Vimana 21 - No 15-16

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 21
Date: 2nd Quarter 1984
Publisher: ASSOCIATION DIJONNAISE DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES ET PARAPSYCHOLOGIQUES (ADRUP)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue, VIMANA 21, is a special edition dedicated to the "Marliens" case, a UFO investigation conducted by the ADRUP. The magazine is presented as a quarterly information review for the Côte d'Or region, focusing on ufological and parapsychological research.

The Marliens Affair

Introduction

The cover story, "SPECIAL MARLIENS," details an unusual trace discovered on May 5, 1967. The magazine presents this as a "rapport d'investigation" (investigation report) and a "dossier sur un phénomène insoupçonnable" (dossier on an unsuspected phenomenon). The investigation was a "contre-enquête" (counter-investigation) carried out by L'A.D.R.U.P.

Table of Contents

The table of contents outlines the structure of the Marliens investigation:

1. L'AFFAIRE DE MARLIENS
* Introduction
* Le site (The site)
* Le problème de la date présumée (The problem of the presumed date)
* L'observation radar (Radar observation)
* Les traces (The traces)
* La poudre : analyses (The powder: analyses)
* Analyses diverses (Various analyses)
* Hypothèses émises sur la poudre (Hypotheses on the powder)
* Hypothèses sur les traces (Hypotheses on the traces)
* Notre hypothèse (Our hypothesis)
2. LA FOUDRE (Lightning)
* Etude technique (Technical study)
* Ses effets (Its effects)
* Etude historique (Historical study)
3. CONCLUSION
* Le coup de tonnerre de la météo (The thunderclap of the weather)

• Annexes:
• Un cas ressemblant à Lays sur le Doubs (A case similar to Lays sur le Doubs)
• Comparaisons de certaines traces (Comparisons of certain traces)

BIBLIOGRAPHIE (Bibliography)

Regional Press Coverage

The magazine includes excerpts from regional newspapers, highlighting the public and media reaction to the Marliens event. Headlines from "Bien Public" and "Les Dépêches" from May and November 1967 and 1968 reflect the mystery and speculation surrounding the incident, with titles like "LA TERRE BOUGE A MARLIENS OU LE MYSTERE RESTE ENTIER" (The Earth Moves in Marliens or the Mystery Remains Intact) and "UN JEUNE DIJONNAIS A-T-IL VU L'ENGIN EXTRA TERRESTRE QUI SE SERAIT POSE A MARLIENS ?" (Did a Young Man from Dijon See the Extraterrestrial Craft That Reportedly Landed in Marliens?).

Editorial Stance and Investigation Approach

The editorial section introduces the ADRUP as a non-profit association and lists its responsible members. It emphasizes that VIMANA is a collective work and encourages collaboration from researchers and readers. The editorial also stresses the importance of seriousness and rigor in ufology, stating, "Notre but est la vérité, même si elle va à l'encontre de nos idées et de notre espoir. Il faut être honnête et ne pas fermer les yeux..." (Our goal is the truth, even if it goes against our ideas and our hopes. We must be honest and not close our eyes...). The approach to the Marliens case is described as focusing on documents from the time and an in-depth study of natural phenomena, particularly ball lightning, as there were no direct witnesses and the traces had long since disappeared.

The Site

Marliens is described as a small commune in the Côte d'Or department with 97 inhabitants, located about twenty kilometers from Dijon. The unusual traces were discovered in a clover field belonging to Monsieur Maillotte, the mayor of Marliens at the time. The field is situated near departmental road D 25, connecting Genlis to Longecourt en Plaine, about 500 meters from the road. The field is known as "champ teraillot" and is crossed by a 15,000-volt high-tension line 300 meters from the traces. At the time, it was bordered by two barley fields.

The Presumed Date

The gendarmerie investigation began on May 10, 1967. The mayor's son reported seeing a strange excavation during the first week of May, specifically on May 5, while working in an adjacent barley field. This indicates the traces were observed before a violent thunderstorm that occurred on the evening of May 5, 1967.

