Inforespace - No 05 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 5, 1st year
Date: 1972
Publisher: SOBEPS asbi (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace delves into a variety of intriguing subjects, prominently featuring a historical review of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and an exploration of prehistoric art, specifically the Tassili frescoes.

Historical Overview of Unidentified Flying Objects

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to chronicling UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the events of July 1952, a period described as particularly active.

July 1952 Sightings:

• July 14: A DC 4 aircraft piloted by W.B. Nash and W.H. Fortenberry reported encountering six large, red, luminous discs near Newport, USA. The objects maneuvered in unison before disappearing.
• July 16: Shell R. Alpert, a photographer from Salem Air Base, Massachusetts, photographed four whitish lights flying in formation.
• July 17: Captain Paul L. Carpenter, flying a DC 6, observed four luminous objects moving at an estimated speed of 4800 km/h.
• July 18: In Veronica, Argentina, hundreds of people witnessed six discs performing aerial maneuvers.
• July 19-26 (The 'Washington Carousel'): This period saw a flurry of sightings around Washington D.C., involving numerous ground observers, radar confirmations (including from the CAA and National Airport), and pilots. Objects exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, defying known mechanics. Radar detected objects accelerating rapidly, and pilots attempted interceptions, but the objects would disappear from view.
• July 23: The Air Defense Command in Osceola, Wisconsin, detected unknown objects initially moving at 100 km/h, which then accelerated to 1000 km/h when pursued.
• July 24: Two Air Force colonels flying from Hamilton Air Force Base observed three silver, delta-winged objects with no visible cockpit or tail near Carson Sink.
• July 27 (Manhattan Beach): Eight witnesses, including a former naval pilot, reported an unknown object that split into six circular sections and moved silently.
• July 27 (Los Alamos): A metallic object was observed over atomic facilities, evading pursuit by fighter jets.
• July 27 (Michigan): Three F-94 aircraft on a night mission detected an object moving at over 1000 km/h. Captain Ned Baker attempted an interception, observing the object's changing colors (red, green, white) and its rapid acceleration.
• July 29: The meteorological station in Villacoublay, France, recorded a series of phenomena, including a blue luminous point that moved erratically, appearing as a white incandescent streak with blue trails. Later, a perfect yellow-white circle with irregular trails was observed.

Other Incidents and Investigations:

• Fred Reagan Incident: The magazine recounts the case of Fred Reagan, a pilot who, in July 1952, claimed his Piper Cub was struck by a diamond-shaped object. He was ejected, and reportedly experienced paralysis and a sensation of being absorbed by the object, which he believed cured him of cancer. He later died in an asylum in 1953, with an autopsy citing tissue degeneration from extreme atomic radiation.
• ATIC's Conclusion: Regarding the Sanilac incident, the ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Center) concluded that thermal refraction could not explain the simultaneous visual and radar observations, nor cases where objects were tracked by both ground stations and aircraft. The nature of the object was deemed 'unknown'.
• Official Stance: In August 1952, General Samford of the Pentagon stated that UFOs were merely 'atmospheric phenomena'. However, the U.S. Department of Defense also issued orders for fighter jets to shoot down UFOs refusing to land, indicating a level of concern.

Primhistory and Archaeology: The Tassili Frescoes

This section explores the prehistoric rock engravings found in the Tassili n'Ajjer region of the Sahara Desert.

The Tassili Plateau:

Located in the Sahara, the Tassili plateau is a vast, rugged massif known for its numerous canyons and ancient rock art. French archaeologist Henri Lhote discovered approximately 25,000 frescoes in this area in 1956.

Chronological Classification of Frescoes:

The frescoes are categorized into distinct periods:

1. -5000 to -1500 (Age of Herds and Pastors): Depicts hunters, shepherds, farmers, and primitive fauna like buffaloes. The flora suggests a formerly more humid Sahara.
2. -1200 to +100 (Age of Equids): Features horses pulling chariots, with figures in poses reminiscent of Mycenaean art. These are possibly linked to the 'Sea People' mentioned in Egyptian records.
3. +300 to Present (Camel Age): Characterized by drought and includes figures that suggest Egyptian ibises.

