Inforespace - No 10 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 10, 2nd Year
Date: 1973
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Type: Bimonthly review

Editorial Information

The magazine is the official organ of SOBEPS, based in Brussels, Belgium. Key personnel include André Boudin (President), Lucien Clerebaut (Secretary General), Jacques Scornaux (Deputy Secretary General), Christian Lonchay (Treasurer), Michel Bougard (Editor-in-Chief), and Jean-Luc Vertongen (Layout). The publication is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Gérard Dohmen, founder of the Fédération Belge d'Ufologie (FBU).

Subscription and Membership

The magazine outlines three subscription formulas for 1973, with options for ordinary or student rates, and 'de soutien' (support) rates. Payments are to be made via bank transfer or postal order to SOBEPS. Affiliation with SOBEPS grants participation in meetings and conferences.

Availability of Past Issues

Inforespace announces that the entire first year (1972) of the magazine is still available, comprising issues 1 to 6. These issues contain features such as 'History of Unidentified Flying Objects' (1947-1952), 'Photo Dossier' (with authenticated UFO photos), 'Belgian Observations Catalogue', and studies on the 1908 Tunguska event and 19th-century UFOs.

SOBEPS Mission

SOBEPS is described as a non-profit association dedicated to the rational and objective observation and study of spatial phenomena and related issues. It aims to disseminate information without prejudice through its bimonthly review and conferences. Readers are encouraged to contribute information, books, press clippings, and photographs related to the magazine's topics.

Table of Contents

• Historique des Objets Volants Non Identifiés (History of Unidentified Flying Objects)
• Le Trilithe de Baalbeck (The Baalbeck Trilithon)
• Sociologie sans psychologie ou le petit oubli du Dr Warren (Sociology without psychology or Dr. Warren's little oversight)
• Adamski : une mise au point nécessaire (Adamski: a necessary clarification)
• Nos enquêtes (Our investigations)
• Le dossier photo d'inforespace (The inforespace photo file)
• L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga (5) (The extraordinary explosion of 1908 in the Taiga (5))
• Réflexions sur la propulsion des OVNI (3) (Reflections on UFO propulsion (3))
• Nouvelles internationales (International news)
• Chronique des OVNI (UFO Chronicle)

Article Summaries

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

This section details several UFO sightings from October 1954:

• October 4: A farmer in Chalaix, France, reported a large object landing in a field, from which two European-looking beings emerged.
• October 4: A housewife in Poncey-sur-Lignon, France, fled from a luminous, orange, three-meter diameter object that landed near her farm, leaving a quadrangular indentation in the ground.
• October 6: Soldiers in La Fère, France, observed a luminous object land 300 meters away, and an invisible force prevented one of them from approaching.
• October 7: M. René M. in Monteux, France, found a phosphorescent metallic sphere, approximately 2.5 meters high, which then vanished.
• October 10: A six-meter diameter, one-meter high disk-shaped object landed on a railway line in Quarouble, France. Seven small men emerged, speaking an incomprehensible language, and significant traces were left.
• October 11: A farmer in Bauquay, France, observed an elongated, luminous object moving at high speed across the sky, causing his cows to flee.
• October 10 (Metz, France): A mysterious object remained stationary for three hours in the beam of an army projector, undetected by radar, with a diameter of approximately 50 meters.
• October 14: The population of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, France, witnessed a white disk in the sky with powerful lights. Military aircraft were dispatched but could not intercept it.
• October 1952: Albert K. Bender founded the International Flying Saucer Bureau in the US, aiming to investigate UFOs. He later reported being warned by 'men in black' to cease his investigations, leading to the dissolution of his organization.
• October 1954 (France): The creation of an official UFO investigation body, the 'Commission Soucoupe', within the French Air Force's General Staff is mentioned. Jimmy Guieu visited this 'Section d'Etude des Mystérieux Objets Célestes' (SEMOC) and was informed about its confidential operations.
• October 1954 (Yugoslavia): The Yugoslavian government reportedly initiated an exhaustive study of UFOs based on reports from various sources, including astronomers.
• October 1954 (Brazil): UFOs were sighted in Rio Grande do Sul, including a discoidal object observed by officers at the Gravatai air base.
• October 28, 1954: A squadron of UFOs flew over a stadium in Florence, Italy, causing panic and interrupting a football match.
• October (date unspecified), 1954: In Yaoundé, Cameroon, numerous personalities observed a large, luminous, mushroom-shaped disk.
• November 8, 1954 (Monza, Italy): About 150 people witnessed a luminous object resting on three legs, with a dome emitting blinding light. Two small beings were seen nearby. The object then took off with a siren-like whistle.
• November (week of), 1954 (UK): The 'Sunday Dispatch' reported the detection of mysterious UFO formations on British army radar screens, described as multiple points moving at high altitude.
• November (date unspecified), 1954 (Belgium): Two villagers reported seeing an 'egg-shaped' flying object land in a pasture.
• November 10, 1954 (Brazil): An agricultural worker and his family witnessed a disk land, from which two tall beings with long hair emerged.
• November 16: Dr. Georges Heuyer, a child psychiatry professor, presented a communication to the Academy of Medicine in Paris suggesting that UFO reports could be explained by collective psychosis.
• December 16: Jesus Paz was found unconscious in a park in San Carlos, Venezuela, with wounds attributed to an aggressor who fled in a discoidal machine.