Radar Observation

An inquiry mentioned that the landing date could be precisely fixed due to radar detection by Creil radar at the vertical of Pontoise. However, revelations from the head of the Bourgogne Franche Comté aeronautics district, during an audition by the gendarmerie captain of Dijon, indicated that an unidentified object echo was reported above Genlis. The report clarifies that the gendarmerie report states the object was detected at the vertical of Pontoise, which is a considerable distance from Genlis. Furthermore, this radar observation was dated May 10, while the traces existed from May 5 or earlier, leading to the conclusion that this radar echo could not be from the Marliens object.

The Traces

The description of the traces is primarily derived from the gendarmerie report and observations by private researchers and GEPA members. A general description (Figure 1) details a strange ground disturbance over an area of 15 m2, forming a convex polygon shape, often compared to a six-branched starfish. Six furrows radiated from the presumed center, with the earth superficially ejected inwards. A fissure to the east of the traces, later found to be natural, was also noted. Compact earth clods were projected towards this fissure, and the central area appeared to have undergone significant pressure. All traces of humidity had disappeared within an 8-meter radius, despite the violent storm on May 5.

A detailed description (Figures 2 and 3) reveals a shallow central depression, about 1.80m in diameter, which was hard and dehydrated, requiring a hammer for sample extraction. Some described the soil as vitrified or calcined. At the center, a circular trace of 40cm diameter and 30cm depth was observed, along with a cylindrical imprint 12cm in diameter, 10cm deep, and 85cm long. Witnesses initially reported seeing an arc-shaped imprint in the center of the depression.

Six furrows, averaging 12cm in width and varying in length from 1.50m to 2.80m, extended from the center, with an average depth of 25cm. The furrow walls were covered in granular matter, varying in color from gray to mauve after light exposure. The furrows were not initially visible but became apparent after opening them, revealing anchor-like holes. Within these furrows, six 12cm diameter imprints were noted at varying distances from the center (0.63m to 1m). These imprints were described as vertical cylinders ending in a hemispherical hollow, from which a 4cm diameter hole extended into the ground from 20cm to 1m deep. These were termed "anchor holes," suggesting they could be part of an object's anchoring system. Additionally, ribbon-like extensions, 1mm wide and 10mm high, filled with mauve powder, were found extending from these holes, visible only when digging.

Earth clods were projected up to 25 meters from the center of the traces, on clay soil. Other interesting details included broken flints, crushed earthworms, and dried clover in the central depression, while the furrows contained intact pebbles and live earthworms. One flint was found on the edge of a hole, cleanly cut as if by a razor. Each penetration into the earth reportedly ended on a flat stone.

The Powder

This powder was found inside the furrows and in a natural fissure extending from the cuvette. It formed a 3cm wide ribbon along the fissure's length. Samples and analyses were performed.

Summary of the Official Report

Analyses were conducted by the municipal laboratory of Paris on soil samples from Marliens, comparing them to unsullied earth from the same field. The samples were described as clayey earth with a fine, white-violet deposit. Diverse analyses included UV ray examination, chemical analysis of the deposit, microscopic determination of partial fusion of particles, and insolubility tests in various solvents. The aspect of the contaminated soil was not comparable to the control sample. Chemical examination revealed small quantities of oxidizers in the soil, with absence of chlorates, chlorides, cobalt, and alumina, similar to the control sample. The conclusion of the official report stated that the deposit was extremely tenuous, presenting as fine particles that appeared to have undergone partial fusion. This contradicted the lack of fire traces and the dessicated vegetation. The insolubility suggested refractory oxides (silica or alumina), but the tenuousness of the deposit prevented further chemical characterization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, aiming for truth even if it challenges preconceived notions. The Marliens case is presented as a complex puzzle with no easy answers, exploring both potential natural explanations (like ball lightning) and the possibility of an unknown artificial object. The magazine highlights the importance of detailed investigation, careful analysis of physical evidence, and critical evaluation of witness accounts and external reports. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry and a desire to restore credibility to the field of ufology through serious and rigorous research.

This issue of VIMANA, dated 1984, revisits the Marliens case, a phenomenon involving unusual traces. The magazine delves into various analyses, hypotheses, and historical precedents to propose a definitive explanation, ultimately leaning towards a natural phenomenon.

