Inforespace - No 08 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: 1973, n° 8, 2nd year
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of *inforespace*, a bimonthly review dedicated to cosmology, spatial phenomena, and prehistory, presents a diverse range of articles. It covers historical UFO sightings, theories about lost continents, and the epistemology of ufological research.

Subscription and Back Issues

The magazine outlines its subscription options for 1973 (Formula A), a combined subscription for 1972-1973 (Formula B) to acquire the complete collection, and a subscription for 1972 (Formula C). It also highlights the availability of all issues from the first year (1972), encouraging new members to complete their collection. Payments are to be made to the SOBEPS account via postal transfer or bank account.

Editorial and Association Information

The editorial board and key personnel of SOBEPS are listed, including President André Boudin, Secretary General Lucien Clerebaut, and Editor-in-Chief Michel Bougard. The review is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Gérard Dohmen. SOBEPS is described as a non-profit association focused on the rational and objective study of spatial phenomena and related issues, aiming to disseminate information without prejudice. Readers are encouraged to contribute information and materials.

Table of Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• Historique des Objets Volants Non Identifiés (History of Unidentified Flying Objects)
• Les anciens continents effondrés (The Ancient Sunken Continents)
• Epistémologie et recherche dans le domaine des soucoupes volantes (Epistemology and Research in the Field of Flying Saucers)
• Nos enquêtes (Our Investigations)
• Photovni
• La responsabilité du chercheur dans le domaine des OVNI (The Researcher's Responsibility in the UFO Field)
• Le dossier photo d'inforespace (The inforespace Photo File)
• L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga (The Extraordinary 1908 Explosion in the Taiga)
• Réflexions sur la propulsion des OVNI (Reflections on UFO Propulsion)
• Nouvelles internationales (International News)
• Phénomènes astronomiques importants en 1973 (Important Astronomical Phenomena in 1973)
• Chronique des OVNI (UFO Chronicle)

Historique des Objets Volants Non Identifiés (History of Unidentified Flying Objects)

This section details several UFO sightings from 1953:

• January 28, 1953: A pilot observed a brilliant light that transformed into a perfect triangle and then divided into two triangles.
• February 28, 1953: In Beirut, a luminous red object described as a sharp-contoured orange-red disk was seen, along with other reddish objects.
• April 11, 1953: Near Limoges, a red point moved erratically, making 180-degree turns.
• May 16, 1953: In Bouffioulx, Belgium, a photographer witnessed a brilliant object with a halo emitting white particles, which ascended rapidly.
• June 26, 1953: In El Provencia, Spain, a bright object hovered for hours before moving north, appearing as a disk.
• August 3, 1953: At Hamilton Air Force Base, California, two large silver disks joined and were joined by six more before disappearing.
• August 17, 1953: An unknown object was observed for twelve hours over Burgundy, France.
• August 24, 1953: A pilot observed two circular, silver UFOs performing impossible maneuvers near El Paso.
• October 6, 1953: In Norwich, UK, a bell-shaped UFO with luminous rays was observed.
• November 19, 1953: A UFO was tracked on radar over Lake Superior, and an interceptor jet disappeared after approaching it.

The section also discusses the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, the promulgation of Air Force Regulation 200-2 aimed at reducing the number of unexplained cases, and the role of the ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Center).

Les anciens continents effondrés (The Ancient Sunken Continents)

This article explores the myths and theories surrounding lost continents:

• Atlantis: The legend of Atlantis is traced back to Plato's dialogues, *Timaeus* and *Critias*. Its geographical location is discussed, with the most common theory placing it in the Atlantic Ocean beyond the Pillars of Hercules. Evidence cited includes submarine lava formations and a large wall discovered near Bimini. Other proposed locations include the Celto-Armorican region, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, Morocco, and Ethiopia.
• Hyperborea: This continent is often considered more advanced than Atlantis. Its location is suggested to be around Greenland and Iceland, extending into Arctic regions. Legends connect it to a golden age and a possible extraterrestrial influence.
• Lemuria and Gondwana: The concept of Lemuria, a land bridge connecting Africa, India, and Madagascar, is discussed, along with the idea of a larger continent named Gondwana that fragmented over millions of years. The myth of Mu, a Pacific continent, is also mentioned.

Epistemologie et recherche dans le domaine des soucoupes volantes (Epistemology and Research in the Field of Flying Saucers)

This section engages in a debate about the methodology of UFO research, particularly in response to criticisms. It addresses the relationship between historical and critical analysis, the challenges of distinguishing between rational and irrational elements in witness accounts, and the importance of comparative analysis of testimonies. The authors defend their approach, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific and historical critique while acknowledging the inherent difficulties and the 'epistemological obstacles' that hinder progress in the field. They highlight the importance of statistical analysis but question the validity of limited data sets. The article also touches upon the role of astronomers and astrophysicists in UFO research, suggesting that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial.

