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Magazine Overview

This issue of Inforespace, identified as issue number 40, focuses on the physical aspects of UFO phenomena and the controversial 'truncated light beams.' It also delves into humanoid encounters and explores the growing interest in parapsychological models within ufology, moving away from the purely extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Article: Commentary on the Physical Aspects of UFO Phenomena and 'Truncated Light Beams'

This section begins with a commentary on an article by Jan Heering, highlighting the fundamental observation that UFO phenomena adhere to certain physical laws, suggesting advanced technology. The author notes that while some scientists dismiss UFOs as impossible, many acknowledge the need for examination without preconceived notions. However, the author expresses concern that a pessimistic outlook might discourage research, and that a lack of rigorous scientific approach could lead to unfounded speculation.

The author argues that UFO phenomena represent a major scientific problem of our time, citing thousands of independent, credible observations. Beyond mere observational errors or mental phenomena, there are physical effects and traces. The possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations and direct contact carries immense technological and mental implications for humanity.

Regarding the 'truncated light beams,' the author references about twenty observations that are difficult to dismiss. He revisits his 1973 hypothesis of a beam of ionizing particles with variable energy. If it were light, it would diminish progressively, not stop abruptly. The author suggests that UFOs produce a phenomenon where points within the beam become light-emitting, possibly through interaction with air molecules. This process is more understandable than purely speculative theories.

The article discusses the 'foudroyantes accelerations' (frightening accelerations) of UFOs. If they are material objects, they must obey mechanical laws. High acceleration implies either very low inertia mass or enormous forces. The former is contradicted by other observations, while the latter presents technological challenges. The author states that progress in understanding this aspect is hindered by a lack of direct information.

He then focuses on 'truncated light beams,' citing about twenty observations. He reiterates his 1973 hypothesis of a beam of ionizing particles of variable energy. He explains that protons lose energy progressively through ionization, and their trajectories are nearly rectilinear. The length of the beam can be altered by changing the proton energy. The beams can be curved or fragmented, suggesting deflection by electromagnetic fields and pulsed emission.

The ability of these beams to penetrate opaque obstacles is explained by the nature of ionizing particles. The author recounts an incident where a witness, Mme Yolié Moreno, placed her forearm into a 'solid light' beam from a UFO in Trancas, Argentina, experiencing only a strong sensation of heat. The author notes that the density of ionization increases significantly near the particle's stopping point, which is relevant for medical applications like tumor removal.

He addresses the observation that the light beams did not illuminate the surroundings, suggesting it might be a different type of light or a peculiarity of human perception, especially when eyes are adapted to darkness. The comparison to a luminescent watch screen is made, where the light is bright but not reflected if no object is nearby. The possibility of monochromatic light and its effect on object colors is also mentioned.

The author concludes that the phenomenon of 'truncated light beams' is not as incomprehensible as it seems, especially for witnesses who often experience shock. This lack of understanding by witnesses, paradoxically, strengthens the argument for the reality of UFO phenomena.

Article: The Vilvorde Humanoid, Five Years Later

This section details an investigation into a 'close encounter of the third kind' that occurred in Vilvorde, Belgium, in December 1973. The witness, identified as V.M., a typographer, initially provided limited details due to reticence.

Subsequent interviews revealed more elements that align with theories proposed by researchers like Michel Monnerie, Bertrand Méheust, and Pierre Viéroudy, which question the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The witness described the humanoid from behind and then when it turned towards a light beam. The sketches show a transparent helmet that had disappeared in later drawings.

V.M. described the being's luminescence as similar to a firefly, with a green, shiny, and twinkling color, comparable to the material of 'Buggy' type car bodies. He was struck by a 'detector' device that had the same color and appeared independent of the being.

Regarding the materiality of the apparition, V.M. could not be certain, suggesting his hand might have passed through it. He also noted the being's slow, heavy movement, reminiscent of astronauts on the moon. No traces were found the next day.

He described the humanoid's gesture of raising its arm with two fingers extended in a 'V' shape before leaving. V.M. interpreted this gesture in various ways, from a sign of peace to a potential diabolical intervention.

The witness also recounted a 'christic vision' from his youth (around 1964-1965) where he saw a luminous disk with the face of Christ, sweating, and received a telepathic message: 'Do not return to these people.' This vision occurred while he was walking in the snow.

Article: Why the Parapsychological Model?

This section discusses the growing interest in parapsychological models within ufology, contrasting it with the traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis. The author notes the passionate nature of this debate.

Reasons for this shift include the perceived insufficiency of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, citing the vast number of observations and the lack of evolution in UFO 'technology' over centuries. The author questions the idea of advanced beings using primitive forms of transport like sailing ships or hot air balloons.

The article also touches upon other reported phenomena, including unexplained noises in the witness's house after the humanoid incident, suggesting the possibility of auto-suggestion influenced by the unusual events.

Tables and Conclusions

Table I provides a statistical breakdown of UFO reports in Belgium for the period of September 1973 to January 1974, categorizing them by type and geographic distribution. The data shows a significant number of 'non-identified' reports and 'close encounters.'

The conclusions emphasize the witness's credibility, noting that despite extensive questioning, no inconsistencies were found. The author acknowledges that further verification is needed but expresses conviction that the witness honestly describes phenomena he believes he was involved in. The article suggests that the case aligns with theories proposing that UFO phenomena are 'mythico-physical' and involve the spiritualization of bodies and the corporatization of spirits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the nature of anomalous light emissions, the characteristics of alleged extraterrestrial beings, and the evolving theoretical frameworks in ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific inquiry, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the potential for unconventional explanations, including parapsychological ones. There is a clear effort to present witness testimonies and scientific analyses in a balanced manner, encouraging further research into these complex and often perplexing events.