The 'Round Heads' Enigma:

Beyond these periods, a more ancient and enigmatic civilization, referred to as 'hiératico-archaïque' or 'round heads', is highlighted. These frescoes depict gigantic, highly stylized figures with enlarged round heads. Henri Lhote described one 6-meter-high fresco as evoking the image of 'Martians'. The 'Grand Dieu Jabbarèn' (City of Giants) and figures at Sefar, including a 2.8m 'God of Rains', are presented as unique examples.

Interpretations and Hypotheses:

• Conventional Archaeological View: The unusual attributes of these figures (encircled heads, eccentric orifices) do not align with known Neolithic cultures. The lack of racial indicators connecting them to later periods further complicates classification.
• Professor A. Leroi-Gourhan's Work: Statistical analyses of cave art across Western Europe reveal consistent symbolic and metaphysical patterns, which also apply to most Tassili frescoes, except for the 'hiératico-archaïque' ones, deemed 'aberrant'.
• Mikhail Agrest's Hypothesis: The professor proposed that these figures might represent 'cosmonauts from antiquity', suggesting that the frescoes could be copies of beings and craft observed in the region.

Other Sections

• Nouvelles internationales: International news related to UFO phenomena.
• Le catalogue des observations belges: A catalog of UFO sightings in Belgium.
• Le dossier photo d'inforespace: A photo dossier related to UFOs.
• Nos enquêtes: Reports on investigations into UFO cases.
• L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga: An article on the Tunguska event.
• Initiation à l'Astronomie (5): The fifth part of a series on astronomy.
• Chronique des OVNI: A chronicle of UFO events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, supported by historical accounts and official investigations, and the exploration of ancient human history through archaeological findings, particularly the enigmatic Tassili frescoes. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting evidence and hypotheses that challenge conventional explanations, suggesting a continued interest in the unexplained and potentially extraterrestrial aspects of both modern phenomena and ancient history. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse theories and historical data for the reader to consider, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge.

This issue of "Phénomènes Aériens Non Identifiés" (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) is primarily dedicated to cataloging UFO sightings and exploring the historical and scientific approaches to studying these phenomena. The cover features a stylized illustration and the headline "Le catalogue des observations belges" (The catalog of Belgian observations).

Article: The Historical Critique in the Field of Flying Saucers

This section features an article by Michel Carrouges, who is described as an eclectic author with interests in anticipation and surrealism, and a jurist specializing in accident problems. Carrouges's work, particularly his book "Les Apparitions de Martiens," is noted for its in-depth analysis of testimony, its limitations, and errors, offering a penetrating and original critique of the U.S. Air Force's approach.

Carrouges's book is structured rationally, bringing a new perspective to the study of UFOs. The article emphasizes the need for contact between researchers and associations advocating for scientific study within an international cooperation framework.

The article begins by drawing a parallel with the phenomenon of aerolites (meteorites). The existence of aerolites was known since the Metal Age and was considered sacred by ancient peoples. However, in the 18th century, French scientists rejected aerolites as popular superstitions. It was the German jurist and physicist Chladni who, through extensive research and calculation of bolide trajectories, concluded in 1794 that aerolites were real. Despite the French Academy of Sciences initially dismissing Chladni's work, a significant event in 1803, a rain of "stones fallen from the sky" in Laigle, led astronomer J.-B. Biot to confirm Chladni's findings, establishing the scientific reality of aerolites.

Carrouges argues that testimonial evidence can serve as a serious basis for the study of flying saucers, just as it did for aerolites. He suggests that pre-scientific facts can evolve into scientific facts if scientists do not ridicule them but instead study them.

The article then delves into the historical nature of the flying saucer problem. It highlights that while aerolite research focused on raw phenomena and natural laws, UFO sightings often involve landings and the appearance of pilots or passengers, pointing towards a historical identification. Carrouges notes that from the beginning, with the Kenneth Arnold incident, aviators, journalists, and the public recognized the historical nature of these sightings, leading to numerous hypotheses.