Analyses and Initial Hypotheses

The issue begins by detailing various analyses performed on samples from the Marliens site. Initial analyses by a Paris laboratory were hampered by a small quantity of powder, leading to a less conclusive result. However, further analysis from Lausanne, using chromatography, identified the presence of carbonates, which experts suggested excluded fusion or calcination. A more detailed analysis by the GEPA, conducted by the Faculty of Sciences in Dijon using X-rays, determined the presence of small quartz crystals that had undergone initial fusion, a process requiring a temperature of 1610°C. The author, a chemist, expresses regret over the poverty of the official analysis and notes that clay, primarily an aluminum silicate, is common, explaining the presence of siliceous deposits.

A critique of the official report by an engineer highlighted the absence of a solubility test with hydrofluoric acid, which could have confirmed the presence of silica. Visual observation under a low-power binocular also provided clues.

Additional analyses by the gendarmerie included Geiger counter tests, which found no radioactivity. However, the absence of a simple compass test was noted, which was later performed by GNEOVNI (Groupe Nord Est d'étude du phénomène OVNI), revealing deviations of 18 to 20 degrees.

Photographs of the traces and terrain were taken, including aerial shots. An anecdote reveals that the mayor had dusted the traces with barley flour to make them more visible, a tactic that inadvertently misled some investigators who mistook the flour for residue from a supposed craft.

Further investigations included inquiries with local landowners and users of CD 25, which yielded no anomalies. The fire department inspector confirmed the absence of fire or heat traces. An armament officer from BA 102 ruled out any Air Force aircraft debris. Private chemists also conducted tests, including attempts to re-humidify soil samples.

Diverse Investigations and Early Theories

The magazine then shifts to other investigations, including the discovery of a cylindrical hole in a field near Genlis by a cultivator. Private investigators certified that no prior drilling had occurred in the area, though the authors note the difficulty in obtaining accurate historical drilling data, citing clandestine or 'wildcat' drilling operations.

An observation of an orange ball on the night of May 10th is mentioned, but its relation to traces dated May 5th is questioned. The observation of suspicious footprints around the traces was formally denied by GEPA, highlighting the dangers of hasty interpretations and potential for 'humanoid' sightings.

Hypotheses on the Powder

Several hypotheses regarding the powder are explored. One theory suggested it was due to gas injection, but this was rejected as the injection would have covered the entire fissure, not just a 3 cm wide ribbon. Another hypothesis proposed the powder was not obtained by on-site heating, as there were no signs of burning or fusion. The clover was found desiccated, not burnt, leading to a comparison with lyophilization (freeze-drying).

A more elaborate hypothesis suggested the powder was a result of a thermal shield from a craft, similar to that used by the American Columbia shuttle. This shield, made of siliceous tiles, would have melted upon atmospheric re-entry, depositing fine particles upon landing. However, this theory is deemed technically implausible due to the fragility of thermal shields and the presence of powder within the furrows, which would have been dispersed on the surface.

Further Hypotheses and Analysis

Other hypotheses include the powder being an abrasive used by drills, a method supposedly used in Egypt. However, the lack of abrasion marks on the surrounding stones and the presence of the powder in narrow furrows made this explanation unlikely. Another theory involved an electromagnetic field, but this would have affected a larger area than the narrow bands observed.

The 'Plantier theory' is also mentioned, suggesting a protective magnetic field acting like an ionization field or microwaves on the soil. This aligns with the compass deviation observed.

The author concludes that one should avoid forcing an explanation to fit a preconceived idea. The presence of silica, a component of soil and clay, is natural. The found material is likely quartz (silica), and while alumina was not found, the region is rich in limestone and flint, formed from fossilized organisms, which aligns with the local geology.

Hypotheses on the Traces

Regarding the traces themselves, one hypothesis suggested a monstrous insect or extraterrestrial animal, but the geometric shape of the cylindrical holes suggested a machine. The OVNI hypothesis was generally favored. The anchor holes were compared to those observed in the Valensole case, but differences in the central imprints and the leg traces were noted. The author questions why the Marliens case received more attention than the similar case of L'Hay sur le Doubs, suggesting investigator personality and media impact played a role.

