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Magazine Overview

This issue of inforéspace, number 79, published in November 1990, marks the 19th year of the publication. It is a semestrial review focusing on ufology and spatial phenomena, produced by SOBEPS, an organization based in Belgium.

Editorial

The editorial, written by President Michel BOUGARD, addresses the members, acknowledging their anticipation for news following the significant wave of sightings that began in Eupen a year prior. BOUGARD highlights the substantial workload of the SOBEPS team, managing around 1100 observation dossiers, with a third of them investigated. He notes the challenge of publishing verified cases promptly while also dealing with international media attention. The editorial emphasizes SOBEPS's commitment to rigorous investigation, which necessitates a meticulous and time-consuming process, despite the activity being voluntary and undertaken by individuals with demanding professional lives. The organization has acquired a computer and a laser printer, significantly improving administrative tasks and the production of the revue. For 1991, the subscription model is changing, with three issues of INFORESPACE planned (spring, summer, and end of year), and the discontinuation of SOBEPS-Flash. Several important dossiers are promised, including detailed accounts of the December 1989 events, the March 1990 Ramillies case involving F-16s and radar video analysis, and an analysis of a triangular object photograph. Two membership tiers are offered: 'Membre d'Honneur' (Honorary Member) with a higher contribution and a membership card, and 'Cotisation ordinaire' (Ordinary Contribution). Honorary members will receive a 50-page press review as a gift. BOUGARD expresses pride in SOBEPS's increased credibility and its role as a key information source on UFOs in Belgium, urging members to renew their subscriptions to support this endeavor.

Key Incidents and Investigations

RENCONTRE RAPPROCHEE DU PREMIER TYPE DANS LE HAINAUT

This article details an encounter on November 22, 1989, near Forest, Belgium, by M. and Mme Dupuis. While in their car, they observed a triangular object with three large headlights arranged in an equilateral triangle, hovering over a house and emitting intense light. The object, estimated to be ten meters in wingspan, descended, emitted a red-tinted flame, and a slight whistling sound as it passed about five meters above the road. The observation lasted five to six minutes. The event had lasting psychological consequences for the witnesses, with M. Dupuis suffering from sleep disturbances and his wife experiencing a nervous depression. The investigation was conducted by Jean-Marc Wattecamps for SOBEPS, concluding the object was of a UFO nature and the witnesses credible.

UN MAJESTUEUX TRIANGLE A PROFONDEVILLE

Reported by Mme Bernadette Charlier and her eight-year-old daughter Alice, this sighting occurred in Profondeville, near Namur, Belgium, likely a day or two before the Eupen gendarmes' story broke in late November 1989. Between 5 and 6 PM, they observed a luminous triangular object moving slowly from south to north. The object, estimated to have a thirty-meter wingspan, had three white headlights near its rounded angles and a central, perfectly round, mandarin-colored light. The most striking aspect was the complete absence of noise. The object moved horizontally and majestically, described as "muffled" and causing no turbulence or heat sensation. Alice also reported seeing a similar triangular object with a red halo earlier that morning. The investigation was conducted by Gérard GREDE and Denis MOINIL.

TRIANGLE ET PENTAGONE (Brussels)

On December 1, 1989, around 11:15 PM, Mmes Robert and Moralès observed a dark, triangular object in the night sky over Brussels. The object hovered silently for about 45 seconds before accelerating rapidly towards the southwest. Mme Moralès described a white light emanating from a central cone and three circular "portholes" on the base, with a red luminous band around the object's edge. Mme Robert's account differed slightly, mentioning more than three yellowish portholes and white and blue lights at the angles. The object was estimated to be about 5 meters wide. The witnesses reported a feeling of serenity. The investigation was led by Stéphane DE RATH.