Carrouges critiques the pseudo-scientific approach to UFOs, emphasizing that the definition of the object and the research methodology are crucial. He distinguishes between physical or psychiatric explanations and the need for a historical approach, similar to archaeology. He argues that the variety of shapes and capabilities of flying saucers, while surprising, are not inherently irrational, comparing them to aircraft or spacecraft. However, the descriptions of pilots and passengers present a different challenge, with their apparent human likeness contrasting with their extraordinary context.

Article: Tassili Frescoes and UFOs

This section discusses the Tassili frescoes, with figures described as wearing "space suits" and spherical helmets. Alexandre Kazantzev's interpretation of these figures as having features like antennae and spherical eyes is presented. The article notes that these depictions lack analogy with ritual or hunting attire. Some figures are described as floating horizontally, suggesting a state of weightlessness, and one figure's "mask" is compared to a porthole.

Agrest's hypotheses regarding the Tassili frescoes are mentioned, but the article notes that his work did not precisely concern Tassili. The frescoes are considered "third-degree elements," requiring confirmation from texts or traditions (second degree) or material evidence (first degree) to become truly significant arguments. The author suggests searching sacred texts (Bible, Akkadian tablets, Vedas) for descriptions that could illustrate the Tassili frescoes.

The article quotes an author from a small publication who finds the artistic style of the Tassili frescoes problematic, noting the vast gap between this archaic art and that of cattle herders, and questioning if it represents a foreign people who briefly sojourned in the Tassili massif. The author concludes that this archaic style seems absolutely isolated.

The article promises to reveal in the next issue that this type of character may not be as isolated as the author believes.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography with two entries:
1. Henri Lhote, "A la découverte des fresques du Tassili" (Arthaud, 1958).
2. "Peintures rupestres du Sahara," collection Orbis Pictus (Payot, 1970).

The author of this section is Yvan Verheyden.

International News: Strange Events in Brazil

This section reports on several UFO sightings in Brazil:

• July 6, 1969, Manaos (Amazonia): Mme Ermelinda Nasciemento observed a bright light and a luminous object that approached her face, then her husband's. When her husband tried to catch the object with a tablecloth, it touched his face and disappeared, leaving an M-shaped mark that lasted three weeks.
• December 18, 1969, Sobral (State of Ceara): Mme Neusa Rodrigues de Melo saw a flying disc with a blue-skinned occupant emitting light. This was confirmed by workers and Lt. Pedro Edvaldo de Souza.
• December 19, 1971, Southern Brazil: A large, circular, cloud-like object was observed across a vast area, causing an electrical power outage in Porto Alegre and panic among beachgoers.

These cases are presented as examples of numerous UFO events in Brazil, extracted from the "Boletim Informativo" of the Brazilian group GIPOVNI.

International News: Mysterious Beams in Switzerland

• Late September/Early October 1971, Villars-le-Comte: M. P., a farmer, observed a powerful white beam of light descending obliquely from the sky. The beam was about 100 meters long and 1 meter wide, brighter than a fluorescent tube. It seemed to come from nowhere, and no machine was visible. The electrical power in the area failed during the observation. The beam disappeared, and later reappeared, moving vertically and laterally.

M. P. also noted circular marks on his field where the grass did not grow. The report thanks Dominique Freymond of the Swiss Ufology Federation (FSU) for this information.

International News: OVNI Above the Vienna Highway

• May 2, 1972, near Wiener Neustadt, Austria: An OVNI caused traffic to brake heavily on the south highway towards Vienna. The object was described as round and very bright, hovering above Neunkirchen. According to the APA press agency, its altitude was estimated at 12,000 meters. Neither aircraft nor meteorological stations could identify it. The phenomenon disappeared abruptly as aircraft approached.

This report was communicated by M. R. Dederichs.

