Vimana 21 - No 12 - 2eme trim 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 12
Volume: 21
Date: 2nd Quarter 1983
Publisher: Association Dijonnaise de Recherches Ufologiques et Parapsychologiques (ADRUP)
Country: France
Price: 10 Francs

This issue of VIMANA, a review of information from the Dijon Association for Ufological and Parapsychological Research, covers a range of topics including contact cases, lost civilizations, archaeological enigmas, hypnotism, and foreign news. The cover prominently features the headline "OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES" (Unidentified Flying Objects) and lists several featured articles and events, such as a UFO stand at the Dijon Leisure Fair in 1983, close encounters in Brazil, a humanoid case in Draguignan, and counter-investigations.

Editorial and Association Information

The "EDITORIAL" section clarifies that VIMANA is the information bulletin of ADRUP, a non-profit association adhering to the law of July 1, 1901. ADRUP is a member of the French Ufology Federation (FFU) and the North-East Ufological Groupments Committee (CNEGU). The editorial board and responsibilities are listed, including Martine Geoffroy as President, Jean-Claude Calmettes as Vice-President, Patrice Vachon as Treasurer and Secretary, Jocelyne Vachon as Secretary, Patrick Coffroy for Para/Contactees, and Martine Geoffroy as the FFU Representative, with Patrice Vachon as Deputy. The magazine emphasizes that VIMANA is the work of all association members, and collaborations from researchers and readers are highly valued. Reproduction of articles is permitted with clear source attribution. Membership fees and subscription details are provided, with an address and phone number for the secretariat in Gevrey Chambertin. The editorial encourages readers to overcome the fear of ridicule and become local correspondents.

Activities in Progress and Projects

Patrick Geoffroy outlines the association's activities in both ufology and parapsychology to dispel misconceptions. In ufology, ADRUP focuses primarily on the Côte d'Or department, with exceptions for specific cases like the Quiquand dossier and a Parisian contactee. Their work involves investigations, counter-investigations, and archiving UFO-related materials, particularly press articles. They have selected about a dozen cases with high strangeness indices for counter-investigation, aiming for verifiable conclusions. A "Psi-Contact" project aims to define potential links between UFO phenomena and parapsychology through field research. In parapsychology, ADRUP inventories Psi facts in the Côte d'Or, including Marian apparitions, rain of fire, miracles, and legendary apparitions, classifying them for socio-psychological analysis to understand Para-UFO links. They also investigate small and large hauntings, having received 9 cases from 1978-1980. Another activity is compiling a dossier on "deceptive advertising by magicians," similar to the work of the Groupe Control de Paris. Regarding contact cases, ADRUP began with the Cergy Pontoise affair and has investigated two other local cases, with plans for a dossier on a Parisian contactee in collaboration with GEPO. They prefer in-depth study over extensive case files due to the limited number of cases. For information dissemination, VIMANA serves as a reflection of their activities, and their annual publication, ALPHA FSI INFORMATION, compiles events from the Côte d'Or region.

Regional Premiere: A Stand at the Leisure Fair

This section details ADRUP's participation in the Dijon Leisure Fair and the Associations Fair. The "OVNI" stand was reportedly one of the most animated, attracting approximately 500 visitors over 9 square meters. The stand featured about ten representative panels, including "ADRUP Informs" (press articles), "Our Encounters," a 15th-century enigma (Beaune Tapestries), "Contact? True or False?", "Humanoids, Who Are They?", "Our Publications," "Are Photographs Proof?", and a "Traces" dossier. Two publications were produced for the event: "INFORMATIONS JEUNES DOSSIER OVNI" (illustrated) and "ALPHA FSI INFORMATION" (regional parapsychology review). A large banner (3 meters by 80 cm) with the ADRUP logo and affiliations was also displayed. Visitors included an independent LDIN subscriber, a gendarme, a group of deaf-mutes, a class of 8-year-olds, mystics, individuals seeking to overcome fantasies, former members of ABEPS, a member of IMSA, the President of the Astronomical Society of Burgundy, and a mix of curious, skeptical, and amused individuals. The stand also promoted ADRUP's bimonthly public meetings, with some visitors purchasing multiple magazines.