A theory of immense pressure at the center of the depression was discussed, but the case of Quarouble offered a simple explanation: the hardening of clay after a storm creating an illusion of pressure. The 'orthoténie' theory by Aimé Michel is mentioned but deemed largely demystified due to its reliance on questionable press clippings.

The regularity of the anchor holes posed a technical problem, with suggestions of a tripod-like device. The possibility of a telescopic apparatus was considered, but the constant diameter with depth was problematic. The use of flexible rods with mechanical drills was proposed.

The striations inside the holes could be explained by the rotation of a drill, but abrupt stops on flat stones were difficult to explain. The possibility of a solid light source from a UFO was also considered, but its ability to create furrows was questioned.

The Powder: It's Incomprehensible

The issue reiterates that the powder's origin remains incomprehensible. The official explanation of lightning is deemed 'unthinkable' due to the lack of burning traces. The magazine questions how lightning could bore such strange and regular holes.

Conclusion: A UFO Landed in Marliens?

The article concludes that it seems absolutely established that an unknown craft landed in Marliens.

Our Hypothesis

Seventeen years later, the authors revisit the Marliens case. They aim to rectify errors from previous investigations, acknowledging that their own work may also be judged in the future. They emphasize the rapid rejection of natural hypotheses in favor of a less clear one, attributing this partly to a poor understanding of lightning in 1967 and even in 1984.

Lightning: A Re-evaluation

The magazine questions public understanding of lightning, which is often limited to images of fire and destruction. Even technicians struggle to define it, with theories still being developed. Ball lightning is mentioned as having very little scientific documentation.

The study aims to be practical, focusing on actions and effects rather than pure theory, with a future VIMANA issue planned on phenomena associated with UFOs.

Technical Study of Lightning

Lightning is described as an electrical discharge between charged clouds or between a charged cloud and the ground. The formation of electrical charges in clouds is not fully explained but is hypothesized to involve the transport of humid air and ice crystals. When the electrical charge in a cloud exceeds a certain limit (disruptive tension), a discharge occurs as lightning. The electric field between opposite charges can reach millions of volts per meter, creating a spark that can travel kilometers. The duration of a lightning strike is mere centiseconds.

Effects of Lightning

Lightning can have two main effects: high-energy sparks that heat air to thousands of degrees Kelvin, causing explosive expansion and powerful 'fracas' (cracks), and 'hot flashes' or 'inflammation' where the discharge persists for tenths of a second, causing fusion-welding and immediate ignition of combustible materials. The latter is the common form of lightning responsible for fires.

The magazine debunks the idea of 'nests of lightning' as legends, stating that while tall objects are struck more often, ground-level actions are not prevented. The common image of lightning is challenged, suggesting that lightning can occur without visible burning.

The Traces and Lightning

Regarding the traces, the article posits that lightning can strike structures like metallic towers without leaving visible traces. A thin copper wire can be vaporized by induced currents without damaging insulation. Lightning often strikes open fields, sometimes leaving holes of a few centimeters. High-intensity lightning can cause discharges along high-resistivity terrain. If this discharge reaches a conductor like a stream, it can create a furrow in a field. In sandy terrain, lightning can melt sand grains, creating fulgurites, which are galleries sometimes resembling tree roots.

Historical Cases of Lightning

The magazine presents historical examples of lightning's unusual effects. Lightning can leave magnetic traces, allowing for the determination of impact force even months later. The hypothesis of a 'cold lightning' with enormous force, exceeding scientific understanding, is proposed. Historical accounts include lightning piercing thick walls, causing fires, displacing objects, opening doors, transporting people, burning clothes without charring the body, volatilizing gold, stopping pendulums, and even imprinting images onto sheep skins.

One case from Pont sur Seine in 1764 describes lightning piercing multiple walls, causing a fire, and affecting people. Another case from 1896 details lightning striking two farm workers, tearing their boots and trousers, and imprinting images of a pine tree and a poplar on one worker's body. In 1812, lightning struck six sheep, and after they were skinned, a facsimile of the surrounding landscape appeared inside their hides.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the re-evaluation of natural phenomena, particularly lightning, as potential explanations for anomalous events. The editorial stance is critical of hasty conclusions and the dismissal of natural causes in favor of more exotic explanations. The magazine advocates for rigorous scientific investigation and a willingness to consider all possibilities, even those that challenge conventional understanding. The issue concludes by strongly suggesting that lightning is the most probable explanation for the Marliens case, despite its initial rejection.

