inforespace820001

Magazine Overview

This issue of Inforespace, identified as n° 82 and part of its 20th year, is dated December 1991. The cover headline announces "ufologie phénomènes spatiaux," indicating a focus on the study of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena. The magazine is published by SOBEPS and is in French.

RESEAU VIDEOVNI (VIDEOVNI Network)

The issue highlights a new initiative by SOBEPS called RESEAU VIDEOVNI. Despite a perceived decrease in sightings since the "Belgian wave," SOBEPS is preparing for potential resurgences by establishing a video network. This network aims to gather more information and react more quickly to significant events. Contacts have been established with the Belgian Air Force, Gendarmerie, and various university scientists. The core of this network will be members of SOBEPS and interested individuals who own video cameras (camcorders). Participants will be notified by phone when important observations are reported in their region. A list with precise contact details and availability will be compiled. A map will also be provided to indicate members' locations. The goal is to multiply observations and compare different video documents of the same phenomenon for more instructive analysis. Individuals interested in being on standby for SOBEPS are encouraged to confirm their participation.

REMETTRE (To Submit/Deliver)

This section, marked by a quote about the press, discusses the role of journalists and the media in reporting on UFO phenomena. It acknowledges that the press, like the public, can be easily misled. The article suggests that while many journalists are sincere, some may be influenced by problematic aspects of the "wave," potentially affecting their objectivity. It also touches upon the diffusion of radar data and the negative facets of recent weeks that have hindered progress.

LES TRIANGLES D'AVANT LES TRIANGLES (Triangles Before the Triangles) (Part 2)

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings, primarily focusing on triangular and other shaped objects, with dates, locations, and witness descriptions. The reports span from 1982 to 1988 and cover various countries:

