Vaucluse Ufologie - No 13 - 1er trimestre 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: N° 13
Date: March 1979
Publisher: G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Etude du Phénomène OVNI)
Type: Bulletin d'information bimestriel (bi-monthly information bulletin), transitioning to trimestriel (quarterly) with this issue.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The bulletin announces its transition from bi-monthly to quarterly publication, starting with issue number 13. It clarifies that issue number 12 was an internal document for the GREPO general assembly and was not distributed to confrere groups. The publication aims to provide 6 issues per year as planned for subscribers. Subscription details are provided, with different rates for adhesion to GREPO (50 Francs) and simple subscription (30 Francs), and a single issue price of 5 Francs. The association is declared as ASBL (Association Sans But Lucratif) under the law of July 1, 1901. It also mentions its affiliations with LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT and the GROUPE D'ETUDES DES OBJETS SPATIAUX, and its representative status for CENTER FOR STUDIES - CUFOS FRANCE. The bureau composition is listed, with René Faudrin as President and Director of Publication, and Jean Pierre Troadec as Vice-President and Treasurer. Correspondence should be addressed to Jean Pierre Troadec in Lyon.

Editorial: The Social and Political Implications of Ufology

The main editorial, attributed to Michel Monnerie, President of SPEPSE, discusses the broader implications of ufology. He posits that ufology is not just about 'flying saucers' but about the passion for liberty. Monnerie argues that ufology, like historical intellectual movements (Christianity, Renaissance humanism, the Enlightenment, and 19th-century revolutions), has the potential to shape the collective consciousness and the future of humanity. He emphasizes that ufology is a social phenomenon of great importance, and that ufologists have a responsibility for the ideas they disseminate, which can influence public opinion and cultural development. Monnerie critiques isolated, self-referential ufological groups, advocating for a more open, democratic, and European approach, inspired by the Swiss model of federalism. He highlights the emergence of the SPEPSE in Paris as a positive step towards a more dynamic and less dogmatic ufological community. He contrasts the 'old' ufology focused on technological contact with a 'new' ufology that delves into more complex, intellectual concepts, warning that it could become directed and political, potentially used for manipulation. Monnerie stresses that the core value is liberty, and that the current societal climate, even in dictatorial regimes, sees a proliferation of UFO-related narratives, which he interprets as a symbolic representation of totalitarian power, where individuals submit to an omnipotent, mysterious entity. He concludes by urging a focus on the implications of ufology for humanity and future generations, emphasizing tolerance and liberty.

Reports on Contactee Events

Pierre Monnet's Testimony

For February 1979, the Vaucluse region hosted two contactees. The first, Pierre Monnet from Sorgues, presented his experiences on February 17th in Avignon to an audience of about sixty people. The evening included an interview with Monnet, who described his physical contacts with beings from the constellation Lyra. His book, "les extraterrestres m'ont dit," was also available. A lively discussion followed the presentation.

Jean Miguères' Testimony

The following week, on February 22nd, Jean Miguères from Nice spoke to over 400 people in Avignon about his 1969 extraterrestrial adventure. Many attendees from Monnet's presentation also attended Miguères' talk. Miguères, described as a confident and skilled speaker, recounted his experience with passion. The debate that followed was intense, with Miguères adeptly handling questions. The article notes that Jean Miguères also gave talks in Carpentras and Orange, drawing large crowds. The GREPO team is divided in its opinion on the testimonies of Monnet and Miguères, but Philippe Crespy's account is presented as objective.

Quote from Michel Lancelot

Michel Lancelot, in an interview for "L'AUTRE MONDE," states that the UFO phenomenon is real because it represents a genuine human problem. He provocatively suggests that if UFOs didn't exist, they would need to be invented, expressing a belief in their existence and a sense of human loss if they did not. Lancelot is more interested in the concept's impact on human behavior and societal modification than in the physical characteristics or origins of potential extraterrestrial occupants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently promotes a broad, intellectual, and socially conscious view of ufology, moving beyond simple 'flying saucer' reports. It emphasizes the importance of liberty, tolerance, and a European perspective. The publication critiques dogmatic or isolated ufological groups and advocates for a more open and democratic approach. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about the potential for ufology to be co-opted or manipulated, particularly in relation to totalitarian ideologies. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, focusing on the human and societal dimensions of the UFO phenomenon rather than solely on its scientific or extraterrestrial aspects. The bulletin appears to be a platform for thoughtful discussion and analysis within the French ufological community.

This issue of "Vaucluse Ufologie" (n°10) delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong focus on French cases and research. It includes reports on specific sightings, discussions on the challenges of UFO detection, and proposals for standardizing ufological data collection and representation.