UN ETRANGE TRIANGLE AU-DESSUS DE BASECLES

This section details an observation on December 21, 1989, in Basècles, near Beloeil, Belgium. Five witnesses, including M. Michel Sauvages (42) and M. Léopold-Edmond André (67), observed a large, quasi-triangular object. The object was initially immobile, then ascended obliquely towards the southeast. M. Sauvages described a red-orange light, possibly like an inverted bucket or clown hat, remaining stationary for two minutes before moving. M. André observed three yellow-orange lights arranged in a triangle, with a dark, triangular structure. He estimated the object's size to be comparable to a house. The observation lasted several minutes, with the object eventually disappearing into the sky as dawn approached. The witnesses are considered credible, and the event is deemed unusual.

UN ETRANGE OBJET (Jehanster/Polleur)

This report, based on an investigation by Jacques Lenoir, describes an observation on December 1989, near Jehanster/Polleur, Belgium. M. F... and his children, along with Mme F..., witnessed a large, luminous object described as a "star" moving towards them. The object, estimated to be about 20 meters from the ground, appeared as a red-orange point that grew larger. Mme F... described it as a "ball of fire." The object was visible for about twenty seconds before disappearing. The witnesses were about a hundred meters apart but saw the same phenomenon. The object was described as having a luminous, possibly conical, shape and emitted no sound.

New Slides

SOBEPS is offering two new series of 12 slides each, covering recent events in Belgium, for 750 FB or 140 FF. These series, numbered 29 and 30, come with detailed commentaries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO sightings, primarily triangular objects, observed in Belgium during 1989 and 1990. The magazine emphasizes the importance of credible witness testimony and thorough investigation, as exemplified by the detailed reports and the involvement of SOBEPS investigators. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, advocating for a scientific and critical approach while acknowledging the challenges and voluntary nature of such research. The issue also highlights the organizational efforts of SOBEPS to manage information, fund its operations, and disseminate its findings through publications and events.

This issue of the magazine, dated December 1989, features a prominent article titled 'DECEMBRE 1989: BALLET AERIEN PRES DE VERVIERS' (December 1989: Aerial Ballet Near Verviers). The publication focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings, with this particular issue detailing a significant event in Belgium.

The Verviers Sighting (December 27, 1989)

The main article, authored by Jean DEBAL, recounts a detailed observation by the F... family on December 27, 1989, near Verviers. The family, consisting of parents André and Louise F... and their children Béatrice (21) and Alain (14), witnessed an unusual aerial phenomenon around 5:20 PM. Alain first spotted a 'big star' moving slowly and approaching. Using binoculars, his mother observed what appeared to be 'hublots' (portholes) on a dark, elongated shape with lights. As the object drew closer, its luminosity increased, and the family rushed outside to observe it. They noted three large white lights on the underside, forming a triangle, and a smaller red blinking light. The object's shape was described as indistinct but elongated, with lights.

Later, the family observed a second, identical object, further west and slightly behind the first, following the same trajectory. The main object then accelerated rapidly and moved almost vertically, disappearing from view. The entire observation lasted about five minutes, and no sound was perceived.

Later that evening, around 10:00 PM, the family, joined by their elder son Michel, observed two points of light that appeared immobile. Through binoculars, each point resolved into two lights (red and blue) that increased and decreased in intensity. These lights, seemingly on distinct objects, moved and then disappeared eastward.

The family's descriptions were consistent, with the object resembling a 'flying wing' with a rear extension, or a 'Boeing without the fuselage.' The movement was slow initially, then a sudden, near-vertical acceleration. The altitude was estimated between 500 and 1000 meters. The witnesses were deeply impressed, with Mr. F... comparing his experience to a medieval peasant witnessing a highway.

The Shape Under the Sign of the Triangle (January 18, 1990)

Another article, also by Jean DEBAL, details an observation on January 18, 1990, near Chièvres, Belgium. Witness Mme X. and her son-in-law, M. S.D... (41), observed a quasi-immobile object on the right side of the road. Initially thought to be a helicopter, it was soon recognized as something else. The object was described as triangular with rounded angles, approximately the size of the Grand Place in Ath (around 100 meters). Only the underside was visible, appearing metallic grey with a series of 'ribs' or 'joints.' Each corner had a dome-like structure, possibly translucent, resembling a rugby ball, emitting a pale yellow light. The object moved at about 60 km/h without any noise. A commercial airliner passed overhead at a much higher altitude without any apparent interaction.