The Catalog of Belgian Observations

This extensive section lists numerous UFO sightings in Belgium from 1967 to 1969, with details on date, time, location, witnesses, object description, and behavior. Some notable entries include:

• August 1967, Angleur: A bright orange sphere observed moving rapidly and then disappearing.
• August 1967, Anderlecht: A dark oval object moving silently at low altitude with bright red lights underneath.
• September 1968, Remicourt: An elliptical light moving rapidly, described with varying colors (red-yellow, blue phosphorescent).
• October 1968, Brussels: A blue-clear globe moving regularly, and later, five helmet-shaped objects moving in a V formation.
• November 1968, Vlierzele: Two instances of a yellow sphere exploding against a windshield without causing damage.
• December 1968, Brussels: A "returned plate" shaped object, white and luminous, moving silently and rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging of UFO sightings, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the exploration of historical and scientific methodologies for understanding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, scientific, and historical approach, drawing parallels with other unexplained phenomena like aerolites. The publication aims to collect and present data, encouraging further research and discussion within the UFO community, while also critically examining different interpretations and hypotheses. The inclusion of international news and historical case studies suggests a broad scope for the magazine's coverage of UFO phenomena.

This issue of INFO-ESPACE, identified as issue number 19, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and related events. It includes a detailed catalog of UAP sightings reported in Belgium during 1969 and 1971, alongside an extensive study of the 1908 Tunguska event. The magazine presents a blend of witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and scientific analysis, exploring various hypotheses and the challenges in explaining these occurrences.

Catalog of Belgian UAP Sightings (1969-1971)

The issue meticulously documents numerous UAP sightings across Belgium in 1969 and 1971. These accounts detail various object shapes, colors, and behaviors:

• September 24, 1969: In Zellik, Brussels, M. Camille Breeus, an architect, observed two silent triangles with fluorescent colors that remained immobile for 5 minutes.
• September 24, 1969: In Kessel-Lo, Brabant, a couple and their daughter witnessed a luminous 'Christmas tree' shaped object (a triangle) with flashing red and yellow lights that disappeared in place.
• September 25, 1969: In Vilvorde, Brussels, an anonymous witness reported seeing a mass of red, orange, and violet lights at an altitude of 200 meters, moving towards Ganshoren and Zellik with a sound resembling 10 circular saws.
• September 28, 1969: In Seraing, Liège, M. Lambert observed a truncated disk and several scintillating objects for about 4 minutes. The disk, described as '3/4 of the Moon' in apparent size, disappeared like a comet.
• Late September 1969: In Berchem-Ste-Agathe, Brussels, a young man saw an object moving silently from east to west, emitting a white flash every second.
• Late September 1969: In Hennuyères, Hainaut, M. Ghequière observed a luminous, silver-white object moving rapidly from north to south for 3 to 5 seconds.
• October 3, 1969: In Hamme, Brabant, M. J. Van Brussel and friends observed a huge, immobile, yellow-white triangle for 5 seconds, with a blurry base.
• October 5, 1969: In Oteppe, Liège, a couple observed an object resembling a 'non-curved banana' for 5 to 6 minutes. It was very luminous, silent, and moving at high altitude.
• October 8, 1969: In Overijse, Brabant, a couple observed a luminous, blinking object moving silently from east to west at high altitude.
• October 8, 1969: In Berchem-Ste-Agathe, Brussels, a young man saw a red object moving from south to north.
• October 9, 1968: In Hollogne-aux-Pierres, Liège, M. Yerna observed two luminous objects; one was immobile, and the other moved towards it, emitting light flashes.
• October 18, 1969: In Loncin, Liège, M. Daniel Reyter observed a globe with an incandescent trail moving rectilinearly from east to west.
• October 30, 1969: In Enghien, Hainaut, a golden sphere was observed above the clouds, moving towards an approaching airplane before disappearing at high speed.
• November 11, 1969: In Baudouin highway, Antwerp, an anonymous witness observed a yellow-grey object with a hemispherical shape for about 15 seconds.
• November 14, 1969: In Hallaar, Antwerp, M. Dillen reported a long red and white trail moving slowly from south to north.
• November 25, 1969: In Molenbeek, Brussels, Mme d'Haeveloose observed a sharp-edged, thin oval object, metallic white in color, hovering to the left of the Basilica of Koekelberg.