This issue of 'Nouvelles internationales' from October 1977, published by International UFO Reporter, focuses on the growing involvement of NASA in UFO investigations and presents two detailed case studies.

OVNI: la N.A.S.A. entre dans l'arène

The lead article details how NASA became involved in UFO investigations. It began with correspondence between the Bureau of Scientific and Technological Policy and NASA, spurred by ufologists hoping President Carter, a past UFO witness, would take the issue seriously. Frank Press, director of the Scientific and Technological Bureau, investigated files from the Air Force and CIA. He wrote to NASA Administrator Robert Frosch on July 12th, informing him of the significant number of UFO-related letters received by the White House and the Executive Bureau's preparedness to handle such inquiries. Press recommended that NASA form a small investigative committee to review new elements since the Condon report and to handle the UFO correspondence sent to the White House.

Robert Frosch responded that several questions needed resolution before a full program could begin. He noted that NASA's standard responses to UFO inquiries, similar to those adopted by the Air Force, did not provide definitive technical estimations and frustrated serious investigators. To justify further engagement, Frosch proposed designating a responsible official to review reports from the past decade and conclude by late 1977 whether the project was justified. Frank Press immediately approved this study and confirmed that the correspondence addressed to OSTP and the White House would be forwarded to NASA.

Dr. Richard Henry emerged as the likely candidate chosen by NASA, though official confirmation was pending. Henry informed the International UFO Reporter that progress would take several weeks. His selection was welcomed by ufologists due to his long association with civilian organizations like the Center for UFO Studies and APRO. The article concludes that the formation of such a committee could be beneficial for UFO studies, especially if it avoids the controversies of the Condon report, and questions whether this might lead to sustained research by NASA and the impact of the official French UFO study bureau.

Un rapt au Kansas

This section details a reported abduction case in Kansas involving a young couple, Joe (19) and Carol (18), and their 4-month-old son, Luc. The incident occurred on June 20, 1976, while they were driving through western Kansas. Richard Sigismonde, an investigator from the Center for UFO Studies, used hypnosis to help the couple recall details of the event. The couple reported seeing unusual lights in the sky, followed by a 'missing time' of several hours. They described encountering large, oblong 'stars' and later a bright yellow 'bar' object hovering above their car. Under hypnosis, they recounted entering a craft, experiencing examinations, and interacting with humanoid beings. Carol described a room with computers, bright lights, and a large brown tube, and recalled being taken to another room where she felt pressure and was given a mental order to lie on a table. She experienced a sensation of being lifted and saw stars, realizing the Earth was shrinking. She also described being returned to the car, finding the odometer reading '32'. The details recalled under hypnosis were consistent and detailed, with no internal contradictions among the witnesses over a four-month period.

Sigismonde noted that the witnesses had forgotten the experience until hypnosis. The physical descriptions of the craft and the humanoids were consistent between Joe and Carol. Joe described the craft as biconvex, white, with rotating lights and ascending stairs. Carol described a large, silver craft with rotating lights at the base and ascending stairs. Both described the humanoids, with Joe noting their thinness, sunken eyes, and lack of distinct mouths or ears, while Carol described them as human-like with large chests and bodies covered in dark brown metal tubes.

Physical marks were found on Joe, Carol, and Luke, including eruptions, needle marks, bruises, and scratches. The couple initially contacted the Air Force. Sigismonde's investigation included precautions to avoid influencing the witnesses, such as conducting sessions separately and not playing recordings until all sessions were complete. The article discusses potential explanations for the memory loss, including trauma, deliberate omission, or shared fantasy, but emphasizes the consistency of the details recovered under hypnosis and the physical marks, suggesting a real event.

Deux rencontres identiques à sept ans d'intervalle !

This section presents a case reported by M. Paul Cerny, director of MUFON, involving a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chapin, who witnessed UFO phenomena near a mine in Redding, California. The first sighting occurred on October 30, 1969, and a similar event took place seven years later, on December 29, 1976, at approximately the same location. During the first sighting, the Chapins discovered a serpent in the canyon and noticed a temperature increase as they approached the area where a UFO later ascended vertically and disappeared. They found a small depression in the ground and later a metallic globe. The second sighting involved a similar temperature increase and the appearance of a UFO described as a half-orange shape that moved rapidly towards them, causing them to lose consciousness for about fifteen minutes. They reported physical discomfort and a sensation of perturbation.

Analysis of the sand collected from the site revealed it was 96.5% silicon with traces of potassium, chlorine, titanium, and iron, suggesting it might have been produced in space. The metallic globe was analyzed and found to contain copper, tin, silver, chromium, thorium, and iron, considered foreign to the site. The article questions whether the mineral substances were 'brought' to the location and suggests further geological review. The Chapins initially kept the samples for eight years before initiating a scientific study. The article concludes by stating 'Affaire à suivre' (To be continued).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing official interest in UFO phenomena, particularly from governmental bodies like NASA, and detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings and alleged abductions. The magazine presents a stance that takes UFO reports seriously, employing investigative techniques like hypnosis and scientific analysis of physical evidence. There is an underlying belief in the reality of these phenomena, with a focus on gathering and presenting detailed testimonies and findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging further research and analysis of UFO events, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous methodology and caution against suggestive interviewing techniques.