M. S.D... found the object's immobility at its altitude perplexing, noting the absence of noise or air turbulence. The metallic grey underside and the 'ribs' were recurring features in UFO reports. The article notes that the base at Chièvres was closed at 5:30 PM, and no military personnel reported anything unusual.

The Strange 'Dirigible' of Perwez (March 1990)

Patrick FERRYN reports on an observation by Gaston Jignot in Perwez, Belgium, in early March 1990. Around 8:15 PM, Mr. Jignot saw a bright, round, stationary light above a farm, about 100 meters away. He initially thought it was a lighthouse but realized it was something else when it moved silently towards him. He described it as a 'white and round luminosity' that later revealed itself to be a large, dark, triangular object with three pale yellow, non-projecting lights arranged in a circle. He estimated its size to be about 15 meters in width and its altitude to be around 18-20 meters above him. He heard a low humming sound, comparing it to a fan. The object moved westwards, and he estimated its total observation time to be about 45 seconds.

Mr. Jignot later described the object as a 'dirigible' due to its shape and lights, believing it might be a hoax. He also noted a 'cockpit' made of glass, illuminated in white, visible at the front of the object.

Mysteries of a Spring Night (April 22-23, 1990)

This section, authored by Léon BRENIG, details multiple sightings on the night of April 22-23, 1990, across Belgium, part of what is referred to as the 'Belgian wave' of UFO sightings.

• Brussels (approx. 9:00 PM): Mme P... from Anderlecht observed a flying object with four lights (two white, two red) approaching her building. It appeared to be made of two superimposed discs and flew slowly and silently.
• Brussels (approx. 9:00 PM): Another witness in Brussels observed a perfectly triangular object with three white lights at the vertices and a red light in the center. It flew silently and slowly below the clouds, turning and disappearing behind buildings.
• La Hulpe (approx. 10:00 PM): M. A... and his friend saw a metallic grey, triangular object flying under the clouds. It had three white lights at the vertices of a triangle and two blinking red lights in the center. A light on its upper surface illuminated the clouds.
• Ellezelles (approx. 9:10 PM): M. Ph.D... and other young people observed a very slow-moving, silent object at low altitude. It had three white lights on its triangular base and a smaller red light. It emitted a beam of light downwards that stopped before reaching the ground.

Industrial Site Sightings (April 23, 1990)

This section continues the report on the April 22-23, 1990 events.

• Basècles (approx. 11:45 PM - Midnight): M. J.D... observed two powerful, large white lights moving towards the vertical of the 'Engrais Bataille' factory. These lights were on the front of a large, dark, triangular platform that gradually covered the factory courtyard. The object had two large orange circular lights below the white ones. The material appeared metallic grey. The object moved slowly towards Tournai.
• Ghlin (approx. 1:55 AM): M. S.S... observed what was likely the same object, appearing as a bright point that grew rapidly. It had three white lights and possibly a red spot in the center, emitting a long-range white beam. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 1000-2000 meters and moved at high speed towards Maisières and the SHAPE.

• Stambruges (approx. 1:45 AM): Two gendarmes observed a luminous, circular object at a distance of 500-1000 meters and an altitude of 100-200 meters. It had two white lights projecting a horizontal beam and another downwards, appearing to 'search.' The light was described as 'material.' The object had a dark dome-like structure on top and emitted a low humming sound. It was described as having a metallic sheen and moved at 40-80 km/h.

The article notes that while not all events may be correlated, the sequence from Beloeil to Ghlin suggests the trajectory of a single object. The witnesses consistently described unusual craft behavior and lights, often associated with industrial sites.

Updates and Editorial Stance

Miscellany (MISES AU POINT)

This section addresses a potential misunderstanding regarding the association EURUFON, clarifying that it is not a split from SOBEPS but rather a departure of two individuals who disagreed with SOBEPS's objectives. It reaffirms SOBEPS's commitment to transparency and access to its archives for genuine researchers. The editorial stance emphasizes a critical but open-minded approach to UFOlogy, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes, while defending the possibility of extraterrestrial origins when evidence supports it.