Articles and Reports

"Les Extraterrestres m'ont dit" by Pierre Monnet

This section reviews Pierre Monnet's book, detailing his alleged encounter in 1951 near Orange with four beings from the Vega system in a saucer-shaped craft. Monnet claims he was chosen to transmit a message of love and that his body was regenerated to live for 120 years. The book reportedly contains telepathic contacts and serves as a warning against impending destruction. The review notes the sincerity and honesty of Monnet, a former founder of GREPO.

"Les O.V.N.I. en Bretagne" by Jean-Francois Boedec

This book is described as an honest regional study of UFO cases in Brittany. It highlights significant cases, including landings, humanoids, and contact events, and features a page dedicated to the 1973 Quimper UFO symposium. An 1898 observation above Vannes is also mentioned, positioning Brittany as a key area for ufological interest.

"Aux Limites de la Réalité" by J. Allen Hyneck and Jacques Vallée

This review discusses a collaborative work by two renowned ufologists. The book is presented as a conversation between Hyneck, Vallée, and Professor Arthur Hastings, exploring the UFO phenomenon. It touches upon Hyneck's encounter with Adamski and Vallée's high regard for French ufology, suggesting France is ahead of the United States in this field.

"Les O.V.N.I. sont-ils détectés par les Radar ?"

This article questions the detectability of UFOs by radar, considering factors like equipment and meteorological conditions. It acknowledges the reliability of radar for air traffic control but suggests that UFOs, if extraterrestrial craft, might lack the necessary secondary radar elements. The author remains convinced that radar detection of UFOs, combined with visual observations, will eventually provide proof of the phenomenon. It emphasizes the importance of official bodies transmitting all pilot observations and encourages ufological groups to contact these bodies.

"LES EXTRATERRESTRES" n°3 du G.E.O.S.

This section clarifies a previously reported radar detection by René Faudrin in December 1976. Faudrin himself admits he rushed the report and that a deeper investigation revealed it was not a UFO case. The article stresses that ufological research requires collaboration and that no single individual or group holds all the answers.

"La Rubrique des Années Cinquante"

This section presents two cases from the 1950s. The first is an observation near Cavaillon in late summer 1957, reported by Claude Gautier, involving a blurry, vertical, vapor-surrounded cylinder. The second case concerns an event in St Saturnin lès Avignon, where Henri Estellon reportedly encountered inhabitants of a flying saucer, leaving a hole in his field. The details of this encounter were kept secret by a doctor due to professional confidentiality.

"Rencontres Rapprochées et Rubrique des Années Cinquante"

This section discusses a case that spans both close encounters and the 1950s. It refers to information provided by Camille Ferrier regarding an event involving Henri Estellon in St Saturnin lès Avignon. Estellon's account of seeing an unknown object land and leave a hole in his field was initially met with disbelief. The article notes that Estellon's doctor was sworn to secrecy about the details of the encounter.

"Rumeurs au Soleil"

This piece debunks rumors circulating in Provence, specifically addressing two incidents reported by Claude Gautier. One involved an alleged landing in the Sud du Vaucluse during the 1978 New Year's wave, with an extraterrestrial warning of future war. The other concerned a pair of glasses found by fishermen that emitted a signal similar to Morse code. The author investigated these claims, tracing them back to an observation of a red-orange ball with a whitish trail on December 31, 1977, which was likely caused by fireworks or rockets launched by young people, as confirmed by other investigations and the gendarmerie.

"Enquête : En Quête !"

This section details an investigation by Georges Murzilli into a UFO sighting by Melle Béatrice B. on August 5, 1978, between Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Orange. Béatrice described a large, intense white luminosity that turned orange, with three brown spots on a cigar-shaped object. The object exhibited erratic movements, hovering, and appeared to slow down her cyclomoteur. It disappeared and reappeared several times before finally vanishing towards the St-Gobain industrial zone. The witness was frightened but her account is considered credible.

"Cartographie du Phénomène O.V.N.I. et Symbolique Commune"

This article proposes a new symbology for mapping UFO phenomena, developed in February 1978. The author, Michel Sorgues, aimed to create simple, universally applicable symbols that would not saturate maps and could represent observations without distortion. The symbology is divided into four categories: classification of observation, evolution and provenance, importance, and presence of occupants. The goal is to create a common framework for ufological research, enabling better analysis and statistical studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the critical analysis of these events, and the promotion of organized ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging collaboration among researchers and the careful dissemination of information. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and mere rumor or misinterpretation, as seen in the debunking of local rumors and the clarification of past reports. The issue also highlights the international nature of ufology, referencing specialists and publications from various countries.

