Vaucluse Ufologie - No 16 - Janvier 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: N° 16
Date: Trimestriel, Janvier 1980
Publisher: G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Étude du Phénomène OVNI)
Type: Bulletin d'information

Editorial

The editorial notes that issue number 16 is slightly delayed, reflecting on 1979 as a busy year for GREPO, which included organizing the 6th CECRU session in Avignon and publishing two special issues ('Contact' and 'Catalogue'). The editorial expresses a desire to resume their normal rhythm for 1980 and apologizes for the delay. A significant piece of news is the organization's new storage facility at the Maison des Jeunes in Sorgues, which will house their archives, dossiers, journals, and books, improving administrative efficiency. The editorial expresses hope that the new year will foster their work in ufology.

Organization and Membership Information

The bulletin details the structure and activities of G.R.E.P.O. It is an association declared under the law of July 1, 1901, and a delegation of 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT'. It is also a member of the C.E.C.R.U. The bureau members are listed, including President d'honneur Camille Ferrier, Président actif René Faudrin, and Vice-President Jean Pierre Troadec. Lilyane Troadec serves as Secrétaire générale, and Benoît Rousset as Archiviste and Trésorier. Other responsible roles are also detailed, such as Responsable des enquêtes (Aline Pavier) and Responsable Alpes de Hte Provence (Jean Jacques Liabeuf). Jean Manuel Cervantès and Jean Leclaire are listed as Membres d'honneur. The editorial committee consists of Lilyane Troadec and Jean Pierre.

Collaboration is open to all G.R.E.P.O. members, with articles published under the author's responsibility. Reproduction of articles is authorized with clear attribution of source and author.

Publication is quarterly (4 issues per year). Subscription and membership (A/) cost 50 Francs, a simple subscription (B/) is 20 Francs, and a single issue (C/) is 5 Francs. Subscriptions are valid for four issues and one year, and memberships are restricted to the Vaucluse department. Membership grants a member card and the right to participate in all G.R.E.P.O. activities. Membership renewals occur in January.

Payments should be made to G.R.E.P.O. via CCP 5 538 77 E Centre de Marseille, or by check/money order to Benoît ROUSSET. Correspondence for the GREPO or its bulletin should be sent to Jean Pierre Troadec at 45 Rue du Bon Pasteur, 69001 LYON. The registered office is at Maison des Jeunes, Avenue Pablo Picasso, 84700 SORGUES. The Director of Publication is René Faudrin.

Latest News (Dernière Heure)

Information is provided on the new bureau composition for F.U.NO. for 1980, following the departure of Jean-Marc Bonay. The new president is Selaries Francis, with Mouchet Bruno as secretary general and Falardi Claudio as treasurer. Administrators include Gaubert Philippe and Seguineau Dominique. Bromanjey Dominique is responsible for the FUNO NEWS bulletin, due for release in March 1980.

An error in a previous report about the 6th CECRU session is corrected, providing the updated address for G.L.R.U. in Le Puy.

Announcements (Avis aux Amateurs)

The bulletin announces the availability of back issues: the special issue 'Contact: Pierre Monnet' (70 pages with illustrations) and issue N°15, a report on the CECRU Avignon session (about fifty pages).

Unusual Observations Recorded in Various Civil and Religious Documents

This section, compiled by C. FERRIER, presents a chronological list of historical sightings:

• 01.01.1254: A 'colored vessel' was reported at Saint-Albans, Hertfordshire, Great Britain, described by multiple witnesses, including monks.
• 1290: A slow-moving, large, silver disc was observed above the Abbey of Byslands, Yorkshire, Great Britain, causing local activity to cease.
• 21.03.1676: An astronomical phenomenon of large dimensions, moving at approximately 15,000 km/h, was observed coming from Dalmatia over the Adriatic Sea, crossing Italy and heading towards Corsica.
• May 1677: Sir Edmund Halley, Astronomer Royal, observed a bright light at high altitude over southern England.
• 1699: Abbé Granget reported seeing three fireballs, followed by two more, which illuminated his chapel in Saint Didier-Vaucluse, France. The gardener's son, Martin, was the witness.
• 11.12.1741: Lord Beauchamp observed a small fireball descend and then ascend eastward, leaving a sparkling tail and smoke trail before disappearing rapidly.
• 19.03.1748: Sir Hans Sloane witnessed a bright white and bluish light with a yellow and orange tail that disappeared almost instantly.
• 07.12.1820: Objects described as oval and flat, termed 'flying saucers', appeared above Embrun, France, flying in a geometric formation and executing a 90-degree turn.
• 13.11.1833: A large luminous square hovered over Niagara Falls, USA, for over two hours.
• 16.12.1821: A Londoner saw an illuminated dome-like object hovering for 30 minutes, emitting fire.
• 10.11.1832: Monsieur Y. Berghelen of The Hague observed an unusual round object, 2-3 meters in diameter, jumping from one canal bank to another.
• 17.11.1881: Walter Maudern, an English astronomer, described a large greenish light disc moving constantly across the horizon, changing shape from round to elliptical.

Investigations (En Quête... Enquêtes)

This section presents recent UFO sighting reports:

• Alain CONDAMINAS reports on two observations from 28.04.1979:
• Near Courthézon: A stationary, orange, oval object with effilated ends was observed at 22:30. It had circular openings emitting yellow-orange light and a hemispherical dome. The object pivoted, then disappeared briefly in a light fog before reappearing and remaining immobile. The observer went to Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a better view, but the object had vanished.
• Between Courthézon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Two gendarmes observed a luminous, saucer-shaped object at 22:10. It was stationary, emitting orange light from several windows, and appeared to be very large. The observation lasted 5 minutes. When the gendarmes moved for a clearer view, the OVNI had disappeared.

• Jean-Jacques MONTOYA reports on an observation from 12.04.1979 in Orange:
• At 23:33, a spherical object, like a large star, was observed pulsing with colors from red to green to white in a non-cyclical rhythm. It moved regularly and was observed with binoculars and a telescope. The object was tracked from two different locations and was accompanied by distant dog barking. The first observation lasted from 23:33 to 23:57, and a second from 00:27 to 00:53, with the object disappearing behind an obstacle each time.

• Jean-Jacques LIABEUF reports from the Hautes-Alpes region:
• 13 November 1978 (approx. 5:00 AM): Mr. B., a police officer near Champtercier, observed a bright, phosphorescent, and powerful object in the sky while driving. He was intrigued by its clarity but did not stop.
• 13 November 1978 (approx. 6:00 AM): Mr. Bernard B., a farmer near Champtercier, saw a bright, immobile white light above the Cousson mountain. The light elongated and split into two parts, leaving a whitish trail. The phenomenon lasted about ten seconds.
• 22 November 1978 (5:30 PM): J.J. L., a gendarme near Thoard, observed a round, brilliant white object below a jet plane (possibly a Mirage IV). The object appeared to follow the plane and then rapidly overtook it, disappearing instantly. The phenomenon did not change shape or luminosity.
• 24 November 1978 (6:00 AM): Mr. Bernard B. observed a luminous ball near Champtercier that remained stable and pivoted like a radar for 30 minutes. It was still visible when the sun rose and then disappeared, turning orange.
• 25 November 1978: Mr. B. observed the same ball again, with a shorter duration. The phenomenon was silent, at an estimated altitude of 1500m, and disappeared vertically. Mrs. B. also witnessed this.
• 27 November 1978: Mrs. B. observed the object again.
• 7 December 1978 (9:00 PM): Mme C. and Mr. G., a gendarme, observed two car-like headlights above the Saumon mountain near Digne. The phenomenon was silent, lasted 20 minutes, and disappeared suddenly, turning red. Mr. G. described it as following the hill like a helicopter.
• 5 January 1979 (5:00 AM): Mrs. R., D., and A., working on the RV85 near Digne, observed a superior luminosity compared to a star. The object had a broken trajectory, varying luminosity, and moved slowly northeast before disappearing behind the Cousson mountain. They saw it again in Digne, partially obscured by clouds. The total observation lasted 30 minutes.
• 11 January 1979 (7:00 AM): Mr. and Mrs. C. observed a white luminous ball in the sky above Digne. It passed over the Courbons TV relay and then stopped, descending vertically to disappear behind trees. 15 minutes later, it ascended vertically at high speed and disappeared. The object came from the northwest and disappeared to the southeast, without sound or color change.