• September 24, 1982; Hessdalen, Norway: A woodsman observed a Christmas tree-shaped object with a bright white lamp, hovering and dancing above a cabin.
• November 19, 1982; Neuss, Germany: A couple saw a large, metallic silver, oval-to-triangular object hovering silently, which then followed their car.
• November 27, 1982; Derbyshire, UK: An automobilist reported a stationary, grey, square-shaped object with two bright headlights, resembling a delta-wing aircraft.
• December 10, 1982; North Lancashire, UK: Several witnesses, including police, observed three diamond-shaped objects moving slowly and emitting a light humming sound.
• 1983-1986; Hudson Valley, USA: An estimated 5,000 people reported seeing large, generally triangular or boomerang-shaped objects, some hovering, others moving at high speed.
• January 18, 1983; Cardiff, Wales: Approximately 200 people witnessed two triangular objects with flashing lights moving slowly and silently.
• April 21, 1983; Winnipeg, Canada: Two young women saw a metallic, diamond-shaped object with red and white lights descend rapidly and hover near their vehicle.
• 1986; Plymouth, UK: A triangular craft was seen hovering near Plymouth, possibly monitoring radioactivity.
• January 1986; Atafona, Brazil: A couple observed a large V-shaped light moving slowly across the sky.
• February 2, 1988; Sheffield, UK: Numerous people, including police, saw V-shaped objects with colored lights hovering at low altitude.
• May 16, 1988; Stafford, UK: Two triangular objects were seen moving slowly and silently, described as defying aeronautical laws.
• May 16, 1988; Stafford, UK: Two brothers observed two triangular shapes hovering above trees, appearing non-material.
• May 23, 1988; Stafford, UK: A housewife and others saw two brightly lit triangular objects, too low and silent to be conventional aircraft.
• May 31, 1988; Westleigh, UK: Two women were reportedly distressed when a large orange triangular object descended towards them before disappearing.
• June 1988; Auckland, New Zealand: A businessman and his son observed a yellow-orange, diamond-shaped object with a large light underneath, which was photographed but the images were not developed.
• July 24, 1988; Eagle, Colorado, USA: A couple saw a white V-shaped object near a mountain, followed by a red-orange glow.
• August 1988; Westboro, USA: Police received a report of a triangular object hovering over a house, accompanied by a loud noise that ceased when the object moved.
• August 1988; Belvedere, Wisconsin, USA: A woman saw a strange, immobile triangle-shaped object with flashing red and white lights.
• September 1987; Stafford, UK: A man and his father saw a triangle-shaped object moving slowly and silently, with sequential lights underneath.
• October 1987; Worthing, UK: Two people observed a brilliant object that changed shape and eventually became a red point before disappearing.
• October 1987, 21:27; Saltville, Virginia, USA: An employee and his son saw two large objects, one arrow-shaped and another smaller, moving sporadically.
• October 24, 1987; Amelia County, Virginia, USA: A young woman and friends observed a large boomerang-shaped object with red and white lights.
• October 26, 1988; Potterville, California, USA: Hundreds reported seeing objects in the twilight sky, described as V-shaped with red and white lights and a red beacon.
• October 31, 1988; Canvey, UK: A triangular object was sighted above Canvey.
• November 11, 1988; Leigh, UK: A triangular object with red, green, and blue lights was reported, with two such shapes seen moving towards each other.
• November 19, 1987; Wolverhampton, UK: Witnesses saw 2 or 3 V-shaped craft flying silently in formation, one directing a bright light towards the ground.
• January 1988; West Bend, Wisconsin, USA: Three women and children saw a boomerang-shaped object hovering with numerous lights.
• September 1988; Darwen, UK: A witness saw a diamond-shaped object pass silently over a village.
• November/December 1986; Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA: A motorist saw red and white flashing lights that turned out to be a large, rotating, diamond-shaped object hovering silently.
• January 15, 1987; Belleville, Wisconsin, USA: A police officer observed red, white, and blue lights forming an unidentified object.
• January 23, 1987; Slickville, Pennsylvania, USA: Residents observed a large triangular object with numerous lights maneuvering, followed by military jets.
• January 30, 1987; Orange, Australia: A witness saw three large green boomerang-shaped objects with white lights.
• March 9, 1987; Devils Lake, North Dakota, USA: Several residents, including police officers, observed a multicolored, diamond-shaped object hovering.
• March 11, 1987; Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA: A woman saw a triangular object with red and white lights hovering.
• April 17, 1987; Hutchinson, Kansas, USA: A couple observed a triangular object, described as boomerang-shaped, without lights or sound.
