inforespace380001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Etude et recherche" focuses on the initial results of a comprehensive UFO "coding" operation, aiming to systematically analyze and categorize a large database of sightings. The magazine also delves into specific cases, including the Travis Walton incident and international sightings, while reflecting on the current state and evolution of ufology.

The 'Codage' Operation

The article "Les premiers résultats de l'opération 'codage'" details the methodology and early findings of a project to create a computerized UFO database. Led by Luc Van Cangh, the operation involves dissecting numerous magazines and books to extract relevant information on UFO cases. As of the publication, the database contains approximately 5,200 distinct references, with efforts made to identify and reduce duplicate entries. The text provides a detailed list of coded characteristics, including object shapes (disk, sphere, cigar, triangle, oval, etc.), movements (virage, acceleration, disappearance, formation flying), and other details. For instance, 640 references describe UFOs shaped like disks, saucers, or shields (code 1.1), while 526 refer to spheres or football shapes (code 1.2).

The coding system categorizes phenomena into several main sections: A. Object Shapes and Assimilated, B. Movements, C. Sounds, D. Luminous Phenomena Emanating from the Object, E. Electromagnetic Effects, F. Miscellaneous Effects, G. Effects on Humans, and H. Effects on Animals, Plants, Materials, and Objects. Each characteristic is assigned a numerical code and a description, with the number of available references for each.

The Travis Walton Case

The article "La disparition de Travis Walton (3)" continues the discussion on the Travis Walton case, focusing on Walton's personal reactions and his critique of media coverage and investigations. Travis expresses his dissatisfaction with journalists who, in his view, fabricated details about his past interest in UFOs. He clarifies that he had no prior interest in the phenomenon before his alleged abduction and states that he never met or spoke with investigator Bill Spaulding of the GSW. Walton credits APRO with conducting the only complete and serious investigation. He also recounts his experience of being abducted, detailing the physical characteristics of the craft and the humanoid beings involved. The narrative describes his fear, his struggle against his abductors, and his eventual transport into the craft. The text includes detailed descriptions of the humanoid's attire, including a silvery suit, gloves, and shoes, and the interior of the craft with its fluorescent lighting.

International Sightings

Zagreb, Yugoslavia, November 23, 1967

"Le dossier photo d'inforespace" reports on a sighting in Zagreb where three luminous objects were observed. Zoran Farcich, a student, noticed three bright points of light, two stationary and one moving, which he photographed using a 32 DIN Agfa film with a two-minute exposure. Another student, Darko Fejzagich, attempted to observe the objects with a Zeiss telescope but did not have enough time. The intensity of the lights was such that the observers concluded it was something extraordinary, not satellites. The event sparked interest among local astronomers, who acknowledged the phenomenon was beyond conventional explanation.

Arlington, Virginia, USA, March 11, 1977

"Nouvelles internationales" features the account of Francine Van Curen, a US Marine Corps pilot, who observed a UFO from her apartment building. She described the object as a long, luminous arrow or fir-tree shape, approximately 100 feet long, moving silently from south to north at an altitude of about 2000 feet. She noted the absence of blinking lights or engine noise, distinguishing it from conventional aircraft. The object's segments and the bands separating them were a vivid red. The sighting occurred on a clear night, with Jupiter visible in the sky.

Belœil, Canada, July 24, 1977

Another international report describes three young men observing a fir-tree-shaped object with a blue light, followed by a disk-shaped object, near Belœil. The objects were seen at an elevation of 60 degrees and moved westward. The disk was described as pale gray, blurry, and appeared to be about 1800-2500 meters high.

Reflections on Ufology

Alice Ashton's article, "L'ufologie n'est plus ce qu'elle était...", reflects on the current state of ufology, characterizing it as an era of "proliferation and escalation" in books, magazines, conferences, and groups. She notes the anarchic nature of the movement and the challenges of unifying disparate efforts. Ashton expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of official scientific approaches, citing the Condon Committee as a past example and warning against expecting miracles from new initiatives like GEPAN, due to potential funding issues and the inherent difficulties in scientific investigation. She also touches upon the publication of a photograph from Yugoslavia, noting its limited context and the difficulty in obtaining further information from Eastern Bloc sources.

Service Librairie

The "Service librairie" section recommends Aimé Michel's book "Mystérieux Objets Célestes," describing it as a foundational work for ufologists and highlighting its continued relevance and modern perspective despite being written years prior.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and objective approach to studying UFO phenomena, as exemplified by the detailed coding operation and the critical analysis of witness testimonies and media coverage. There is an emphasis on gathering and analyzing data systematically. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding ufological research, acknowledging the complexities and challenges while encouraging continued investigation. The inclusion of international cases suggests a global perspective on the phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the importance of collaboration and the need for active participation from its readership.

