inforespace860001

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 86
Date: April 1993, 22nd year
Type: Semestrial Review

Articles and Content

Une Mini-Vague "A La Belge"

This article examines the concept of an "OVNI wave" and critiques the criteria used to define it. It then focuses on a "wave of UFOs" in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on the evening of February 5, 1992, as presented in the MUFON UFO Journal. Despite only 13 available testimonies, the report details a consistent pattern: witnesses heard a loud noise from their homes, then saw a UFO and observed its disappearance. The observations occurred in the Williamsport area and surrounding towns between 6:05 PM and 8:30 PM. The investigator, Samuel D. Greco, suggests that multiple unknown objects may have been present due to the simultaneity of sightings in separate locations. The objects were described as being very close, less than 30 meters in half the cases, and less than 150 meters in others, with an estimated altitude of around 100 meters. The shape was often described as a "boomerang" (10 out of 13 cases), but also as a "triangle," "bell," or "disc." The article notes that the triangular shape was reported by the witness directly below the object. A striking aspect for witnesses was the object's imposing mass combined with its slow, low-altitude movement (around 30 km/h). The object had two green lights at the rear and several white lights. Some witnesses reported red lights accompanying the object, leading to speculation about escorting "airplanes." Importantly, radar stations in the region reported no aircraft in the vicinity during the observation period, and no unusual radar echoes were recorded. The article draws parallels with recent Belgian observations and mentions that the following issue would present an original and audacious hypothesis regarding secret aircraft and advanced prototypes.

Adieu Ami Michel

This section is an obituary for Aimé Michel, a significant figure in ufology, who passed away on December 27, 1992, at the age of 73. Michel studied musical harmony, acoustics, philosophy, and letters, and had a career in communication and radio. His entry into ufology was marked by the publication of "Lueurs sur les Soucoupes Volantes" in 1954, which compiled American and European UFO sightings. He proposed the first coherent theory of a propulsion system for "flying saucers." The author recounts his personal encounter with Michel's work, initially finding it interesting but difficult to defend without rigorous mathematical argumentation. Michel's major contribution was the "wave of 1954," which he presented as the first French wave, mapping sightings on a map and analyzing them within a 24-hour period. The author expresses skepticism about the methodology, particularly the arbitrary 24-hour limit and the focus on national borders, questioning the reproducibility of the findings in other waves. The article highlights Michel's later work, including his involvement in the "Dr. X" affair, and his eventual withdrawal from public UFO research, reportedly stating that the phenomenon was beyond human comprehension. His later publications, "Le Mysticisme" and "Métanoïa," explored the connection between ufology and mysticism. The article concludes by reflecting on Michel's profound influence and the void left by his absence.

Media et Phénomène OVNI: Approche statistique sur un éventuel effet de rumeur (1)

This article, the first in a series, investigates the common idea that UFO phenomena, particularly waves of sightings, can be explained by rumor and media amplification. The author, while acknowledging a lack of formal statistical expertise, aims to provide a documented perspective on this controversial question. The study uses three parameters: the volume of published information (L), the number of witness calls to SOBEPS (A), and the total number of observations recorded in SOBEPS's files (C). The analysis focuses on the "Belgian wave" of UFO sightings, using data up to October 1, 1992, which comprised 1038 cases. The article details the methodology for collecting witness calls (via a telephone answering machine from December 14, 1989) and published information (counting lines in articles from various media, multiplied by 100 for absolute value). It acknowledges limitations, such as not accounting for media circulation or the specific readership of German-language newspapers in the Eupen region. The study aims to determine if there is a correlation between media coverage and the number of UFO sightings.

#### The First Wave of the "Wave"

This section details the initial phase of the Belgian UFO wave in December 1989. The author notes that witness call data (A) is less controlled for the first two weeks of December due to the lack of a recording system. The period from December 1 to December 13, 1989, relied on mail correspondence, making daily counts difficult. From December 14 to December 31, 1989, the answering machine was used, but initial cassette distribution lacked precision, requiring estimations for daily counts based on mail received. From January 1990 onwards, mail became less significant, and telephone calls became the primary source of information, offering a better basis for objective estimation due to the short time between the call and the sighting. The article recalls that the media, particularly television, first announced the Eupen sightings on November 30, 1989, with interviews of gendarmes Nicholl and Von Montigny. By December 1, 1989, French-language newspapers began reporting on the events, with major national dailies amplifying the story. Articles in "Le Soir," "La Libre Belgique," and "Vers l'Avenir" are cited, along with a significant article in "Het Belang van Limburg." Weekend editions continued the coverage, and the "group Vers l'Avenir" published a lengthy article titled "Les OVNI persistent et signent !" The article notes that journalists generally treated the subject seriously, which the author finds both surprising and reassuring, indicating a certain maturity in reporting. However, it also acknowledges that some journalists may have used a slightly ironic tone, and that many chose to cover the story themselves.