• April/May 1987; Fulham, UK: A glowing white triangle with a blue base was seen hovering.
• May 1987; Opwood, Pennsylvania, USA: A boomerang-shaped object with "25 to 100 lights" was observed silently.
• May 1987; Riverside, Pennsylvania, USA: A sheriff observed a large, diamond-shaped object hovering over water.
• July 7, 1987; Bay City, Texas, USA: An inhabitant saw a huge oval object the size of a football stadium, with fixed lights and a green-lemon interior glow, observed for three hours.
• July 14, 1987; St-Joseph, Michigan, USA: Two adolescents and an adult saw boomerang-shaped objects and a possible USAF jet.
• Summer 1987; Riverside, Pennsylvania, USA: A woman saw a large black boomerang-shaped object that released silver balls.
• Summer 1987; Matlock, Yorkshire, UK: A couple saw a large triangular object with small lights moving slowly and silently.
• September 1987; Stafford, UK: A man and his father saw a triangle-shaped object moving slowly and silently.
• October 1987; Worthing, UK: Two people observed a brilliant object that changed shape and eventually became a red point before disappearing.
• October 1987, 21:27; Saltville, Virginia, USA: An employee and his son saw two large objects, one arrow-shaped and another smaller, moving sporadically.
• October 24, 1987; Amelia County, Virginia, USA: A young woman and friends observed a large boomerang-shaped object with red and white lights.
• October 26, 1988; Potterville, California, USA: Hundreds reported seeing objects in the twilight sky, described as V-shaped with red and white lights and a red beacon.
• October 31, 1988; Canvey, UK: A triangular object was sighted above Canvey.
• November 11, 1988; Leigh, UK: A triangular object with red, green, and blue lights was reported, with two such shapes seen moving towards each other.
• November 19, 1987; Wolverhampton, UK: Witnesses saw 2 or 3 V-shaped craft flying silently in formation, one directing a bright light towards the ground.
• January 1988; West Bend, Wisconsin, USA: Three women and children saw a boomerang-shaped object hovering with numerous lights.
• February 2, 1988; Sheffield, UK: Numerous people, including police, saw V-shaped objects with colored lights hovering at low altitude.
• May 16, 1988; Stafford, UK: Two triangular objects were seen moving slowly and silently, described as defying aeronautical laws.
• May 16, 1988; Stafford, UK: Two brothers observed two triangular shapes hovering above trees, appearing non-material.
• May 23, 1988; Stafford, UK: A housewife and others saw two brightly lit triangular objects, too low and silent to be conventional aircraft.
• May 31, 1988; Westleigh, UK: Two women were reportedly distressed when a large orange triangular object descended towards them before disappearing.
• June 1988; Auckland, New Zealand: A businessman and his son observed a yellow-orange, diamond-shaped object with a large light underneath, which was photographed but the images were not developed.
• July 24, 1988; Eagle, Colorado, USA: A couple saw a white V-shaped object near a mountain, followed by a red-orange glow.
• August 1988; Westboro, USA: Police received a report of a triangular object hovering over a house, accompanied by a loud noise that ceased when the object moved.
• August 1988; Belvedere, Wisconsin, USA: A woman saw a strange, immobile triangle-shaped object with flashing red and white lights.
• September 1988; Darwen, UK: A witness saw a diamond-shaped object pass silently over a village.
• October 1988, 21:45; Canvey, UK: A triangular object was sighted above Canvey.
• November 11, 1988; Leigh, UK: A triangular object with red, green, and blue lights was reported, with two such shapes seen moving towards each other.
• November 9, 1988; Raleigh, S-E Essex, UK: An adolescent saw a triangular object with a white and red light, making no noise.
• November 25, 1988; Barnstapple, UK: An antique dealer saw a triangle-shaped object with an orange light.
• December 28, 1988; Porto Rico: Numerous residents reported seeing fighter jets pursuing a small OVNI.
• January 10, 1989; Monongahela, Pennsylvania, USA: A bright white, triangular light hovered in the morning sky before moving south, leaving a luminous trail.
• January 28-31, 1989; West Essex, UK: Over 70 reports of rectangular objects were received.
• January 30, 1989; Long Island, New York, USA: A fishing boat captain observed a strange light and a large, dark object hovering over water.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse shapes and behaviors of reported UFOs, the challenges in gathering credible evidence, and the role of media and official bodies in UFO investigations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging witness participation and the collection of data, particularly through video recordings. The detailed cataloging of sightings suggests a commitment to documenting and analyzing UFO events.

