The article below was published in the daily newspaper Ouest France, France, on June 14, 2008.
Jacques Patenet, in the center, surrounded by Rennes investigators Laurent Duval on the right, Katheryne Rénoy-Verplaetse, and Nicolas David.
The phenomenon of unidentified flying objects is experiencing a resurgence in the West. Coming from Toulouse, a specialist is questioning witnesses.
In his field, Jacques Patenet works like a police inspector. He conducts investigations using the same methods, never forgetting to take an interest in the surroundings. This expert from CNES-Geipan (1) has arrived from Toulouse to uncover the mystery of the luminous spheres that have been moving through the Breton sky for some time, especially along the coasts.
The phenomenon has been growing since mid-April, when the first sighting was reported. "The first spheres were seen off the coast of Île d'Yeu. Since then, they have been reported in Noirmoutier, north of Lorient, La Turballe, as well as in Dinard and even inland. We've received messages from Châteaubriant and Pouancé." The expert plans to gather firsthand information from witnesses. For now, he has no opinion on the matter. "It often takes time to find an explanation. In 20% of cases, we don't find one."
One Case Per Day
At the same time, Jacques Patenet will take the opportunity to establish connections, particularly with sailors and signal stations. Most of the cases reported to Geipan haven't had a maritime connection, but things are changing.
Since launching their website, many unidentified aerial phenomena have had the open sea as a backdrop. Some cases resurface after years of silence. "A sailor recently sent me an observation dating back to 1987."
Since the 1950s, GEIPAN [sic, since 1977, GEPAN] has handled about fifty cases per year. With the advent of the internet, the national panel faces a potential avalanche. "We've been receiving almost one case per day for the past six months! People are no longer hesitant to speak up." The Toulouse expert is currently setting up a network with the help of local volunteers responsible for preliminary investigations.
Ufology Dinners
In Rennes, Laurent Duval and Katheryne Rénoy-Verplaetse are among them. A computer scientist, the investigator from the Ovniprésent association has always been passionate about sky observation. "One night in July 1999, I saw three orange spheres moving in a triangular formation. I was so stunned that I forgot to take a picture."
Since then, Laurent Duval has been sharing his experiences with other enthusiasts. They all meet every two months for a ufology dinner.
Alain THOMAS.
(1) Geipan (Study and Information Group on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) collects testimonies. Call 09 53 61 86 98 (geipan@cnes.fr and www.ovnipresent.com)