Nos enquêtes (Our Investigations)

This section presents a detailed case study:

• Grâce-Hollogne, Belgium (October 9, 1969): The testimony of Jacques Yerna, a 16-year-old student, describes an encounter with two UFOs. He observed four red, blinking lights arranged in a square, moving silently and at a low altitude. The object then transformed, and a second, smaller object appeared. The two objects flew in formation and disappeared. The investigation found physical traces, including flattened rectangles of beet leaves, and a magnetic anomaly. The report discusses the coherence of the witness's testimony, the lack of conventional explanations, and the possibility of a rendezvous between the two objects.

Photovni (UFO Photography)

This section provides guidance for amateur photographers interested in capturing UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of having a camera readily available, understanding its operation, and practicing to react quickly to sightings. Advice is given on camera settings, lens choices, and the importance of taking multiple shots. The section also touches upon the challenges of photographing UFOs, such as the lack of reference points and the need for rapid response.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a rational and objective approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the historical and mythological aspects of the phenomenon. There is a clear effort to engage with scientific methodology, critique existing research, and encourage reader participation. The magazine appears to advocate for a serious, evidence-based investigation of UFOs, distinguishing between established facts and speculative theories. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging debate and the sharing of information within the ufological community.

This issue of INFO-RESPACE, dated July/September 1973, focuses on the critical aspects of UFO research, particularly the responsibility of scientists and investigators in handling and disseminating information about the phenomenon. The cover prominently features the headline "La responsabilité du chercheur dans le domaine des OVNI" (The researcher's responsibility in the field of UFOs).

The Researcher's Responsibility in the Field of UFOs

Jacques Scornaux opens the discussion by highlighting the scientist's innate desire to share discoveries widely, a principle that drives scientific progress. However, this is often hindered by military or industrial secrecy. A new layer of complexity arises from the ethical considerations surrounding potentially dangerous discoveries, such as in nuclear, pharmaceutical, or biochemical fields, which could be misused by political regimes or commercial interests. This leads to the question of humanity's maturity in receiving certain discoveries.

A similar dilemma faces ufology. The concern is not the misuse of a discovered technology, but the uncontrollable reactions that could result from the official revelation of the truth about UFOs. The author cites the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast and a 1964 Danish radio science-fiction program as examples of public panic caused by perceived reality. While the existence of extraterrestrial life is more widely accepted now, the leap from literary convention or unproven hypothesis to the direct acknowledgment of an alien presence on Earth remains a significant psychological barrier for the majority of humanity.

Scornaux suggests that the scientific community might be aware of humanity's unpreparedness. He references the concept of an "Invisible College" of renowned scientists interested in UFOs, an idea supported by astrophysicist J.A. Hynek. The author speculates that the reluctance of these researchers to make a public declaration might stem from a fear of sanctions or a desire to manage the gradual acceptance of the phenomenon. He posits that the current situation, where information is filtered through smaller private associations, might be a deliberate "lesser evil" policy to prevent mass panic.

However, Scornaux also entertains a more unsettling hypothesis: what if the truth about UFOs is so horrifying that it can never be revealed, even with gradual acclimatization? This goes beyond mere hostility from visitors; it could involve a reality that fundamentally challenges our mental structures, scientific, and philosophical conceptions, suggesting we might be viewed as lab rats or viruses, or that our history has been manipulated.

The article touches upon the mysterious deaths and "Men in Black" phenomena associated with UFO research, questioning whether some researchers might have ended their lives due to discovering a despairing truth. It emphasizes the need for a responsible approach to UFO information, advocating for gradual dissemination and avoiding alarmist sensationalism.

Ultimately, Scornaux argues against complete concealment, believing that humanity's innate curiosity should not be denied. He proposes that researchers should help humanity confront this difficult but necessary step with prudence and patience, aiming for a deeper understanding of the universe rather than succumbing to useless anxiety. He concludes that knowing the facts, even if they are disturbing, should ultimately bring happiness through a more profound comprehension of our physical and psychological universe.

The Martin B-57 UFO Case

This section details an investigation into a photograph taken in 1954 of a Martin B-57 aircraft, which unexpectedly revealed an unknown object in the upper right corner of the frame. The object's presence was confirmed by subsequent flights, but no terrestrial explanation was found. The photograph was later sent to NICAP, where advisor Ralph Rankow, a professional photographer, examined it. Rankow ruled out common photographic tricks like collage or shadows, noting the object's clear relief and light reflection consistent with the aircraft.

In 1965, Dr. William B. Weitzel received two new copies of the photograph from the Glenn Martin Company, the aircraft manufacturer. One copy was identical to Rankow's, but the other (20a) showed dark marks obscuring parts of the object, as if an attempt had been made to camouflage it. Glenn Martin initially dismissed the object as a film defect, but their subsequent lack of response to Weitzel's further inquiries, and the differences between the two copies, raised suspicions.