#### The Wave Grows in Magnitude

Between the weekend of December 9-10, 1989, and December 22, 1989, several significant developments occurred. The "Grenz-Echo" newspaper organized days for collecting testimonies in its premises (December 9-10, 1989), marking a step beyond simple press reports. This initiative demonstrated the local population's engagement with the events. The article notes that this did not generate journalistic repercussions, but the local population felt they were experiencing exceptional moments. Many daily newspapers published new articles on Saturday, December 9, with the emergence of "specialists" and the search for "experts." D. Conraads interviewed an astronomer, while "La Dernière Heure" explored laser projections as a possible explanation. "Le Courrier" and other publications focused on the military's involvement, with articles like "La Force Aérienne enquête." These reports mentioned "diffuse" radar echoes detected by military bases at Glons and Semmerzake on December 2 and 5, respectively. Military personnel suggested that atmospheric conditions (thermal inversion) might have caused these echoes, noting they did not coincide with the timing or location of visual sightings. An investigation by the Air Force Staff was mentioned, though with limited dissemination. The article suggests that the military experienced difficult moments, particularly on the evening of December 2, 1989, when unusual radar echoes appeared, leading to a military intervention procedure that was ultimately aborted when it was realized they did not correspond to a real threat. The article also notes the media's interest in SOBEPS's findings and the emergence of the hypothesis of an extraterrestrial craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs and UAPs, presenting witness testimonies, investigative reports, and theoretical analyses. There is a strong emphasis on statistical approaches to understanding the phenomenon, particularly concerning the influence of media on reporting and public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, seeking to document and analyze sightings while also critically examining methodologies and potential explanations, including psychological and media-driven factors. The publication also features historical perspectives on ufology, such as the work of Aimé Michel, and discusses the challenges of scientific investigation in this field.

This issue of "La Revue des Mystères" (Issue 13, December 1989) focuses on the significant wave of Unidentified Flying Object (OVNI) sightings that occurred in Belgium, particularly during December 1989. The magazine meticulously analyzes the media's role in reporting these events, the various explanations proposed, and the testimony of witnesses. It also includes a detailed report on a specific observation in the Brabant Wallon region from October 1992.

The OVNI Wave of December 1989 in Belgium

The issue begins by detailing the events of December 1989, noting the initial reports that appeared in local newspapers. It highlights how the phenomenon escalated, with a significant increase in sightings reported on January 11, 1989, and a subsequent massive extension of sightings beyond the Liège region. Witnesses described triangular objects of considerable size, moving at low altitudes and in silence.

The magazine emphasizes the media's crucial role, citing articles from various newspapers like "Het Laatse Nieuws," "De Morgen," "La Dernière Heure," "La Meuse-La Lanterne," and "La Cité." It notes how the hypothesis of the F-117 stealth aircraft was first proposed by Thierry Degives in the "Vers l'Avenir" group of newspapers. This explanation was quickly picked up by other media outlets, including "La Dernière Heure" and "La Meuse-La Lanterne."

Explanations and Media Debate

André Dumoulin, a research attaché at GRIP (Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix), is presented as a key figure who proposed the F-117 hypothesis. The article details how his fax message, sent to various newsrooms, was widely published, leading to a significant media discussion. The magazine points out the strategic timing of Dumoulin's fax, sent on a weekend to maximize media impact.

Another proposed explanation involved the AWACS aircraft, suggested by a gendarme from Amay. This explanation was also widely reported, notably by Eddy Przybylski in "Le Jour" and in "La Wallonie," contributing to the general confusion and debate.

The issue critically examines the media's approach, noting how some journalists sought specialists to interpret the events. Astronomer René Dejaiffe, for instance, suggested a highly advanced ULM (Ultra-Light Motorized) aircraft as a possible explanation for the sightings reported in "La Nouvelle Gazette."

The magazine highlights the intensity of media coverage, particularly around December 14, 1989, with numerous articles appearing in various newspapers. It also notes the media's reaction to a press conference held by SOBEPS (an OVNI research group) on December 18, 1989, with headlines reflecting the ongoing mystery and the involvement of scientists and military personnel.

Official Reactions and Witness Testimony

The article touches upon the official stance, noting that military authorities initially denied any unusual aerial activity. However, the persistent reports and media attention led to parliamentary questions, such as one by socialist deputy Charles Janssens to the Minister of National Defence, Guy Coëme, in December 1989. The minister reportedly dismissed several hypotheses, including AWACS and F-117 aircraft.

The magazine also presents a detailed account of a specific OVNI observation that occurred on October 4, 1992, in the Brabant Wallon region of Belgium. The witnesses, a couple identified as M. and Mme C., described a stationary, luminous yellow point that later appeared to be a large, grey, blurry structure with a bright, elongated bay window. The witnesses found the object's slow movement and unusual characteristics puzzling, leading them to reject conventional explanations like aircraft.