Unbelievable (UN INCROYABLE)

This brief note mentions an observation in the Hainaut region involving a 'structure with steps' seen by a couple and their friends, but details are scarce.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1990, with a strong emphasis on detailed witness testimonies, often from multiple independent sources. The articles highlight the consistent reporting of triangular or disc-shaped objects, unusual lights (white, red, blue), silent flight, and hovering capabilities. The editorial stance, as expressed in the 'MISES AU POINT' section, is one of critical investigation, acknowledging the possibility of misidentification but also defending the extraterrestrial hypothesis when evidence warrants it. There is a clear effort to document sightings accurately and to provide a platform for credible witnesses, while also debunking sensationalism and maintaining scientific rigor.

This issue of 'OVNI' (issue 35, dated October 1990) focuses on a significant UFO sighting in Belgium and the subsequent scientific and media response. The cover headline, 'UN INCROYABLE DÉFILÉ' (An Incredible Parade), highlights a key event reported in the Hainaut region.

Un Incroyable Défilé: The Hainaut Sighting

The main article details an extraordinary event that occurred on May 2, 1990, near Ellezelles in the Hainaut province of Belgium. Four witnesses, including Mr. and Mrs. Michel H... and their friends Mr. and Mrs. L..., observed a triangular object with distinct lights. The object, estimated to be 20-30 meters in wingspan, displayed a white light at the front and two flashing red lights at the rear. Mrs. L... perceived the front light as being produced by rotating lights. The object appeared to have a 'three-tiered structure' with a light grey, metallic surface. It moved slowly (around 40 km/h) with a slight, muffled sound, heading north-north-east. After disappearing from view, the witnesses observed a procession of similar objects, estimated to be thirteen in total, moving in the same direction but at a higher altitude and with varying formations and altitudes. The event lasted for nearly an hour and a half. Notably, the horses in the nearby pasture showed no reaction.

Research into Radar Data

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the research conducted by the SOBEPS, particularly concerning radar data. The article 'L'ÉTAT DES RECHERCHES SUR LES DONNÉES DES RADARS' (The State of Research on Radar Data) details efforts to analyze radar recordings from November 1989 to June 1990. The research involved examining data from military and civilian radars, including specific investigations into F-16 radar data from a March 1990 flight. The author, Jean Debal, emphasizes the importance of this data for understanding the UFO phenomenon. He describes the laborious process of analyzing over 180 hours of radar data from Bertem airport and comparing it with data from Semmerzake military radar. Key findings include the consistent appearance of non-correlated radar echoes, termed 'angels,' which exhibit specific movement patterns distinct from aircraft or known atmospheric phenomena. The research also explored the possibility of confusion with stealth aircraft like the F-117A, but concluded that the observed phenomena required further investigation.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

The issue critically examines the media's portrayal of UFO sightings. It notes that while some Belgian media outlets were objective, French media, particularly 'Science & Vie' magazine, is criticized for its skeptical and dismissive approach. 'Science & Vie' is accused of selectively using information and photographs to discredit witness testimonies, suggesting explanations like 'poésie' or 'optical illusions' rather than engaging with the evidence. The article highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gaining credibility and the impact of media narratives on public perception and witness willingness to report sightings.

SOBEPS's Role and Scientific Approach

The SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) is presented as a key organization dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs. The magazine details the organization's efforts to collaborate with scientific institutions and military bodies. It mentions participation in television programs on RTBF and TF1, where SOBEPS representatives presented their findings and engaged in debates with scientists and military officials. The article emphasizes the SOBEPS's commitment to objective research, data collection, and analysis, aiming to elevate the UFO phenomenon to a subject of serious scientific inquiry.