Le Trilithe de Baalbeck (The Baalbeck Trilithon)

This article explores the enigmatic Baalbeck site in Lebanon, focusing on its massive megalithic stones, known as the trilithon. The author questions how these enormous blocks, some weighing over a million kilograms, were quarried, transported, and precisely placed. While Roman construction is acknowledged for the temples, the trilithon itself is believed to predate Roman times significantly. The article discusses various hypotheses, including the use of advanced machinery, massive labor forces, and even extraterrestrial intervention. It highlights the discrepancy in stone color between the quarry and the trilithon, and the difficulty in explaining the methods used to move such colossal stones. The article concludes that the construction of the trilithon implies an extraordinary technology incompatible with known ancient capabilities.

Other Articles

• Sociologie sans psychologie ou le petit oubli du Dr Warren: This likely discusses UFO phenomena from a sociological perspective, possibly critiquing psychological explanations.
• Adamski : une mise au point nécessaire: This article probably clarifies or corrects common misconceptions about the contactee George Adamski.
• Nos enquêtes: This section suggests that the magazine conducts its own investigations into UFO cases.
• Le dossier photo d'inforespace: This feature presents photographic evidence related to UFO sightings.
• L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga (5): This is part five of a series detailing the Tunguska event.
• Réflexions sur la propulsion des OVNI (3): This article delves into theories regarding the propulsion systems of UFOs.
• Nouvelles internationales: This section provides updates on UFO-related news from around the world.
• Chronique des OVNI: This is a regular column offering a chronicle of recent UFO events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Inforespace are the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the investigation of ancient mysteries with potential extraterrestrial connections (exemplified by the Baalbeck trilithon), and the critical examination of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of information while maintaining a rational and objective approach. The magazine actively seeks reader contributions and aims to provide a platform for discussing controversial topics without prejudice. There is a clear emphasis on the need for further investigation and a questioning of conventional explanations for anomalous events.

This issue of the magazine features a prominent article titled "Sociologie sans psychologie ou le petit oubli du Dr Warren" (Sociology without psychology or the little oversight of Dr. Warren) by Henry Durrant. The magazine itself appears to be a French publication focused on ufology and related phenomena.

Article: Sociology without Psychology or the Little Oversight of Dr. Warren

Henry Durrant, author of "Livre Noir des Soucoupes Volantes" and "Dossiers des OVNI," presents a critical analysis of Dr. Donald I. Warren's sociological study on UFO observers. Warren, a sociologist at the University of Michigan, published an article in the journal *Science* (Vol. 3958, Nov 6, 1970) based on data from the American Institute of Public Opinion (Gallup) from 1947, 1950, and 1966, which were also included in the Condon Report. Warren's central thesis is that individuals who report UFO sightings suffer from an 'incoherent social status,' leading to a 'marginal psychological state.' This, he argues, causes them to reject current American societal values and to distort the information they receive, a concept he terms 'social incompatibility' or 'social imbalance.'