This issue of OVNI, identified as issue number 25, focuses on a compilation of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings, primarily from 1989, with reports spanning across the USA and Great Britain. The content is presented in French and details numerous encounters with aerial phenomena, often described as silent and exhibiting unusual characteristics.

Key Incidents and Sightings

The magazine meticulously lists various UFO sightings, providing dates, locations, and detailed descriptions from witnesses. Some of the prominent cases include:

• January 31, 1989, Valliant, Oklahoma (USA): Over a dozen people reported seeing six objects in the sky, including two large diamond or triangle-shaped ones with red, blue, and white lights, accompanied by four or five smaller bright objects in formation. One witness described the objects' movements as unlike anything known, with rapid changes in direction.
• February 6, 1989, Rochefort (GB): A 43-year-old man reported seeing a V-shaped object rotating in different directions. The object became stationary, with a red light leaving and returning before it disappeared. The object's lights changed from blue to white, and then to red-orange.
• February 10, 1989, Fyffe, Alabama (USA): A woman and her sister reported a strange, illuminated object above trees. A police officer and a deputy responded and observed the object directly overhead. It was described as basketball-sized, moving at a constant speed with lights, and having a triangular shape with rounded corners. This sighting was the first in a series in the Fyffe region.
• March 24, 1989, Eagle Creek, Oregon (USA): An automobilist and five passengers observed two stationary objects above a rural store. Each object had six white lights arranged in a triangular formation and performed identical maneuvers without any sound.
• May 8, 1989, Colchester (GB): A triangle-shaped object, approximately 30 meters in wingspan, was observed moving northwest. Witnesses stated it moved slowly, silently, and without visible lights.
• May 4, 1989, Easton and Trumbull, Connecticut (USA): A resident reported seeing a flying wing-shaped object with red, yellow, and blue lights at the rear and a flashing red light on the right side. Another witness described a V-shaped object flying at low altitude, as large as a football field, with a muffled sound and lights.
• May 20, 1989, Long Eddy, Pennsylvania (USA): Park rangers reported observing three immoveable, red-orange lights in a triangle formation at high altitude. Two fixed red lights were at a distance equivalent to a football field. The object made no sound until it began to move away slowly, emitting a low hum.
• June 17, 1989, Hadleigh (GB): Four people reported observing a diamond-shaped UFO for half an hour, estimated to be 30 meters long and 9 meters high, at an altitude of approximately 50 meters.
• July 3, 1989, Anza, California (USA): People observed a huge craft shaped like a sergeant's chevron (deep V), with a rod extending from the front and a light at its end, and blinking golden lights as it moved away.
• July 6, 1989, Ishikawa (Japan): A 23-year-old municipal employee filmed a diamond-shaped, platinum-colored object for one minute. The object was stationary above the city, surrounded by a white and orange halo. The video analysis by physicist Bruce Maccabee concluded that the object did not correspond to anything known on Earth.

Additional reports detail sightings in August 1989 in Stafford (GB) of two brightly lit triangular objects, and in Newham (GB) of a large, blurry light. The issue also includes numerous sightings from late 1989 and early 1990, covering a wide range of locations including Canada, various parts of the USA (Wisconsin, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Alabama, Oregon, New Mexico, Indiana), and Great Britain (Southend, Stafford, Colchester, Essex, East London).

Object Characteristics

The reported UFOs exhibited a variety of shapes, including triangular, V-shaped, diamond, boomerang, disc, oval, square, round, spherical, wing-shaped, serpentine, cross-shaped, and manta ray-shaped. Colors of the lights were frequently described as red, yellow, blue, white, orange, greenish, platinum, brown, and amber. Many accounts emphasized the silence of the objects, though some mentioned faint humming or muffled sounds. Behaviors included hovering, slow and fast movements, darting, erratic maneuvers, silent operation, changing direction suddenly, rapid ascents and descents, rotation, and pulsating lights. Altitude estimates varied from low to high, with some specific ranges provided. The objects were often described as being very bright, sometimes with lights arranged in formations.

Investigations and Witness Accounts

The magazine highlights the involvement of investigators and the detailed testimonies of witnesses. For instance, David Clarck of the Independent UFO Network (IUN) is mentioned for providing cases from Great Britain. Jean-Pierre Van Den Hove is credited with translating the documents, and Marie-Claire Pâques with encoding them. The issue includes accounts from individuals like Joan and Bill Hislop, Audrey and Bill Boon, and Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, who provided detailed descriptions of their encounters. The case of the object observed by M. and Mme Richard Roberts near Uttoxeter in August 1987 is presented as a particularly impressive sighting, with detailed descriptions of a rotating ring of white lights and internal colored lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the consistent reporting of unusual aerial phenomena across different geographical locations and time periods, with a notable concentration in 1989. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and investigative details without immediately resorting to conventional explanations. The emphasis on the silence of many objects and their non-conventional flight characteristics suggests an open approach to the subject matter, inviting readers to consider the possibility of unidentified aerial phenomena.