Testimonies and Panels

Testimonies included two significant ufological cases: an observation with photos and a daytime RR I (close encounter). In parapsychology, a haunting case with multiple witnesses and other troubling events were reported. The most visited panels were "ARE PHOTOGRAPHS PROOF?" and "TRACES." The "Photographs" panel displayed UFO images from books, misidentifications, and hoaxes, along with a UFO enlargement. The "Traces" panel focused on evidence found in Marliens and Lays on the Doubs river, which generated many questions. The "Official Documents" section featured a binder with investigator materials, including hoax photos, newspaper articles, and official letters from the gendarmerie, meteorology, the Toulouse Space Centre, and foreign correspondence, impressing visitors with the seriousness of the research.

Objectives and Balance Sheet

The primary objective of the fair stand was to increase awareness, with a secondary goal of covering the stand rental costs through sales, which was achieved. The association also aimed to make new contacts and gather more testimonies. In addition to the 12 panels, several publications were sold: VIMANA 21 (special issue on the 1954 wave, 12 sold), DOSSIER OVNI (about fifteen sold), INFORMATION JEUNES (about a dozen sold), and older issues of VIMANA (about fifteen sold). The association distributed 800 leaflets explaining its work and affiliations (FFU, CNEGU, LDLN). For 2 Francs, amusing memory tests were offered, which generated some pocket money and surprised participants with their visual appreciation fallibility; statistics will be compiled from these tests. Despite the challenge of maintaining the stand for a week plus two full weekends, the main objectives were met, sometimes exceeding expectations.

Observation Tests

Jean-Claude Calmettes describes observation tests conducted at the fair to study general visual capabilities. Three tests were offered, requiring witnesses to visualize an image for 15-20 seconds. The first test involved reproducing a UFO. Out of 23 participants, children performed best. While the overall shape of the UFO was generally recognized, details proved difficult, especially for the vertical UFO. The average scores were 6.5 for the vertical UFO and 8 for the horizontal UFO. The second test, with 34 trials, depicted a humanoid, the moon, and a simple object in the sky, followed by 10 questions. The average score was 8.5/10, with few errors, though participants hesitated on the humanoid's clothing and incorrectly identified boots and ears. The third test, with 20 participants, involved a complex drawing of a star, mountain, vegetation, UFO with a beam, a robot, and a humanoid collecting stones. The average score was 7.25/10. Participants generally remembered the main elements like the number of figures and their positions but made errors on specific details. The test highlighted a particularity of the robot: a red belt on an entirely blue drawing, noticed by only 4 people. The conclusion is that this study, though brief and using simple drawings, reveals significant memory deficiencies, advising investigators to be cautious and use tests to verify witness reliability.

Index of Credibility

Patrick Geoffroy presents an approach to defining parameters for counter-investigating cases with a high strangeness index. While strangeness indices (humanoid presence, UFO photos, traces, landings, environmental effects) are easily defined, credibility indices are more complex. The approach focuses on parameters for close encounters of type 2 and 3. This involves analyzing information sources (local/national newspapers, regional/national magazines, previous investigations, commercial books), physical elements (UFO photos, environmental effects, humanoid presence, radar detection), archival analysis (local archives for sociological climate, descriptions of unusual craft), and official contacts (laboratories, astronomy clubs, fire departments, gendarmeries, drilling companies, mining companies, biology institutes, medical certificates). Additionally, socio-psychological investigations involve interviewing villagers to assess the witness's personality as perceived by others. Memory tests, adapted to each case and using various environments, help judge observation precision, description accuracy, and interpretation percentage. These criteria allow for the evaluation of the case's credibility index. The article lists 15 cases with high strangeness indices that have been or will be investigated by ADRUP, including encounters in Renève (1945), Cey sur L'Yonne (1954), La Roche en Bretil (1954), Marliens (1967), Bouze les Beaune (1976), and Echenon (1976).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufological investigations, the assessment of witness credibility, and the promotion of the ADRUP association's activities. The editorial stance is one of encouraging open inquiry, combating ridicule, and actively engaging the public in the study of unexplained phenomena. The association emphasizes rigorous methodology, including counter-investigations and memory testing, to establish the credibility of reported events. There is a clear focus on local activities within the Côte d'Or region, while also acknowledging international cases and collaborations.