Specific Cases and Investigations

Beyond the main Hainaut sighting, the magazine touches upon other aspects of UFO research. It mentions an observation of a large, diamond-shaped object near Eupen in December 1989. The article also discusses the psychological reactions of witnesses, noting that while some may be influenced by socio-psychological factors, many report factual observations and genuine perplexity. The research into radar data is presented as a crucial step in moving beyond anecdotal evidence towards more concrete, verifiable information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings, the rigorous analysis of scientific data (particularly radar), the critical assessment of media representation, and the ongoing effort to establish the UFO phenomenon as a legitimate area of scientific study. The editorial stance is one of advocating for an open-minded yet critical scientific approach, encouraging the collection and objective analysis of evidence while challenging skepticism and sensationalism.

This issue of OVNI-PRESENCE, dated November 1990, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations in Europe, with a particular emphasis on Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. The cover features an illustration of a diamond-shaped object, labeled as Figure 1.

Article 1: Witness Testimony of M. J. (Belgium)

The issue details two observations by a witness identified as M. J. in Belgium. The first occurred on December 1, 1989, on a clear, sunny evening. M. J. observed a large, silent, diamond-shaped object (losange) with a diagonal of at least 35 meters. It moved slowly from south to northeast. The object had white lights that alternated and a central, inverted orange dome with a green top. Red lamps around the dome pulsed sequentially, creating an impression of rotating lights, though they did not fully extinguish. The white lights illuminated the ground, while the object itself was dark. M. J. noted the lights were circular and very powerful. He called his wife and daughter to witness it, but only his daughter saw the object briefly.

The second observation took place on January 10, 1990, around 7:35 PM. M. J. was driving on the E5 highway when he saw an object stopped in the air, described as 'like a bus.' It was the same model as before. He stopped his car and observed the object, which was seen laterally this time, revealing a constant height. He estimated it was about 500 meters away. The lights seemed less intense, possibly due to the highway's lighting. M. J. regretted not having his camera. After 10-15 minutes, the object moved slowly and silently towards the Fagnes, its lights intensifying as it departed.

Article 2: OVNI Over Aix-la-Chapelle (Germany)

This section recounts an incident on December 5 or 12, 1989, involving M. and Mme O. driving on Triererstrasse in Aix-la-Chapelle. Around 9:50 PM, they saw an object cutting across the road with uniform movement to the right. It had two front headlights emitting white, intense beams and an orange light underneath that blinked like an ambulance. Mme O. observed the object as it passed overhead and reappeared to her left. The object then turned off its headlights, but the orange light remained. It made a sharp turn, 'machte kehrt,' and returned. The object then relit its headlights, which were not visible directly but projected beams downwards. Unlike aircraft, it had no rear lights or blinking side lights. The orange light faded as the object moved away.

A second sighting by M. and Mme O. occurred on the same night at 11:15 PM when M. O. went outside. The object reappeared above their street, flying lower and silently, at helicopter speed. Mme O. emphasized the lack of noise, which was unusual given the conditions. They described the object as elongated, less high than long, with curved extremities, different from an airplane or helicopter. They ruled out hovercrafts due to the first observation's context.

The local police inquired about 'abnormal things' seen in the area, but the O.s did not report their sighting. M. O., a Japanese subscriber to financial newspapers, was later contacted by an investigator.

Article 3: Triangular OVNI in Koblenz (Germany)

This case, reported in the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" (July-August 1990), involves a 33-year-old woman, her mother (69), and her son (14) in Karthause, near Koblenz, on February 21, 1990, around 9:07 PM. While driving on a wide residential street, they observed two lights descending towards them. The object slowed down, and the driver steered towards the right side of the road, stopping. The object stopped almost directly above the car, about 25 meters high. They saw a large, triangular object, completely still and silent, with three bright, milky-white lights at its corners. The dominant light at the center was grey-blue and seemed to change color. The underside of the object was dark grey, with visible 'rivet lines.'

The object remained stationary for two to three minutes before suddenly moving towards the houses. The driver felt a distinct draft. The object accelerated rapidly and disappeared in less than a second behind the rooftops, moving from west to east and then departing southwest. The departure was faster than a jet.

