Since the dawn of time, people have observed all kinds of phenomena in the skies-often with interest, sometimes with fear. Over the centuries, these phenomena have given rise to varied interpretations, usually based on belief in superior beings or divine powers.
In Greek mythology, for instance, natural phenomena like wind, storms and lightning were sent by the gods to show their approval or anger at the schemes and intrigues of mortals.
More recently, research and discoveries have helped further our understanding of our environment and demystify many of these phenomena. However, the advent of new technologies, exploration systems and spaceflight in the 20th century has led to renewed interest in the "unknown".
In response, Geipan, the French UAP research and information group, investigates unidentified aerospace phenomena and makes its findings available to the public.
OVNI, UFO, PAN?
UFO stands for unidentified flying object.
Analysis of eyewitness accounts and the results of investigations show that this term is usually inappropriate. In most cases, observers describe a known or unknown phenomenon, typically involving lights in the sky, but with no evidence pointing to an actual physical object.
The generic term UAP (for unidentified aerospace phenomenon) is therefore more accurate.
From Gepan to Geipan
In 1977, the CNES Director General set up the Gepan* research group to pursue studies initiated by a CNES engineer as a personal project. Its mandate was simple: conduct research into UFOs (as they are commonly called). The group's work was overseen by a scientific advisory board.
Gepan continued its research until 1988, when it was superseded by Sepra**. As well as UAPs, the new unit also monitored artificial atmospheric re-entries, i.e. debris from space missions falling back to Earth.
In 2000, Sepra refocused on the original mission of UAP research, albeit with limited resources. In 2001, the Director General requested an audit to help decide on the future of this CNES department.
Acronyms used:
* UFO: unidentified flying object
* UAP: unidentified aerospace phenomenon
* GEPAN: Groupe d'Etudes des Ph'enom`enes A'erospatiaux Non identifi'es, the French UAP research group
* SEPRA: Service d'Expertise des Ph'enom`enes de Rentr'ees Atmosph'eriques, the CNES department responsible for assessing atmospheric re-entry phenomenon
* GEIPAN: Groupe d'Etudes et d'Information des Ph'enom`enes A'erospatiaux Non identifi'es, the French UAP research and information group
* COPEIPAN: Comit'e de Pilotage des Etudes et de l'Information sur les Ph'enom`enes A'erospatiaux Non identifi'es, the steering committee that oversees the work of GEIPAN
6,000 eyewitness reports
Since 1977, Gepan and then Sepra have collected close to 6,000 reports from eyewitnesses, mostly on the ground but about 6% who observed phenomena from aircraft.
Once reported events have been grouped into observation cases, about 28% remain unexplained after investigation and analysis.
New unit, broader mandate
On the basis of the audit recommendations, UAP activities resumed with a new CNES unit called Geipan, set up in 2005. This unit reports to senior management at the Toulouse Space Centre and is overseen by an independent external steering committee, which guides and monitors its work.
Geipan's missions are to:
* Collect eyewitness accounts of UAPs observed from the ground and aircraft, preferably reports made to the authorities (gendarmerie, police, civil aviation authority, air force, etc.)
* Analyse accounts and investigate at the scene if necessary to attempt to provide scientific explanations of reported observations
* Archive accounts collected on French territory
* Inform the public about methods and findings
This recently added fourth mission forms an important part of CNES's UAP activity. Information will be made available to the public through a dedicated website, due to go live in late 2006. With huge volumes of archive documents scanned, the site will post all available information, as authorized under current legislation.
An independent steering committee
GEIPAN is overseen by a steering committee called COPEIPAN*, which submits recommendations to CNES about GEIPAN's objectives and operations. Chaired by former CNES Director General Yves Sillard, it has 15 members representing:
* French civil and military authorities (gendarmerie, police, civil protection agency, civil aviation authority, air force)
* The research community (CNRS national science research centre, M'et'eo-France weather service, CNES)
* Comit'e de Pilotage des Etudes et de l'Information sur les Ph'enom`enes A'erospatiaux Non identifi'es
In-depth analysis
From data collection...
In its first five years, Gepan developed scientific methods for collecting and analysing interdependent data.
Since the 1980s, a rigorous scientific approach has also been applied to UAP-related investigations. This approach is still used today.
Through agreements and conventions between Geipan and its partners (authorities, researchers, etc.), the unit has access to the information sources and observable data it needs to conduct investigations.
These data come from:
* Eyewitnesses interviewed to ascertain their physiological and psychological profiles
* Eyewitness accounts in the form of verbal and written reports to the authorities
* Psychosocial factors assessed by looking at the influence of social environments, i.e. what eyewitnesses read, their education, media influences, etc., as all these factors affect the way people perceive and interpret phenomena
* The physical environment in which the phenomenon occurred, including analysis of evidence on the ground, camcorder footage, photographs, atmospheric and astronomical conditions, etc.
...to conclusion
Geipan also relies on partner research bodies and experts to perform analysis in different fields.
After analysis of all observable data, researchers attempt to determine the origin of the stimulus, i.e. the actual event the eyewitness saw and reported.
Stimulus, Psychosocial Environment, Eyewitness, Physical Environment, Eyewitness Report
Each phenomenon is then classified in one of four categories:
UAP A: conclusively identified
UAP B: probably identified
UAP C: unidentified due to insufficient data
UAP D: unidentified
What if you observe a UAP in France?
Think, record, report
First, ask yourself if you are really observing a UAP. If so, then what should you do?
If you observe a phenomenon you cannot explain, write down the details as quickly and accurately as you can. Include:
* The date and exact time and duration of the event
* Its precise geographic location and reference to landmarks, etc.
* Its shape, size, colours, movements, etc.
* Any noise it makes
* Any other information you think could be relevant
If the phenomenon leaves any visible traces (e.g. tracks on the ground, damage to vegetation, etc.), do not enter the area.
No meaningful analysis can be performed on samples not taken according to established protocols.
In all cases, report to the nearest police station, which will take all necessary steps and record a formal statement that will be forwarded to Geipan.
Possible sources of confusion
Certain phenomena can be confused with UAPs.
Natural phenomena:
Northern lights (aurora borealis)
Mist and fog effects
Clouds
Tornadoes
Lightning and related phenomena
Phenomena linked to human activity:
Fireworks, vehicle hazard lights, will-o'-the-wisp (light from burning marsh gas), fires, etc.
Laser effects (parties, nightclubs, etc.), floodlights, searchlights, lighthouses, etc.
Aeroplanes and other types of air vehicles (helicopters, microlights, hang-gliders, airships, etc.)
Balloons (scientific, weather, toy, etc.)
Boats
The GEIPAN French UFO Database is available at www.cnes-geipan.fr/geipan/.
Source: CNES-GEIPAN Website
In accordance with French law, this government publication is public domain.
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