Title: Inforespace
Issue Date: Third Quarter 1977 (July 1977)
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace features a report on a UFO sighting in Belœil, Canada, and presents the recommendations of the Scientific Council regarding the studies conducted by G.E.P.A.N. (Group for the Study of Aerial Phenomena).

UFO Sighting in Belœil, Canada

The main cover story details an observation of a "fir tree" shaped object in Belœil, Canada, on July 24, 1977. Four witnesses, including three young adults and an older uncle, observed the object in the sky around 4:00 PM. The object was described as moving silently towards the west at the speed of a jet plane. It was pale grey, transparent, and appeared blurry, with an estimated altitude between 1800 and 2500 meters. No vapor trails, sparks, lights, or visible fires were reported. The object was described as being in a vertical position and did not emit any sound.

Shortly after this initial sighting, a second object was spotted to the south. This was followed by the observation of a third UFO, this time disc-shaped, located at 50° elevation. Its apparent diameter was estimated to be half that of the full moon. This disc moved on its edge, in a vertical position, heading southwest, appearing to glide silently through the air.

Avis et recommandations du Conseil Scientifique de G.Ε.Ρ.Α.Ν.

The Scientific Council of G.E.P.A.N. addresses the growing public interest in UFO phenomena and the expectation that scientific researchers will undertake studies on these subjects. The Council emphasizes that a priori rejection of such topics is unhealthy and could lead to exploitation by mass media.

Recommendations for G.E.P.A.N.

The Council presents several remarks and suggestions for improving G.E.P.A.N.'s operations:

• Data Collection: Improve data collection by shortening the time between observation and reporting to G.E.P.A.N. This would allow G.E.P.A.N. to provide more direct advice, particularly to the Gendarmerie.
• Statistical Methods: The selection and statistical treatment of data are considered generally correct but can be further improved. Detailed suggestions will be provided later, and those presented will be examined.
• Multidisciplinary Teams: The Council suggests studying the potential formation of a multidisciplinary intervention team, with its missions to be clearly defined.
• Statistical Tool: While statistical methods are indispensable, they alone are not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions.
• Case Studies and Investigations: Precise methodologies for case studies and investigations need to be developed.

Conclusion on G.E.P.A.N.'s Activities

The Scientific Council recommends the continuation of G.E.P.A.N.'s activities within the framework of C.N.E.S. (National Centre for Space Studies). G.E.P.A.N.'s mission should include coordinating national data collection and conducting studies on these data. The Council also recommends that sufficient resources be allocated to fulfill these missions.

Publication and Diffusion

The Council strongly advises maintaining vigilance regarding the diffusion and publication of studies and their results. The Council will be consulted before any publication.

Referendum sur Inforespace

This section presents the results of a referendum conducted by Inforespace, likely related to UFO phenomena and the interest of its readership.

Participant Demographics

• Age: The majority of participants in 1977 were between 20 and 60 years old (57.4% aged 20-40 and 14.8% aged 40-60), with a smaller percentage under 20 (13.9%) and over 60 (6.3%). This demographic is similar to 1974 data.
• Sex: The overwhelming majority of participants were male (90.8% in 1977, compared to 90.2% in 1974).
• Profession: In 1977, the largest professional group was 'cadres universitaires, chercheurs, cadres sup.' (university-level staff, researchers, senior staff) at 26.9%, followed by 'employés, indépendants, techniciens A1/A2' (employees, self-employed, technicians A1/A2) at 29.2%. 'Ouvriers, techniciens A3/A4' (workers, technicians A3/A4) constituted 17.0%, and students made up 19.3% (with 10.8% in secondary education and 8.5% in higher education). The remaining 7.6% were 'sans' (without a specified profession).
• Education Level (Diplomas): Data on diplomas shows a significant portion of participants with higher education, including secondary, post-secondary non-university, and university degrees.

Interest in UFOs

• Duration of Interest: The majority of participants (41.5%) became interested in UFOs between 1971 and 1974. A further 27.7% became interested between 1961 and 1970. Only a small percentage (2.9%) reported interest before 1947.

Hypotheses for UFOs

When asked about hypotheses for UFOs, the most frequent responses in 1977 were:

1. Extraterrestrial: 26.6% of participants (57 witnesses) leaned towards this hypothesis.
2. Parallel Universe: Mentioned by a significant portion.
3. Parapsychological Phenomena: Also a notable category.
4. Unknown Natural Phenomena:.
5. Terrestrial Origin:.
6. Known but Misidentified Phenomena:.

There was also a category for 'sans opinion' (no opinion).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, scientific investigation, and public interest in the subject. The editorial stance, as reflected by the Scientific Council's recommendations, is one of encouraging rigorous scientific study rather than outright dismissal, while emphasizing the importance of proper methodology, data collection, and responsible dissemination of findings. The referendum results highlight a readership with a strong interest in UFOs, predominantly male, with a significant proportion being educated professionals and students, and a majority developing their interest in the 1970s.