The Chermanne Case (May 16, 1953)

The issue dedicates significant attention to the case of M. Hermann Chermanne, a professional photographer, who witnessed and photographed a UAP on May 16, 1953, near Bouffioulx, Belgium. Chermanne was returning from Charleroi when he stopped to photograph sheep. He then heard a strange noise, described as shaking sheet metal and dry detonations. He observed a large, bright object with a whitish halo ascending from behind trees. The object's ascent was accompanied by a rotating movement, changing its apparent shape between oval and round. It hovered for about 20 seconds before accelerating and disappearing at high speed, leaving a twisted trail of blue and white smoke. Chermanne took two photographs (photos 15 and 16) of the phenomenon. The trail persisted briefly but vanished before the object's departure. Another witness, M. Roger Michel, observed the object from a distance of 1500 meters and was struck by its silence. Chermanne was later interrogated by military authorities. He also learned that strange traces were found at the suspected landing site. M. G.C., a retired engineer, investigated the area, known as 'La Sibérie,' and noted the unusual drying and 'spongy' state of several poplar trees, suggesting a possible link to the UAP's presence or landing. Geological analysis of the area revealed geological faults, including the Chamborgneau fault, which M. G.C. considered in relation to the theories of French researcher Fernand Lagarde.

The Duchène Case (March 1968)

This section details an unusual experience of Mme Duchène in Linsmeau-Racour, Belgium, in March 1968. During a rainy afternoon, her dog became agitated, leading her to discover two round, gelatinous objects resembling jellyfish on the wet tiled courtyard. One object had a diameter of about 8 cm, the other about 10 cm, with a maximum thickness of 2 cm. While examining them, Mme Duchène received a strong electric shock. Later, she observed that the objects had shrunk by half, with the gelatinous part appearing to have 'melted.' She collected the objects, noting they were almost weightless. She placed them in a shed, and upon returning later, found no trace of them, only two 'foam-like' traces where they had been. Her husband found nothing when he later examined the shed.

The Laeken Sighting (June 13-14, 1971)

M. Marc Smeets, an 18-year-old worker, reported a strange observation in the Brussels sky on the night of June 13-14, 1971. While sitting on a bench in a square in Laeken, he noticed a luminous point moving low on the horizon. Initially thinking it was an airplane, he soon realized it was something else as the object changed direction abruptly and approached him at high speed, emitting a whistling sound. It then hovered silently above him, producing a noise like a blower. Smeets observed a dark, circular object with a luminous source at its center, but could not determine its precise dimensions or altitude. He felt an unpleasant heat radiation and smelled a sulfurous odor. Shaken, he reported the incident to the police and later consulted a doctor, who prescribed six weeks of rest. Months later, in January 1972, Smeets observed another phenomenon: a luminous point that evolved in a zig-zag pattern. At its zenith, it appeared as three distinct points arranged in a triangle. He stated definitively that it was not an airplane.

The 1908 Tunguska Event: Study and Research

This extensive section delves into the extraordinary explosion that occurred in the Siberian Taiga on June 30, 1908. The event, described as having a violence greater than the Krakatoa eruption, destroyed millions of square kilometers of forest. The explosion illuminated the entire Northern Hemisphere, making it possible to read at 1 AM in Antwerp.

Hypotheses and Analysis

Numerous scientific expeditions have investigated the site, gathering a wealth of information. Hypotheses proposed include a meteorite (iron, rock, or ice), a comet, a dust cloud, or antimatter. However, the analysis suggests that none of these fully explain all aspects of the event.

• Damage Extent: Russian researcher Zolotov's work indicates that the extent of the damage is greater than expected from a typical meteorite impact, suggesting the object possessed unusual internal energy.
• Radioactivity: The event is associated with inexplicable radioactivity, not attributable to meteorites. Furthermore, recent studies have detected radioactivity of medium-short life in the growth rings of trees from 1908 onwards, similar to that found from nuclear explosions in 1945.
• Artificial Craft Theory: The possibility of an artificial, extraterrestrial craft is considered. M. Maurice De San's hypothesis is highlighted for its potential to explain all aspects of the phenomenon.