Notions of the Earth's Atmosphere

This section provides a scientific explanation of the Earth's atmosphere, emphasizing its relevance to understanding unidentified aerial phenomena. It discusses:

• The nature of unidentified aerial phenomena: They often occur in the lower atmosphere, and understanding atmospheric conditions is crucial for analysis.
• Definition of the Atmosphere: The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth, with no precise upper limit, gradually thinning into interplanetary space. Phenomena like shooting stars and auroras indicate air at high altitudes (100-800 km).
• Characteristics: The atmosphere is described as troubled (containing dust and particles), selective (affecting light spectrum, e.g., blue sky), and agitated (by winds and thermal currents).
• Layers: It mentions the troposphere (from the ground to the tropopause, containing most of the air and water vapor) and notes that the region between the ground and 30 km is of primary interest to meteorologists and aeronautics.
• Vertical Distribution: The atmosphere is divided into layers, with the troposphere extending up to about 1000 km.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, both historical and contemporary, with a focus on the Vaucluse region and surrounding areas of France. The bulletin also emphasizes the importance of scientific understanding, particularly regarding atmospheric conditions, to better interpret these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent research and information sharing within the ufology community, encouraging collaboration and providing detailed accounts of sightings and organizational updates.

Title: Les Annales
Issue: 10
Volume: 320
Date: December 1, 1979
Publisher: Les Annales
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Les Annales provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth's atmospheric layers and explores the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) through a detailed sighting report and book reviews.

Atmospheric Layers

The magazine begins with a detailed explanation of the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere:

Troposphere

Defined as a surface of separation between the troposphere and stratosphere, it is not a distinct layer but is very thin (maximum 100 meters). Its altitude is important for meteorologists and controllers, as it represents the limit for clouds and the optimal altitude for supersonic aircraft to accelerate with minimal fuel consumption. Its altitude varies with location (7 km at the poles, 17 km at the equator, 11 km at mid-latitudes) and seasons or atmospheric disturbances (dropping to 5 km in winter and rising to 15 km in summer).

Stratosphere

Extending from the troposphere to about 50-60 km, the stratosphere is characterized by temperature stability that ceases to decrease or slightly increases. It has almost no humidity, thus no clouds. The temperature stabilizes around -50°C near the tropopause, then rises towards the ozone layer around 45 km, before decreasing and rising again. Humans have explored this layer using free balloons, reaching altitudes of 25,000 to 35,000 meters.

Stratopause

This is the surface separating the stratosphere and the mesosphere. It is also where the maximum concentration of ozone is found.

Mesosphere

Comprised between the stratosphere and 80 km, the temperature increases and decreases within kilometers.

Mesopause

This separates the mesosphere from the thermosphere.

Thermosphere

An thick layer extending to about 400-600 km, its main characteristic is a temperature increase up to 2000°C. These last two layers are poorly understood but are thought to influence tropospheric conditions.