After the sighting, the driver contacted her husband, who initially disbelieved her but eventually called the local police. The police promised to send a patrol car. The husband also contacted air traffic control in Frankfurt and Cologne, who reported no radar detection at such a low altitude. The witnesses were unable to sleep that night.

Further investigation by the GEP found two other witnesses who saw a brilliant object moving rapidly on the same evening. One described a metallic object resembling a bus with bright blue headlights. Another man reported seeing something just before 9:07 PM. The police claimed no knowledge of these reports.

Article 4: Recent Observation in Switzerland

This section reports an observation on Sunday, October 14, 1990, by Mme Wengere, who lives in Switzerland. While driving with her husband near Olten, heading towards Zurich, around 7 PM, they saw two bright, stationary white lights above a mountain range. The lights were slightly to the left and higher than the left light. Mme Wengere initially thought they were newly installed tower lights but realized there was nothing between the lights and the mountains. She concluded they were supported by flying objects. Her husband stopped the car briefly, but due to the lack of parking and safety concerns, they continued. The lights were described as 'oversized' compared to the stars. An airplane approached the object.

Later, the lights reappeared, positioned higher and obliquely, above a different part of the mountain range. A third light, similar to the first two, appeared to the left, separated by a greater distance. This third light moved slowly towards the others. The 'double lights' then moved together, transforming from an oblique to a horizontal position. The object seemed to rotate, and the two main lights became smaller and less intense, revealing connecting chains of small red and green lights. The third light also transformed, showing an oval crown of small red and green lights. The witnesses could not discern the shape of the objects supporting these lights. The lights eventually disappeared behind houses.

Mme Wengere had previously witnessed a similar phenomenon on July 20, 1989, when she saw a large, grey-silver 'cigar' shape in the sky without wings or tail, moving silently. Air traffic control in Zurich-Kloten reported no official flights or anomalies at that time.

Article 5: Actualités (News)

This section provides updates on UFO activity in Belgium. It notes a resumption of sightings between October 12 and 23, with several cases involving close encounters in Arlon, Rixensart, and Carnières. On the evening of October 18, numerous calls were received from the Namur region. Some of these sightings were potentially explained by a military AWACS aircraft performing a 'touch and go' operation at Gosselies airport, descending with all lights on to less than 500 meters. However, this explanation did not fit other dates.

The massive sightings on Monday, November 5, were later explained as the atmospheric re-entry of debris from a Soviet rocket. The magazine states that over 200 testimonies were received, primarily from Hainaut and Brussels.

Article 6: The Phenomenon of "Flying Angels"

Professor Auguste Meessen of the Catholic University of Louvain discusses the phenomenon of "flying angels," which he links to atmospheric physics and radar detection. He suggests that studying such phenomena, even those initially misunderstood, is valuable and that the serious approach to studying radar anomalies could lend credibility to other aspects of UFO research.

Article 7: Interpretation of the November 5th Event

Michel Bougard discusses the November 5th event, noting the consistency in descriptions across hundreds of kilometers, from Northern Italy to Belgium. He concludes that the phenomenon was high-altitude and identifies it as the third stage of a Soviet SL-12 Proton rocket re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. He criticizes the tendency to focus on marginal events that can be easily explained while overlooking more significant, unexplained cases.

Service Librairie

This section lists books available for purchase through the magazine's bookstore, including titles on UFOs, flying saucers, and related phenomena. Books mentioned include "DES SOUPCOUPES VOLANTES," "LA CHRONIQUE DES OVNI," "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS VOLANTS," and "LES O.V.N.I."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, often accompanied by investigative analysis. There is a clear interest in documenting these events and exploring potential explanations, ranging from conventional (military aircraft, atmospheric phenomena) to the more enigmatic. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, albeit cautious, approach to UFO research, acknowledging the validity of witness testimonies while also seeking rational explanations. The magazine highlights the importance of correlating sightings and not dismissing unusual phenomena outright, as suggested by Professor Meessen's comments on "flying angels." There is also an underlying critique of official explanations and a concern that easily explained events might overshadow more perplexing cases.