The Event Details

The explosion occurred around 7 AM local time in Western Siberia, at approximately 60° 55' N latitude and 101° 57' E longitude, about 800 km northwest of Lake Baikal. The bolide was visible for hundreds of kilometers due to the clear sky, implying a large size and high altitude.

• Destruction: Over 20 million trees were felled by a burning wind, sometimes up to 40 km from the explosion. The forest burned over tens of thousands of hectares. The area of the explosion itself saw trees up to 40 meters tall flattened over more than 200,000 hectares.
• Physical Characteristics: The bolide was observed as a fireball, sometimes with a luminous trail, varying in apparent size from half to several times the diameter of the Moon. Its color changed from bright white to red towards the end of its trajectory. The explosion culminated in a column of fire, with a shockwave felt up to 200 km away.
• Carbonization: Superficial carbonization of tree bark was observed up to 18 km from the epicenter, similar to nuclear explosions. However, the article suggests this might also be due to a burning wind.
• Lack of Crater: Despite extensive searches by numerous expeditions, no crater, small or large, has been found. No traces of meteorite material (iron-nickel or stony) have been discovered, nor any abnormal carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere.

Ongoing Research

The study indicates that future research will systematically eliminate hypotheses, building upon the extensive work already done by Soviet expeditions that mapped the tree fall directions, damage from the shockwave, wind, fire, and radiation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of INFO-ESPACE adopts a serious and investigative tone, presenting documented sightings and historical events with a focus on scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of phenomena that defy conventional explanation, particularly concerning UAP and the Tunguska event. The magazine encourages further research and the collection of testimonies, suggesting that unexplained events may hold significant implications. The recurring themes include detailed witness accounts, physical evidence (or lack thereof), scientific analysis of potential causes, and the historical context of these phenomena. The publication emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and the careful consideration of all hypotheses, including those that challenge established scientific paradigms.

This issue of "Initiation à l'Astronomie" (Issue 5) focuses on two primary themes: the historical chronicle of UFO (OVNI) sightings in the latter half of the 19th century and an exploration of the conditions necessary for extraterrestrial life and the detection of planetary systems.

Chronique des OVNI: Des OVNI au XIXème siècle (2e partie: 1860 à 1900)

The article begins by noting periods of apparent calm in UFO phenomena during the 19th century, followed by significant reports. The period from 1860 to 1900 is examined, highlighting specific incidents:

• August 11, 1863: A reddish disk with a dome hovered motionlessly over Madrid before executing rapid vertical and horizontal movements.
• June 1868: A luminous OVNI was observed for several minutes over Radcliffe, England.
• March 22, 1870: Captain Banner of the ship "Lady of the Lake" reported a circular, light gray cloud-like object moving against the wind for half an hour. The object was described as a disk with a hook-shaped appendage.
• August 1, 1871: A red disk hovered above Marseille, France.
• August 29, 1871: Astronomer Trouvelot observed various shaped objects (triangles to spheres) hovering or falling like 'dead leaves' above Meudon, France.
• December 7, 1872: A noisy, dense smoke-accompanied object, described as a 'haystack,' moved like a tornado above Banbury, England, before disappearing.
• April 10, 1874: A luminous OVNI exploded in the sky over Kuttenberg, Bohemia.
• July 6, 1874: A 'trumpet-shaped' object, tens of meters long, remained suspended and swaying gently over Oaxaca, Mexico.
• March 23, 1877: Blinding 'fireballs' emerged from a cloud and moved slowly for an hour over Vence, France.
• May 15, 1877: A strange being in 'tight-fitting clothes' and a 'shining helmet' flew over sentinels near Aldershot, England, who were stunned by a blue light.
• 1880: Several significant sightings occurred, including brilliant OVNIs over Kattenau, Germany, and a 'fish-shaped' object observed in Lamy, New Mexico, which conversed with witnesses.
• August 20, 1880: A French academic witnessed a 'brilliant and golden cigar' object.
• August 25, 1880: A similar 'yellowish luminous body of elongated shape' was seen entering a cloud in France.
• December 1881: Multiple reports included the sudden disappearance of a balloon from which aeronauts had departed near Bridport, England, and OVNI evolutions above Cherbourg, France.
• December 13, 1881: A bizarre object was observed over Laredo and Bilbao, Spain.