Media Influence and Analysis of Data

The issue includes an analysis of the media's role in the first month of the OVNI wave (December 1989). It presents graphical data (Graphique 2) and tables (Tableau 3) showing the number of cases, lines of text, and calls received by various publications. The analysis suggests a correlation between media coverage and the number of reported sightings, indicating that media attention might encourage more people to come forward with their observations.

However, the analysis also points out that many reported sightings were not contemporary to the media coverage but referred to earlier events, suggesting that the media's role might have been more about validating existing experiences or encouraging reporting of past events rather than directly causing new ones.

The geographical distribution of sightings is also discussed, noting an initial concentration in the Liège-Verviers-Eupen triangle and later spreading to other regions of Belgium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of OVNI phenomena, the critical examination of media coverage, the exploration of potential explanations (including military aircraft and more speculative theories), and the importance of witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and critical analysis, aiming to provide a balanced perspective on a complex and often sensationalized topic. The magazine emphasizes the challenges of misinformation and the need for careful consideration of all available data.

The issue concludes by noting that the analysis presented is limited to December 1989 and that further examination of subsequent months would be necessary for a complete understanding of the phenomenon's evolution.

This issue of Inforespace, dated April 1991 (Issue n°80), focuses on the 'Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique' (Belgian UFO Wave), presenting detailed case studies and analyses of sightings. The magazine is published by SOBEPS and is in French.

Key Articles and Observations

The Rectangular Bay Window

The article begins by detailing an observation by M. and Mme C., who witnessed an object with an apparent speed double that of conventional aircraft. They could not precisely determine the object's altitude or distance. M. C. experienced severe insomnia for several days following the event. The witness, an artist, provided a detailed description, noting two key characteristics: the presence of a large rectangular bay window on the object and an inexplicable blurring of its contours.

Several other observations featuring rectangular shapes are presented:

• Ohain (March 12, 1991): An observation by witnesses at home, involving a luminous rectangle about 10m long with a grey dome, which was initially immobile and then changed aspect.
• Boisfort-Bruxelles (April 9, 1990): A woman observed two large, luminous rectangles with yellow-orange light moving slowly at less than 500m for two minutes.
• North of Verviers (November 29, 1989): A secretary observed three luminous rectangles in a line on a long, biconvex body, emitting strong yellow-gold light.
• Tiège, near Sart: M. H. observed a dark mass formed by two adjoining rectangles, possibly the sides of a flat object with unlit rectangular windows.
• Eupen: A gendarme observed a stationary object, followed by a similar object at 300m, described as a large, illuminated rectangle.

The Triangle of Oppagne

This section details two observations in the Durbuy region of Belgium, occurring ten days apart. Both involved triangular objects.

• November 8, 1992 (Oppagne): M. Ronald D. and his mother observed a large, anthracite grey triangular object, approximately 50-100m away. It had a yellow-orange light and red lights at the rear. The object moved laterally and disappeared instantly. The mother described it as being like a large ray above them, perfectly cut, and moving very slowly.
• November 18, 1992 (Barvaux sur Ourthe): A witness named Benjamin observed a very dark, triangular object with rounded angles. It was illuminated by red lamps and a white central spotlight. The object hovered, then moved horizontally before disappearing. Benjamin stated it was not an airplane and had no windows or audible noise.

Other Observations and Commentary

• Jupille sur Meuse (December 11, 1989): An object described as egg-shaped with a large rectangular window and a rear fin was observed, its contours being indistinct.
• Tihange (1977): Two observations involving rectangles were made near the Tihange power plant, reported in Inforespace n°44.
• One involved a large, luminous white rectangle with a faint halo, moving with a vehicle.
• The other described a cigar-shaped object, 7-8 meters long, with three rectangular, white-lit windows.
• Ernage (Namur, December 11, 1989): A lieutenant-colonel and his wife observed three luminous panels moving silently, with a red gyrophare underneath, followed by a large light that caused the object to 'rear up', displaying characteristics of triangles.

Michel Carrouges is mentioned for his work on 'vaporous effects' and a geometric group of luminous rectangles observed by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh in 1949.

Michel Warnier provides commentary, noting that the triangular objects observed were dark, had multiple light sources, progressed at low altitude, and disappeared abruptly. He highlights the unusual lateral displacement observed in the Oppagne triangle.

Book Review: 'Vague' by Michel Warnier

The issue includes a review of a 504-page book titled 'Vague' by Michel Warnier, which is described as an exceptional work on the Belgian UFO wave, featuring historical events, photographic documents, and analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the shapes and characteristics of the observed objects (rectangular, triangular). The magazine emphasizes witness testimony, investigator reports, and attempts to categorize and understand these phenomena within the context of the 'Vague belge'. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these events, presenting evidence and analysis without outright dismissal, while acknowledging the unusual nature of the sightings and the psychological impact on witnesses. There is an emphasis on providing detailed descriptions and cross-referencing observations to build a comprehensive picture of the phenomenon.