Notable Quotes

• "Je suis convaincu que les soucoupes ont une base hors de ce monde." - Docteur Walter Reidel
• "Les soucoupes volantes viennent de mondes éloignés." - Docteur Herman Oberth
• "Nous ne sommes pas seuls dans l'univers !" - Professeur Claudio Anguila

FAQ

• What is the GREPO? GREPO is an organization founded by Pierre Monnet, who is described as a contactee and has dedicated himself to his mission.
• What is the significance of the St Saturnin lès Avignon case? The case involves a reported landing of a UFO in the 1950s, leaving a hole in a field, and the witness's subsequent reluctance to speak about it due to ridicule, with a doctor being the sole confidant.
• What is the proposed symbology for UFO phenomena? The proposed symbology aims to represent UFO observations on maps simply and clearly, categorized by classification, evolution, importance, and presence of occupants, to facilitate coordinated research.
• Are UFOs detectable by radar? While radar is used for air traffic control, it is not definitively proven that UFOs are detectable by radar, especially if they lack the necessary secondary radar elements.

Title: Phénomènes Aériens
Issue: 18
Date: September 1978

This issue of Phénomènes Aériens focuses on the methodology for documenting and analyzing aerial phenomena, and reports on a specific sighting in the Lubéron region of France.

Methodology for Mapping Aerial Phenomena

The document outlines a system for representing aerial phenomena on maps, adapted from the symbology used by the national meteorological service. This system aims for objectivity and uses vectors to indicate the evolution and provenance of a phenomenon.

Vector Representation:

• Origin and Direction: Vectors are used to show the direction from which a phenomenon originates and the direction in which it moves. The reference point is North (360°).
• An un-fletched vector indicates the direction from which the phenomenon originates (e.g., East or 90°).
• A fletched vector indicates the direction in which the phenomenon fled or moved away (e.g., West or 270°).
• A bi-fletched vector indicates if the phenomenon returned in the direction it came from.
• Vector Length: Vectors should not exceed 1 cm in length, regardless of the map scale, to avoid distorting the interpretation of the phenomenon's trajectory.

Importance of the Phenomenon:

The importance or force of the phenomenon is represented on the provenance vector:

• Single object: A vertical line.
• Five objects: A triangle.
• Ten objects: A square.
• Fifty objects: A rectangle.

Phenomenon Division:

If a phenomenon divides after passing a point, its importance must be represented in each direction taken.

Occupants:

Presence of occupants during a landing is indicated by a letter attached to the general observation symbol, irrespective of their number.

Specific Symbols:

• Human form (body, head, limbs): Indicated by the letter 'K'.
• Indefinite form from the sky: Indicated by the letter 'V'.
• Contact: Considered a secondary effect and symbolized by a concentric circle.

Important Note: The symbols are based on the proven symbology of the national meteorological service for weather map plotting, particularly on 1:1,000,000 scale maps. It is crucial to maintain very small proportions and not to exaggerate the size of the symbolic plotting.

Case Report: Lubéron Sighting, September 14, 1978

This section details an unusual phenomenon observed in the Monts du Lubéron, Vaucluse, on Thursday, September 14, 1978, at approximately 5:45 AM.

First Witness Account (Claude Gautier):

Claude Gautier, a gendarme off-duty, was accompanying a friend to the market in Cavaillon when he observed a strong light on the Lubéron. The light, preceded by an unidentified object, moved towards Apt. The light expanded into two wide beams (45° aperture) illuminating the region. The observation lasted for three minutes. As dawn broke, the light gradually faded, leaving behind a small, formless cloud.

Corroborating Witnesses:

The following day, Gautier found another witness, Mr. Justin D. of Cavaillon, who observed the same phenomenon at the same hour and in the same sector while on his way to the market. Mr. Justin D. distinguished a white sphere preceding the light, which was described as being the size of an apple. The ensemble moved towards Apt but stopped. From the sphere, a small disk emerged and moved away rapidly. The sphere then extinguished, and only the light remained before disappearing with the sunrise.

A third person, Mr. Lucien C., residing in the same neighborhood, confirmed these events.

Claude Gautier also identified a lady from Gordes who reportedly observed the same phenomenon on that Thursday, September 14th.

The report highlights the interesting correlation between these testimonies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes a scientific and systematic approach to documenting and analyzing UAP sightings, drawing parallels with meteorological observation techniques. The editorial stance appears to favor objective reporting and the use of standardized symbols for classification and mapping, suggesting a desire to bring a structured methodology to the study of these phenomena. The report on the Lubéron sighting underscores the importance of witness corroboration and detailed observation.