This issue of "OBSERVATION D'EXTRATERRESTRES DANS LE VAR" (Observation of Extraterrestrials in the Var region), published by "Documentation Frontières de la Science" and edited by Patrick Fournel, focuses on UFO and humanoid encounters, primarily from the 1970s, with some historical cases from the 1950s and 1960s. The issue presents several detailed testimonies, including investigations by "Frontières de la Science".

Humanoids in Draguignan?

The lead article details an investigation by M. Patrice Seray into a case from July or August 1974 near Draguignan. Witnesses driving on the main road saw a figure, described as a "type," bent over and holding what appeared to be a jerrycan. This figure crossed the road, spreading a liquid that instantly ignited, forcing the witnesses to swerve to avoid it. The fire seemed to follow the jerrycan without touching it. The article suggests this was a chemical reaction with tar or bitumen, igniting only in the presence of goudron. Later, the same witnesses encountered a "bush" on fire, described as having a ball-like shape. The fire did not burn the surrounding vegetation. The report also mentions a third event where two figures, described as humanoids, were seen walking rigidly and in perfect synchronisation on the road. These figures were faceless, with faces described as "molded clay that you crush with the palm of your hand." They wore grey-blue jackets with high collars. The witnesses, frightened, fled the scene. The report notes the similarity of this case to the well-known "Malmont" affair.

The Tar Man of Nice

This section presents a case from the 1975-1977 period involving a retired policeman, M. Z., who witnessed a bizarre being in his garden near Nice. The being was described as normal in height but covered in a substance resembling tar or a tar-like material. When M. Z. attempted to approach, he became paralyzed. The apparition vanished as suddenly as it appeared.

Foreign News: The Nurse's Case (Brazil)

This report, from R. Macedo Soares, a Brazilian correspondent, details an incident in August 1968 involving Maria Cintra, a nurse in Lins, Brazil. She reported seeing a woman outside the hospital who asked for water. After giving her water, the woman led Maria Cintra to the door and then disappeared into what appeared to be a "hat" about a meter off the ground. Investigations revealed footprints and disturbed gravel at the site.

The Fruit Seller (Brazil)

This case, from February 1969 near Piracununga, Brazil, involves Tiago Santos, a fruit vendor. He and others observed a strange "parachute" in the sky. Tiago approached and saw a "flying disk on a tripod." Two beings in space suits emerged. One of them fired a blue flame at Tiago's thigh, causing a non-continuous burn and swelling. The object then departed rapidly.

A Small Object in Canconda (Brazil)

Gaetano Sergio Santos, a night watchman in Canconda, Brazil, encountered a brilliant, strange object in May 1968. He initially thought it was a bomb. The object, described as a metal box with glass-like surfaces and a red and black needle indicator, later disappeared through his roof after causing a bright light and heat in his kitchen.

A 10-Year-Old Witness to a Flying Disk

This investigation, conducted on July 3, 1978, in Penha, Brazil, features Dalton Legnaioli, a 10-year-old boy. He witnessed a metallic object hovering near his house. The object, described as two superimposed metal plates with a hook-like device and three transparent disks, emitted colored lights. A beam of light from the object enveloped his dog, and later, a white-blue light enveloped Dalton, causing heat and a sensation like a sudden brake. Public lights in the area were affected, turning red, and some went out.