This issue of OVNI focuses on a series of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings that occurred in the South Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom during January and February 1988. The cover headline highlights "SUPPOSED UFOs OR LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT - FEBRUARY 2, 1988 ROTHERHAM AND SHEFFIELD, SOUTH YORKSHIRE," indicating the central theme of the report.

January 1988 Sightings

The article begins by detailing an observation by Martin Morgan on January 5, 1988, who described a silent, cross-shaped object with a yellow-orange light, which he insisted was not a conventional aircraft or helicopter. His fear was evident months later, and his account was considered sincere by investigators. This sighting is presented as one of the first in a series from the Barnsley region.

Further reports from Rotherham describe similar objects observed by two witnesses on the night of February 5, 1988. These objects were also cross-shaped, large, and flew silently at low altitude. Additional reports to YUFOS on January 6, 1988, mentioned a "large flying cross about 20 m in diameter" observed at Eastwood, with witnesses taking twelve photographs of a "yellow-orange light" after the object disappeared.

Another sighting on January 6 at 22:30 described a "dark, cross-shaped object making no noise." The article suggests these reports might relate to the same object observed by Martin Morgan, but questions whether a low-flying aircraft could explain such reports.

A separate explanation was offered by M. Ronkskey of Sheffield, who, along with a friend, saw a "dark, cross-shaped object" flying over Sheffield on January 5. He speculated it could be a meteorological phenomenon. The article notes the "strange coincidence" of these separate sightings of cross-shaped objects in South Yorkshire on January 5 and 6.

February 2, 1988 Sightings: Rotherham and Sheffield

This section, collected by David Clarke, details a significant event on the night of Tuesday, February 2, 1988, between 19:15 and 20:00. At least 30 to 40 witnesses across Rotherham and Sheffield reported seeing an unusual flying object. The reports, though independent, collectively describe the object's flight path.

The object was first observed around 19:15 east of Rotherham and then proceeded on a consistent east-to-west route. It passed between Wentworth and Kimberworth, turned south over the Don Valley and Blackburn Meadows, crossed the M1 motorway, and continued north of Sheffield. It then reportedly turned slightly north over Ecclesfield, where it was seen by police officers and witnesses. From there, it flew southwest towards Grenoside, crossing the A61, and then seemed to turn south over Wharncliff Wood shortly before 20:00. It reappeared at very low altitude over Hillsborough before vanishing towards Oughtibridge.

Weather conditions for that evening included winter showers, rain, and sleet, with snow at higher elevations. The wind was moderate from the southeast, and the sky was relatively clear by 19:30, with a bright moon. Witness accounts noted the object's lights and the effect of moonlight on its surface. The wind speed was 21 knots from the west-southwest, with a barometric pressure of 981.5 Mb, a temperature of 8°C, and a significant drop during the rain.

Despite the numerous sightings and the unusual nature of the object, the media coverage was minimal. Only one article, published by the Sheffield Star on February 6, reporting the observation by WPC Jackson, was picked up by national media.

Official Responses and Lack of Interest

A letter from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) dated March 15, 1988, informed Andy Roberts of IUN that the RAF was unaware of any defense-related activity in South Yorkshire on February 2, 1988. The MoD stated they lacked the means to conduct a full investigation into all aerial activities. This response was contradictory, as it implied the RAF might have tracked the object on radar but had no explanation for it.

Further inquiries to the RAF's public relations officer at High Wycombe yielded no information. A letter dated April 22, 1988, indicated that UFO reports were considered a low priority. The RAF of Binbrook stated in a letter dated February 29 that it was unlikely their aircraft caused the reported observations. The RAF of Church Fenton confirmed that their aircraft were flying that night but landed before the sightings and were not in the Sheffield area.