This issue of OVNI magazine delves into the Marliens case, a phenomenon that initially sparked UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) speculation. The magazine presents a detailed analysis, aiming to debunk the UAP theory and propose a natural explanation, primarily focusing on intense lightning strikes.

The Marliens Case: Initial Observations and UAP Hypothesis

The issue begins by recounting historical instances of lightning strikes with unusual effects, such as the Buffon case (circa 1880) where a shepherdess's earring melted, and the Figanière case (July 1911) where inkwells were emptied without other visible damage. Another historical example from 1775 near Rouen describes lightning striking gunpowder without ignition. These serve as precursors to the main Marliens case.

The Marliens incident, occurring on May 21, 1977, involved traces found on the runway of the Longvic Air Base. An article cited describes the runway being rendered unusable by an 'orage' (storm), with several holes opened and debris found up to 30 meters away. The initial hypothesis leaned towards a UAP due to the unusual nature of the traces, described as spectacular, incomprehensible, and aberrant.

Meteorological Analysis and the "Cold Lightning" Theory

A critical part of the investigation involved cross-referencing the discovery of the traces with meteorological data. The magazine highlights a crucial discrepancy: the storm was initially thought to have occurred after the discovery of the traces. However, further investigation, including a request to the meteorological service of Dijon, revealed that a significant storm with lightning actually occurred on May 3, 1967, several days *before* the traces were discovered on May 5, 1967. This temporal shift is presented as key to re-evaluating the case.

The article introduces the concept of "cold lightning" (foudre froide), a phenomenon that can produce intense effects without the typical burning or heat associated with lightning. This theory is proposed as a plausible explanation for the Marliens traces, which included cylindrical holes and a greyish powder, but no signs of burning.

Comparison with Similar Cases

To strengthen the natural explanation hypothesis, the magazine compares the Marliens case with other similar incidents:

• Charlieu (1977): Featured a cuvette (crater), a central vertical pit, and a furrow, with no signs of burning or heat. The pressure was noted as not very accentuated.
• Valensole (1965): Involved a cuvette, a central vertical pit with branching furrows, and four other furrows. Notably, there was no radioactivity, but an elevated calcium level (18.3%).
• Lays sur le Doubs (1978): This case, occurring 11 years after Marliens, is described as an almost perfect replica. It involved two main furrows, a central cuvette, and several smaller furrows ending in cylindrical pits. A greyish powder (silica) was found, and again, no signs of burning. Witness testimonies in this case diverged regarding the observation of unusual objects (glowing balls, flashing lights) on the evening of April 23, 1978.

In all these cases, the UAP hypothesis was quickly dismissed due to the physical characteristics of the traces, which were deemed inconsistent with a UAP landing or impact. The presence of quartz (silica) in the powder was also noted.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The magazine concludes that the Marliens case is best explained by a succession of errors: in knowledge, interpretation, and crucially, in dating. The investigators are criticized for minimizing the possibilities of lightning and misinterpreting geological analyses. The evidence that supported the UAP theory, such as radar observations and witness accounts from May 10, 1967, is presented as being five days *after* the discovery of the traces, thus unreliable for determining the cause.

The editorial stance is clear: the UAP theory for Marliens is significantly weakened, if not entirely disproven, by the available evidence and the re-evaluation of the timeline. The article suggests that the traces were likely caused by an exceptionally powerful "cold lightning" strike, which created unusual geological formations and deposited mineral powder. The magazine ends by inviting readers to judge the evidence for themselves, but strongly implies that the natural explanation is the most rational conclusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UAP cases, the importance of rigorous scientific and meteorological analysis, and the potential for natural phenomena to mimic or be misinterpreted as extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance is skeptical of UAP claims, favoring terrestrial and natural explanations when evidence supports them. The magazine emphasizes the need for accurate data, particularly dates and times, in the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The concept of "cold lightning" is presented as a significant factor in understanding anomalous ground traces.