Other Important Atmospheric Layers

• Ozonosphere: A stable layer around the Earth at approximately 40 km altitude, composed of ozone. Despite its thinness (a few millimeters), it plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful short-wavelength ultraviolet rays. Ozone is also found near the ground but forms in the upper atmosphere through the dissociation of oxygen by ultraviolet rays, cosmic radiation, and free electrons. Ozone concentration varies seasonally (maximum in spring, minimum in autumn) and geographically (maximum at the poles, minimum at the equator), and is also affected by meteorological phenomena.
• Ionosphere: A very high zone of the atmosphere, from 60 km to about 1000 km, where gases are highly ionized by solar radiation. It is divided into layers (D, E, F1, F2) which affect radio wave reflection and radar detection. The E layer, also known as the 'Heaviside' layer, reflects low-frequency radio waves (less than 6 MHz). Higher frequencies are reflected by other layers, while those above 15 MHz pass through.
• Homosphere: The layer between the ground and 100 km, where the main constituents (nitrogen and oxygen) remain in constant proportions.
• Heterosphere: Above the homosphere, characterized by a predominance of light gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium.
• Exosphere: Extends beyond 1000 km, where the lightest molecules escape Earth's gravity and move into interplanetary space.

Composition of the Atmosphere

The lower atmosphere (troposphere) is composed primarily of nitrogen (78.03%), oxygen (20.99%), argon (0.94%), carbon dioxide (0.03%), and trace amounts of hydrogen, neon, helium, krypton, and xenon, as well as ozone. These figures are by volume.

The issue promises further discussion on atmospheric phenomena like winds, clouds, auroras, and shooting stars in a future edition.

UFO Sighting Report

"A resident of Beaumont-du-Ventoux claims to have seen a huge red ball "at least seven times larger than the moon""

The article details an encounter by Anne-Marie Paul of Beaumont-du-Ventoux, who reported seeing a large, red, fiery ball on a Monday evening between 7 and 8 PM. She described it as enormous, "at least seven times larger than the moon," and that it rose into the sky, rotating slowly. She used a soup tureen to demonstrate the rotation and indicated that the object appeared to be split horizontally, with a cockpit-like section. The sighting lasted about five to six minutes before the object disappeared. The report notes the classic description of a UFO and mentions that Mme. Paul's account is taken seriously, despite the lack of other witnesses.

University Course on UFOs

"Ufology Taught at the University of Fribourg"

A communiqué from the G.U.B. announces a course titled "Is the Earth Observed by UFOs? (Analysis of the phenomenon) A challenge to imagination!" led by Dr. Georges Hartmann. The course, starting October 16, 1979, aims to explore the extraordinary by examining the UFO phenomenon from the perspectives of astronomers, astronauts, NASA representatives, military personnel, scientists, governments, and the UN. It will cover how and why the phenomenon manifests and present findings from global investigations and material evidence, including slides.

Film Review: ALIEN

Alain Barnicaud reviews the film "ALIEN," describing it as a science fiction horror film about a spaceship crew encountering a deadly extraterrestrial organism. He praises the film's realism in depicting the spaceship's interior as a gritty, functional cargo transporter rather than a sleek, futuristic vessel. The interior is described as dirty, rusty, with narrow, poorly lit corridors, drafts, and water leaks. The passengers are portrayed as ordinary truckers. The review notes that the planet visited is in the Zéta 2 Reticule system, which is mentioned as the departure point on a celestial map shown by an alien to Betty Hill.

Reflections on UFOs

An excerpt from a letter by Pierre Saux, a member of G.R.E.P.O., offers reflections on the UFO phenomenon. Saux believes that UFOs are part of a larger whole and that studying them requires broader knowledge. He suggests that the phenomenon should be studied with more detachment, avoiding specialization that focuses on only one aspect. He acknowledges the challenge posed by tangible, photographable materializations that defy known physical laws, suggesting they may not belong to our dimension. Saux posits that there isn't a single UFO phenomenon and that the extraterrestrial hypothesis is plausible, arguing that if 'I exist, life exists everywhere, therefore it can exist elsewhere, perhaps more developed.' He criticizes the tendency to force UFO phenomena into existing frameworks and classifications, citing the scientific community's resistance to alternative knowledge like acupuncture. Saux also touches upon propulsion theories for UFOs, referencing articles and research, and emphasizes the need for unconventional knowledge and an open mind, while still maintaining a grounded perspective.

Book Reviews

The magazine features a