and incidents from that decade.

Key Articles and Reports

The Sorgues Disappearance

A detailed account is given of an incident in Sorgues where a witness reported a young girl and her moped disappearing within seconds from a park. The witness, who had agreed to meet the girl, found himself alone after a brief moment. He describes the park as being enclosed by hedges and a fence, with only one entrance. The girl and the moped vanished without a trace, despite the witness's thorough search.

The Saint Saturnin lès Avignon Landing

This section recounts an event from the 1950s in Saint Saturnin lès Avignon, where a man named Henri E. reportedly encountered inhabitants of a flying saucer that landed in his field. Initially, he was ridiculed for his story, but he later sought help to repair a hole caused by the landing. The account is presented as highly credible, coming from individuals who are now deceased. The doctor who attended Henri E. on his deathbed was sworn to secrecy about the details of the encounter.

Vaucluse Sightings (October 1954)

The issue compiles several UFO sightings that occurred in the Vaucluse region on October 14th and 15th, 1954. These include:

• Le Pontet: Three witnesses observed a silent, aluminum-colored sphere.
• L'Isle sur Sorgue: Four witnesses saw a sphere with a red and yellow trail.
• Bollène: Approximately twenty people witnessed a very fast object with a green and orange trail for six seconds.
• Rasteau: A ball-shaped object was observed.

The magazine notes that these reports are mostly from local newspapers and requests further information from readers.

Le Thor Incident (November 1955)

An account from Jimmy Guieu's book 'Black Out sur les Soucoupes volantes' describes an event on November 17th, 1955, where two farmers in Le Thor claimed to have observed an object moving in a Southeast to Northwest trajectory, making 'ricochet' movements before appearing to explode.

The Challenge of Antigravitation

This section, attributed to Guy Houssin and based on the work of Dr. Marcel Pages, discusses the concept of antigravitation and the potential for utilizing space energy. It criticizes the limitations imposed by Einstein's theory of relativity and suggests that a more comprehensive understanding of physics, particularly the 'local gradient of energy,' is needed to unlock free energy and supraluminique propulsion. The author argues that the scientific establishment, particularly 'Einsteinolâtres,' are resistant to new ideas that challenge established dogmas.

Parapsychology Groups and Activities

The magazine highlights the emergence of new parapsychology groups and their activities. The 'I.E.P. (Institut d'Etudes Parapsychologiques)' is introduced, with its headquarters in Pierrelatte and branches in Carpentras and Marseille. It offers conferences, practical workshops on telepathy and clairvoyance, and a documentation service. The 'GREPO' is mentioned as a group with which the I.E.P. intends to collaborate.

UFO Conference Reports

'Jes conferences '84'' provides an overview of UFO-related conferences held in the Vaucluse region over the past five years. It lists various speakers and organizations, including:

• A.A.M.T. (Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin): Presented an audiovisual history of the phenomenon.
• Richard Bessières: A science fiction writer and president of C.R.Ovni, who presented audiovisuals with a 'fantastic and marvelous' angle.
• Jean-Claude Bourret: Known for his books and work with TF 1, he gave a general conference on UFO current events, attracting a large audience.
• Jimmy Guieu: A science fiction writer and head of investigations for the commission OURANOS, who spoke in Avignon.
• Alfred Vahon: A writer and psychologist who specialized in lunar anomalies, gave a conference on 'The Moon: Base of Extraterrestrials.'
• OURANOS: Presented films and audiovisuals of UFO sightings.
• S.V.E.P.S. (Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomenes Spatiaux): Known for their large group presentations and the PEREIRA classification.
• Guy Tarade: A writer who focuses on the more poetic aspects of the phenomenon.
• Claude Vorilhon (RAEL): Known for his television appearances and claims of contact with extraterrestrials, he recounted his first encounter.

Aviation Signalization

A technical section illustrates the standard signalization lights used on aircraft, detailing their colors, positions, and flashing patterns, likely for identification purposes, possibly in relation to UFO sightings.

Humor Page

The issue concludes with a humorous cartoon depicting a dialogue between an alien and a human, where the human states, 'My master is inside, I am the dog.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the exploration of theoretical physics, particularly antigravitation. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories and reports, encouraging reader participation and presenting information from a variety of sources, including eyewitness accounts and scientific speculation. There is a clear interest in challenging established scientific paradigms, as seen in the critique of relativity and the promotion of new energy concepts. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of parapsychology research and the activities of related organizations.