Rankow's own investigation revealed that the Glenn Martin Company had produced hundreds of prints from the original negative, and variations in the printing process might explain the differences. However, the company's evasiveness and the eventual release of a modified photograph (20b) with the object's emulsion removed, suggested a deliberate attempt to obscure the anomaly. The author speculates that the company, dependent on USAF contracts, may have altered the evidence to avoid controversy, given the USAF's denial of UFO existence.

Ronald Markwick later suggested the object might have been a mirage, citing similarities in shape and proportion. However, the author finds this hypothesis incompatible with the photograph's wide-angle perspective. The case remains unresolved, with the possibility of a deliberately faked photograph to hide a UFO sighting, a reversal of the usual scenario.

The Tunguska Event of 1908

This extensive section, authored by Maurice de San, analyzes the extraordinary explosion in the Siberian Taiga on June 30, 1908. The event is described through witness accounts of intense sky luminescence, audible "electrical crackling," and widespread destruction. The luminescence was so intense it allowed reading in darkness, extending across vast distances.

De San explores various scientific explanations, including atmospheric phenomena related to the jet of gas from the explosion, and the role of nitrogen monoxide (NO) in producing light similar to airglow. He contrasts this with the theory of fine dust particles, which would have persisted for months, unlike the Tunguska luminescence that faded rapidly.

The article critically examines the comet or bolide hypothesis, pointing out inconsistencies with the observed destruction, the altitude of the explosion, the nature of the gas jet, and the presence of radioactivity and fertility anomalies in the affected region. The antimatter explosion hypothesis is also dismissed due to expected radiation effects and carbon-14 anomalies.

De San leans towards the possibility of an extraterrestrial spacecraft, citing the object's unusual characteristics and the difficulty in explaining the event with known natural phenomena. He suggests that the explosion might have resulted from the release of balanced magnetic fields, liberating immense energy.

Other Sections

"Réflexions sur la propulsion des OVNI" (Reflections on UFO Propulsion) by Auguste Meessen, a physics professor, begins a series exploring the scientific possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft. The first part, "une évaluation globale du problème" (a global evaluation of the problem), argues for a rational, scientific approach to UFOs, treating them as potentially material, extraterrestrial craft. It discusses the challenges of applying known physics to UFO propulsion and the need for rigorous methodology in UFO research.

"Le Brésil en ébullition" (Brazil in turmoil) reports on several UFO incidents in Brazil. One case describes a disk-shaped object landing on water near Niemeyer Avenue in Rio de Janeiro, observed by multiple witnesses. Another incident at Represa do Funil involved a security guard who encountered a luminous object that emitted a blinding flash and caused him physical distress, including temporary blindness and weight loss. The article also mentions other observations and the difficulties in obtaining official explanations.

"NON-RECEPTION DE LA REVUE" (Non-receipt of the Magazine) is a notice from the editorial team of INFO-SPACE, urging readers to report any missing issues to help improve distribution. They request patience for potential postal delays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a rational, scientific, and responsible approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, critical analysis of evidence, and the ethical considerations involved in disseminating potentially sensitive information. There is a clear skepticism towards purely speculative or paranormal explanations, favoring hypotheses that can be tested against observable facts and known scientific principles, while remaining open to the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial technology. The editorial stance suggests a belief that UFOs represent a genuine phenomenon worthy of serious scientific inquiry, but one that must be approached with caution to avoid public panic and misinformation.

This issue, dated 1973, is titled "Phénomènes astronomiques importants en 1973" (Important Astronomical Phenomena in 1973) and includes a section on "Chroniques des OVNI" (Chronicles of UFOs) focusing on "Cylindres et sphères dans le ciel du 16me siècle" (Cylinders and Spheres in the Sky of the 16th Century).

Astronomical Phenomena in 1973

The magazine provides a detailed guide to astronomical observations for 1973, listing the positions and visibility of planets such as Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus. It highlights key dates for conjunctions with the Moon, planetary brightness (magnitude), and optimal viewing times. For instance, it notes Mars's increasing brightness and height, Jupiter's brilliance, and Venus's appearance as a 'real lighthouse' in November. The issue also mentions the Perseids meteor shower in August and a transit of Mercury across the Sun on November 10th, observable with telescopes or strong binoculars.

Chronicles of UFOs: 16th Century Sightings

This section, authored by C. G. Jung and referencing historical accounts, details two significant 16th-century UFO events.