Summary and Preliminary Conclusions

The article concludes that, as is often the case with such incidents, the investigation is forced to start over. The lack of cooperation from authorities and the minimal media attention are highlighted. The author questions why authorities are not concerned about unidentified objects of large dimensions flying at low altitudes.

Analysis of Witness Descriptions

The article suggests that the object was likely a military aircraft flying at low altitude, given the description of its lights and movements. The Civil Aviation Authority is quoted stating that aircraft navigation lights, especially in certain weather conditions, can produce unusual effects. Norman Athey noted how aircraft lights reflecting off the fuselage could create unusual appearances.

Many witnesses, including members of YUFOS, were convinced they saw a UFO. Some observers initially thought the object was an aircraft with engine trouble, or a large helicopter due to the noise. The article points out that "spaceships" are not propelled by such noisy engines.

While the exact identity, origin, and destination of the aircraft remain unknown, the article posits that if it was a secret military aircraft, even the RAF might not have been aware of its movements. Civilian pilots would not risk their lives and licenses flying so low over populated areas. Witnesses expressed concerns about public safety if such an aircraft were to crash.

Object Shape and Lights

Witness descriptions were remarkably similar, with a unanimous description of a "fixed red light" formation. This contradicts the RAF's statement that the lights conform to standard ICAO configurations. Witnesses described the object's body as triangular, with lights arranged along the lower wing plane.

The triangular or "delta-wing" shape is unusual for British civilian or military aircraft. However, numerous recent UAP reports describe similar "V" or triangular objects with rows of red or white-orange lights.

Stealth Aircraft Hypothesis

Recent press articles and hypotheses about the development of stealth aircraft like the Lockheed F-19 fighter and the B-2 bomber are considered. The article suggests that recent UAP sightings might describe or correspond to secret prototypes tested over the UK. The RF-19 is described as a compact, single-seat aircraft with stealth technology, first flown in 1982, with some potentially deployed in Great Britain.

However, the article "The RF-19 or B-2 Explanation Does Not Hold" argues against this. It states that a B-2 would not have been in Britain at that time, as its first flight was in July 1989. The RF-19, while stealthy, is not triangular and was designed for reconnaissance. Its specifications are provided: wingspan 9.65 m, length 18 m, height 4 m, maximum weight 15,000 kg, maximum speed 1,038 km/h, and a range of 741 km.

Further Sightings and Explanations

The article mentions that the MoD's reluctance to provide information might stem from the fact that these were secret aircraft. The RF-19 and B-2 are presented as potential, though not definitive, explanations.

February 5, 1988 Sighting (South Yorkshire)

This section details an observation from J.W. Hewer of Park Place, Risca Gwent, who reported seeing a "V"-shaped object moving at high speed and altitude with flashing lights. He stated he had never seen anything like it before. The article suggests this could be a military training aircraft from a RAF base in South Wales.

It is proposed that many South Yorkshire sightings during this period might be explained by unusual weather conditions making standard light formations appear unusual. Other observations, such as those in Doncaster on February 8 and 9, might be misidentifications of bright stars or planets.

Service Librairie

This section is a promotional advertisement for books related to UFOs and ufology, including titles like "DES SOCOUPES VOLANTES," "LA CHRONIQUE DE L'OVNI," "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES," "ACTES DU PREMIER CONGRES SOBEPS," "LES O.V.N.I.," "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES," and "ET SI LES OVNI N'ETAINT PAS?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UAP sightings in South Yorkshire during early 1988, the consistent descriptions of certain object shapes (cross, V, triangle) and flight characteristics (silent, low altitude), and the apparent lack of transparency and interest from official bodies and media. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting witness testimony, exploring potential explanations (including conventional aircraft and secret military prototypes), and questioning the official narrative and the public's safety.