The article suggests that the late 19th century might have experienced significant waves of UFO activity.

Initiation à l'Astronomie (5): La vie dans l'univers 1ère partie

This section explores the scientific basis for extraterrestrial life and the existence of planetary systems.

Les compagnons obscurs

The author posits that if the plurality of planetary systems could be proven, it would be a strong argument for extraterrestrial life. The article discusses binary star systems and introduces the concept of 'obscure companions' – stars with negligible brightness and minimal mass, often less than a hundredth of the Sun's mass. Examples like 61 Cygni are mentioned. The mass of these companions can be significantly greater than that of giant planets like Jupiter or Saturn, and they are primarily composed of hydrogen, similar to stars formed from contracting hydrogen clouds.

Les planètes d'étoiles

The principle of conservation of angular momentum is applied to planetary systems. In our solar system, planets account for 98% of the angular momentum. The article discusses how stars of different spectral types (O, F, G, K, M) have varying rotation speeds. It is suggested that slow-rotating stars (G, K, M), like our Sun, may have dissipated much of their angular momentum by forming planetary systems. Detecting these planets is challenging with optical telescopes due to Earth's atmosphere. Two methods are proposed: observing planetary transits (like Mercury and Venus passing in front of the Sun) and detecting gravitational perturbations caused by planets. The latter method, though difficult, led to the discovery of giant planets around Barnard's Star.

Conditions nécessaires à la vie sur les planètes

For life to exist, complex molecular combinations are required, necessitating moderate temperatures. Too low temperatures halt chemical reactions, while too high temperatures break down molecules. A planet's temperature is influenced by its atmosphere (e.g., the greenhouse effect on Venus) and the radiation received from its star. The type of star dictates the location and size of the habitable zone. The article argues against life on planets orbiting multiple stars due to unstable orbits and extreme temperature variations. Variable stars are also unsuitable due to fluctuations in luminosity. Other essential conditions include sufficient planetary mass to retain an atmosphere, the presence of liquid water, and protection from cosmic radiation from supernovae. The author concludes that while statistical arguments favor the existence of extraterrestrial life, definitive proof is yet to be found. The existence of billions of stars in our galaxy and billions of galaxies suggests a high probability.

Bibliographie

The issue includes a bibliography with numerous entries related to the Tunguska event, meteorites, and astronomy, primarily in Russian and French, with some English titles.

Librairie Pepperland

A section advertises the "Pepperland" bookstore, specializing in science fiction and fantasy, offering new and used items, and located in Brussels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to astronomy, UFO phenomena, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, presenting research and observations while acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics. There is a clear interest in historical accounts of unexplained phenomena and the latest scientific theories regarding the universe and life beyond Earth. The publication aims to educate and inform its readers on these subjects, encouraging further investigation and discussion.

This issue of INFORESPACE, published by SOBEPS, focuses on historical UFO sightings and aerial phenomena reported during the 19th century. The magazine aims to highlight the extent of these occurrences during that period and to encourage further research into archival records.

Historical UFO Sightings (1883-1899)

The article details a significant number of reported sightings, categorizing them into waves and specific incidents:

1883: A Year of Waves

The year 1883 is described as a year with a notable increase in sightings, particularly in the latter half. Key events include:

• September 12-13, 1883: A UFO was observed near New York.
• September 21, 1883: A similar observation was made in Yeovil, England.
• September 24, 1883: Unusual aerial phenomena were reported from Egypt and Sweden.
• November 2, 1883: A UFO was sighted over Puerto Rico.
• November 5, 1883: A brilliant disk was observed over Chile.
• November 21, 1883: A "torpedo with a dark central core" was seen crossing the sky over Sulphur Springs, Texas.

1884-1887: Quieter Period with Notable Events

1884 was calmer, but 1885 saw renewed activity:

• November 1, 1885: A red "cigar" object moving slowly was observed in Andrinople, Turkey.
• November 2, 1885: A luminous, blue then green UFO plunged silently into the sea in Scutari, Turkey.
• November 12, 1887: Near Cap Race, Newfoundland, a red UFO rose from the sea, approached the English ship "Siberian," hovered for five minutes against the wind, and then disappeared.