Nuremberg, April 14, 1561

Jung reports on a "very frightening vision" observed over Nuremberg at sunrise. Numerous "blood-red, bluish or black" spheres and circular discs appeared near the sun, sometimes in groups of three or four, or in a square formation. Some were isolated, while others were accompanied by "blood-colored crosses." The account describes "two large tubes" from which smaller tubes emerged, each containing three balls. These elements engaged in a struggle that lasted about an hour, eventually falling to the earth with a great vapor. The accompanying engraving (Figure 1) depicts these "tubes" as cannons and the balls as projectiles, a modern interpretation of 'mother ships releasing their discs.' The engraving also shows crosses bearing or not bearing spheres.

Bâle, August 7, 1566

Another account, found in the "Gazette de Bâle" written by Samuel Coccius, describes an event on August 7, 1566. Many large black spheres were seen moving at high speed towards the sun, then turning back and colliding with each other as if in combat. A significant number of these spheres turned red and fiery before consuming themselves and disappearing. The accompanying engraving (Figure 2) shows the "Munster" square and the cathedral, with objects resembling modern UFOs. The author notes that the black color might be due to observation against the sun. The text suggests that these phenomena, along with others in Rotterdam during the Renaissance, might have been part of a surveillance mission, but cautions against definitive interpretations.

Case Studies and 'Geographic Impregnation'

Case 3: The Quarrelsome Long-Haired Extraterrestrials

This case, occurring on February 12, 1969, in Pirassununga, Brazil, involves a single witness, Luiz Flozino. While preparing his breakfast, Flozino heard rustling in the nearby woods and was then pulled out of his house by an unseen force. He was dragged towards the woods and encountered two short, unattractive beings, about 1.42 meters tall, with asymmetrical eyes, long hair, and beards. They spoke in an unknown language, and one struck Flozino on the ear. The beings then spoke to him in Portuguese, stating they were leaving because they "couldn't measure their strength" with him. Flozino managed to subdue them briefly, but they continued into the woods. His dog, "Nervoso," which had accompanied him, became distressed and rolled on the ground, later exhibiting convulsions and refusing food. The incident was reported to the police, who found traces of a struggle in the grass. Flozino's description of the beings includes their unusual eye placement, long hair (65 cm), and beards (50 cm), with dark, oily hair. Their clothing consisted of a short-sleeved white blouse and a culotte with varied designs. They wore black boots. The witness's dog died a month later, appearing bloated.

Discussion on 'Geographic Impregnation'

The concept of "geographic impregnation" is introduced, suggesting that UFO phenomena tend to establish themselves semi-permanently in certain regions. Besides Pirassununga, other such areas mentioned include Minas Gerais (Brazil), Point Pleasant (USA), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Warminster (Great Britain), and others. This phenomenon can span months or years, with periods of calm followed by renewed activity. The author posits that these events, whether accompanied by physical evidence or not, exhibit coherent general structures that align with the sociocultural development of the location, yet are slightly ahead of the local mentality, suggesting a gradual contact operation by the responsible source(s).

UFOs in Guatemala

On November 25, 1972, the Guatemalan newspaper "La Tarde" reported that several people, including a photographer, witnessed three unidentified flying objects (UFOs) hovering about ten meters above the runways of "La Aurora" airport. These brightly lit objects remained stationary for about five minutes before disappearing. The control tower alerted the air force, but the UFOs vanished before they could be identified. Radio control needles reportedly went haywire around midnight, and the photographer was unable to capture any images due to the distance and city lights.

Verona, June 23, 1972

Armando Begali, director of the San Mattia experimental observatory, observed an object from the terrace of the "Torricella nº 2" observatory. He described it as a fuselage-like object, without wings or tail, approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the moon, metallic, and illuminated by the sun. It had a conical shape at both ends and a distinct black ring. The object moved silently from west-southwest to east-northeast and disappeared after 15-20 seconds. Begali, an experienced sky observer, initially thought it was a satellite but quickly dismissed the idea. This sighting was confirmed by Emilio Bellavista, director of the observatory, who saw the object as it disappeared. The Italian sister organization is investigating.

Other Sections

"Kadath" Magazine

A brief mention of "PRIMHISTOIRE," an illustrated magazine dedicated to archaeological mysteries and chronicles of lost civilizations, with contact information for "KADATH" in Brussels.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for "AUTOMATIQUE BELGE s.p.r.l." (automatic beverage dispensers), Jean-Luc Vertongen (interior decorator), "librairie des sciences" (a bookstore specializing in scientific and OVNI-related literature), "Ets Pendville & Cie" (printing and office services), and "ATELIER ET MAGASIN D'INSTRUMENTS OPTIQUES" (optical instruments).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the observation and cataloging of astronomical phenomena and the investigation of UFO sightings, both historical and contemporary. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the need for critical analysis and further investigation. The concept of 'geographic impregnation' suggests a belief in the localized and persistent nature of some UFO activity. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical records and scientific observation in understanding these phenomena.