Counter-Inquiry at Poncey sur l'Ignon

This section, authored by Patrice Vachon, revisits the 1954 case of Poncey sur l'Ignon, France, which was mentioned in the book "La Grande Peur Martienne" but not fully detailed. The report describes multiple witnesses seeing an orange, cylinder-like object with a square of light on October 2, 1954. Two days later, on October 4, Madame Fourneret saw a disk-shaped object emitting orange light, described as "big as a stove," hovering over a plum tree. Her husband and others investigated and found inexplicable traces: a 1.5m x 0.6m rectangular area of cleared and compacted earth, with surrounding clods of earth scattered. Vivacious plants remained rooted, indicating it was not excavation. The gendarmerie investigated, documenting the event. The article also notes a separate incident where a motorist saw a cigar-shaped object take off rapidly with flames.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the direct observation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and encounters with non-human entities, often referred to as humanoids. The magazine presents these cases as factual accounts, emphasizing witness testimony and investigative efforts by organizations like "Frontières de la Science." There is a clear interest in the physical evidence left behind by these phenomena, such as landing traces and unusual environmental effects. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and encounters, presenting these cases without overt skepticism, and encouraging further investigation.

This document, issue number 19 of the magazine OVNI, focuses on a detailed investigation and analysis of a UAP (Unidentified Flying Object) sighting that occurred on October 2, 1954, near the village of Poncey, France. The issue emphasizes the importance of providing detailed site descriptions in UAP reports.

Case Description and Location

The investigation details the geographical context of the sighting. The location is described as being near Poncey, a small village of about 140 inhabitants situated in a valley along the Ignon river, approximately 25 km from Dijon and on the plateau of the Châtillonnais region. The specific landing site, or presumed landing site, is located 1.5 km outside the village, near a small asbestos factory, in a secluded area at the end of a valley, bordered by forests. The article includes a sketch illustrating the relative positions of the witness's house, the neighbor's house, the village, and the presumed landing area.

Witness Testimonies

The primary witness was Madame Gainait, who was finishing milking her cows at approximately 7:40 PM when her dogs began barking and acting fearfully towards the woods. She initially noticed a moon-like glow before seeing an object rise from above a field bordering the woods. The object was described as having the shape of a gas barrel, estimated to be 30 meters high and 15 meters in diameter. Its color was orange, and it emitted a green luminescence. As it moved away, the light reportedly became like a rainbow. The object then moved horizontally at a low altitude before disappearing.

Madame Gainait called her husband and daughter, who also witnessed the object. Their neighbor, Madame Mugneret (41 years old), was alerted and also observed the phenomenon. She described seeing a luminous ball, similar to a football, the color of an ordinary light bulb but more orangey. She also mentioned that it seemed to be raining at the time.

The observation lasted for nearly five minutes. The gendarmerie visited the site the following day, but no traces were found.

Analysis and Critique

The article notes that this case is frequently cited in UAP literature but often diminished, especially compared to another case from October 4th where traces were found. The author highlights the significance of having four witnesses and a five-minute observation period. The principal witnesses were interviewed again, and they reaffirmed the veracity of their accounts.

The analysis points out errors and inaccuracies that have appeared in various books discussing this case. For instance, some accounts incorrectly state that people from Pellerey also reported a similar observation or that dogs were agitated by vibrations or radiation. The article also debunks claims of other inhabitants witnessing the phenomenon and mentions that some books refer to a 'luminous cigar' without any basis found in the original investigation.

The author emphasizes that these critical remarks are made in the spirit of rigor for the investigation, not for polemics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine OVNI appears to adopt a rigorous and investigative stance, aiming to provide detailed and accurate accounts of UAP phenomena. The editorial stance prioritizes thoroughness in reporting, including precise location details and critical analysis of existing literature to correct misinformation. The recurring theme is the detailed examination of specific UAP cases, emphasizing witness credibility and the importance of accurate documentation.