Between 1888 and 1892, reports were fewer, focusing on strange noises in the sky (Barisal, Connecticut, Arctic) and frightened livestock (England).

Late 19th Century Waves (1893-1899)

A new, important wave began in late 1893:

• December 20, 1893: A luminous circular UFO moved over Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, accompanied by a deafening noise. The same craft reportedly reappeared over the US East Coast in 1894.
• 1894: Astronomers reported dark masses moving slowly across the sun and moon disks. Strange noises were also heard in the sky over Belgium and the English Channel.
• 1895: This year mirrored 1894 with similar reports.
• August 31, 1895: A brilliant disk rose above trees near Oxford.
• September 3, 1895: The same UFO was observed slowly moving in Scarborough (York).
• October 16, 1895: Ethiopian soldiers reported a noisy green UFO with dense smoke near Adoua.
• 1896 and 1897: These years saw a significant surge in sightings, particularly in the United States. The magazine announces that the third part of this study, to be published in the next issue, will focus on this period.
• July 1, 1898: A red UFO was observed in Sedbergh, England.
• July 4, 1898: A similar object was seen in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
• July 8, 1898: The same type of craft was observed over Kiel, Germany.
• September 4, 1898: A red UFO remained motionless for about ten minutes over Lille, France, suggesting it might be the same craft seen earlier.
• March 1899: A luminous disk was repeatedly sighted over Texas and Arizona.
• October 28, 1899: A luminous disk was observed in Luzarches, France.
• November 15, 1899: A UFO was sighted over Dourite, France, moving slowly and changing color from red to blue before disappearing.

Comparison with Modern Observations

The article notes the striking similarity between these historical testimonies and current observations. However, it points out key differences: 19th-century reports frequently mention noisy craft with smoke emissions, which are now rare.

Call for Collaboration and Support

Reader Assistance

The magazine appeals to its readers for help in various areas:

• Translators: For Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Scandinavian, or Slavic languages.
• Investigators: To interview witnesses at sighting locations, requiring a thorough understanding of UFO phenomena.
• Technical Draftsmen: To create diagrams and plans for scientific articles.
• Typists: Professional typists to transcribe texts promptly.
• Reproduction Specialists: For photographic reproductions, slides, photocopies, and stencils.
• Secretarial Support: Assistance with minor tasks at the organization's headquarters.

The emphasis is on regular, reliable contributions rather than just a large amount of free time.

Public Awareness

SOBEPS seeks to increase its visibility, especially in Belgium. They encourage members to inform journalists about the organization and to suggest opportunities for media coverage, including radio and television appearances. They also welcome invitations to present their conference-debate with slide projections.

Membership and Contributions

Information is provided on membership fees (cotisations) for Belgium and abroad, with different rates for ordinary, student, and supporting members. The price per issue is also listed. All payments should be made via CCP (Compte de Chèques Postaux) or bank transfer to the specified accounts in Brussels.

SOBEPS Mission and Activities

SOBEPS is a non-profit association dedicated to the rational and objective observation and study of spatial phenomena and related problems. They disseminate information through a bimonthly review (INFORESPACE) and conferences. They actively solicit information from readers regarding UFO subjects and welcome donations of books, magazines, and press clippings for their library.

Advertising and Services

The issue includes advertisements for:

• L.J. Clerebaut: A stamp dealer in Brussels offering purchase, sale, and valuation services.
• Librairie des Sciences: A bookstore in Brussels specializing in scientific and technical works, subscriptions to Belgian and foreign journals, and a depository for OECD publications. They have two locations in Brussels.
• An advertisement for someone buying silver, copper, and other coins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the historical documentation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the continuity of reports across centuries while noting specific differences in characteristics like noise and smoke emission. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry, encouraging rational observation and objective study, and actively seeking reader participation and support to further their research and dissemination efforts. The organization positions itself as a platform for collective investigation and information sharing within the UFO community.