This document is a 'Revue de Presse' (Press Review) that focuses on publications related to UFOs, extraterrestrials, and science fiction. It lists and briefly reviews several journals and books, providing information about their content, authors, and publishers. The issue also includes a section on historical UFO sightings and a recommendation for a science fiction novel.

Reviews of Publications

The 'Revue de Presse' section lists numerous publications, including:

• BUFOI n°47 - 48: Edited by Belgian UFO Information.
• LDLN n° 176 177: Features an investigation by Robert Franchino and Eugène Rodriguez on a low-altitude observation at l'Isles-sur-Sorgue.
• BIZARRE n° 0: A journal of science and parallel research.
• LE PHENOMENE OVNI n° 3: Edited by C. S. E. R. U.
• UFOLOGIA n° 13 et 14: Edited by C. F. R. U.
• GEPO INFORMATIONS n° 12: Edited by G. E. P. O.
• L'ARGUS DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX n° 4 and n° 1 Hors Série: Edited by C. E. R. P. I. de Belgique.
• LES EXTRATERRESTRES n° 7: Edited by G. E. O. S.
• ENTRE NOUS n° 3: A supplement to LES EXTRATERRESTRES n° 6.
• APPROCHE n° 18: Edited by S. V. E. P. S.
• OVNI 43 n° 4 et 5: Edited by G. L. R. U.

The review also notes receiving press clippings from A. E. S. V. d'Aix-en-Provence, G. P. U. N. de Nancy, Daniel Vidal of the Groupe Véronica, and G. A. U. de Romilly-sur-Seine. Due to space limitations, a detailed summary of these articles is not provided, but the documents are available for consultation by members through the archivist, Philippe Crespy.

Book Reviews:

• A LA RECHERCHE DES O. V. N. I.: Co-authored by Christine Piens (who also co-authored this review) and Jacques Scornaux. The book is recommended for its unique approach to the UFO question.

• SCIENCE-FICTION ET SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Bertrand Méheust (Mercure de France): This work is praised for examining the repeated coincidences between science fiction and flying saucers, suggesting that UFOs are a 'psycho-physical' phenomenon drawing from our mental structures. It is considered a significant contribution that challenges traditional ufological thinking.

• LE MYSTERE DES O. V. N. I. by R. Jack Perrin (Pygmalion): This book synthesizes 'advanced' UFO cases, particularly those involving contact with 'extraterrestrials' and close encounters. It is noted for its numerous illustrations and is recommended for specialists rather than beginners.

• LES INTRA-TERRESTRES "ILS EXISTENT JE LES AI VUS !" by Marie-Thérèse GUINCHARD and Pierre PAOLANTONI (Editions Alain Lefèvre): This book tells the story of Yan, a Hungarian archaeologist who discovers subterranean vestiges of an advanced civilization in the Amazon. The narrative involves a message from 'underground masters' who are suggested to be the source of 'flying saucers'.

• PREUVES DE L'EXISTENCE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Antonio Ribera and Raphaël Farriols (De Vecchi): This is a generalist work that includes a comprehensive study of the San José de Valsderas case (considered a near-hoax). It features photographic documentation and was considered a synthesis of the latest evidence on mysterious UFOs at the time of its 1976 release in France.

Science Fiction Recommendation

• Sequians by René Faudrin (La Pensée Universelle): This science fiction novel is recommended for readers interested in the genre. The publisher and contact information are provided.

Historical Perspective on UFOs

Christine Piens contributes a piece titled "LES O. V. N. I. DU PASSE" (UFOs of the Past). She argues against the common perception that UFOs are a recent phenomenon, stating that they have visited Earth since ancient times and are present throughout human history, sometimes in great profusion. She poses questions about how these phenomena presented themselves to witnesses in the past, their similarities and differences to modern sightings, who pilots them, their intentions, and why Earth has been of interest to extraterrestrials for millennia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and analysis of UFO phenomena, the intersection of science fiction and UFO reports, and the historical presence of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the subject, encouraging research and providing access to information and resources for interested individuals and members of UFO organizations. There is a clear effort to review and disseminate information from various sources within the ufological community.