Durrant notes that this thesis was briefly mentioned in French publications like *Le Monde* and *L'Express*. He also references an earlier discussion by Gérard Klein in *Fiction* magazine, which contrasted the approval of the Condon Report by Dr. Philip Morrison with its critique by Robert M. L. Baker, both of whom touched upon the psycho-social aspect.

Critiques of Dr. Warren's Thesis

The article highlights critiques from Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a psychology professor at the University of Wyoming, who wrote to *Science* to challenge Warren's findings. Sprinkle's letter, published in *The APRO Bulletin* (January-February 1971), points out that Warren's sample itself refutes his thesis, that the same data can be interpreted differently, and questions whether the perceived social maladjustment is due to seeing UFOs or to reporting them.

Dr. Stuart Appelle, an associate professor of psychology at George Washington University and a member of the NICAP Special Study Group, also submitted a technical commentary to *Science*. Appelle specifically criticized Warren for failing to distinguish between people who admit seeing something and those who actively report it. He argued that there is no reason to assume these groups share the same characteristics.

*Science*'s editorial board published Appelle's commentary but stated that the UFO subject was not of sufficient general interest for further discussion in their journal.

Durrant summarizes the situation by stating that the campaign orchestrated by entities like the CIA and the US Air Force aims to reduce the 'aura of mystery' surrounding flying saucers, to ridicule witnesses, and to exert socio-professional pressure against non-conformist opinions.

Durrant argues that individuals who are well-integrated into society and satisfied with their status have no incentive to be ridiculed as 'eccentric' or 'paranoid.' If they witness something unusual, they tend to remain silent. Consequently, statistical data from opinion polls is absent for these individuals due to inhibition, thus invalidating Warren's thesis, which relies on data from only a portion of the population.

Durrant poses the question of whether hidden testimonies exist among satisfied social strata, suggesting they might manifest unofficially. He then presents an example from Frank Edwards' book, "Du Nouveau sur les Soucoupes Volantes," detailing an account from a banker and his wife who witnessed a bright, hovering object while driving in New Mexico in March 1965. They were terrified and remained silent about the experience for fear of being considered eccentric.

Durrant concludes that the fear of ridicule is a psychological factor that inhibits expression among 'stable,' non-marginal individuals. He asserts that Dr. Warren's oversight of this 'factor of ridicule' leads to the downfall of his thesis.

Article: Adamski: A Necessary Clarification (Part 1)

This section, written by Henry Durrant, focuses on George Adamski, a figure central to early UFO contactee narratives. Durrant aims to provide a definitive answer to the question of whether Adamski's story contributes meaningfully to the understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Early Life and Influences

George Adamski was born in Poland in 1891. His family emigrated to Dunquerque, New York, when he was a year and a half old. He received a limited formal education but pursued self-study, reportedly learning "much about man and nature." He served in the military and married Mary Ann Shubersky. From 1919 to 1937, he traveled and expanded his knowledge.

Adamski claimed to have received esoteric teachings from a secret society called the "Royal Order of Tibet." In 1937, he settled in Laguna Beach, California, where he taught a "Cosmic Philosophy" to a small group and appeared on radio shows.

Adamski's "Cosmic Philosophy"

Adamski's philosophy, though sometimes viewed with skepticism, is described as integral to his contactee claims. Its core principles include:

1. A universal, purposeful force.
2. Humanity's role as a support for this force.
3. The concept of opposing forces balancing each other.
4. Human free will, with consequences for choices.
5. Spiritual evolution through stages of consciousness.
6. The use of opposing forces for personal growth through mental balance.
7. Earth's historical opposition to the universal force, leading to a constant struggle between order and anarchy.

Durrant notes that these propositions are presented for informational purposes only.

Early UFO Observations and Photography

Adamski's interest in astronomy led him to acquire telescopes. In 1939, he reportedly took a photograph of a luminous object, which was never publicly released. During World War II, he and a group of students moved to Valley Center, near Palomar Mountain, where they established a small farm and organized a cafeteria for visitors.

In 1944, Adamski acquired a 15-inch telescope and set up a dome. He claims most of his subsequent photographs were taken with this equipment.

The Mont Palomar Sighting (October 9, 1946)

On October 9, 1946, during the Perseids meteor shower, Adamski reported observing a gigantic, silver, cigar-shaped spaceship hovering high above the southern slope of Mont Palomar. He later learned that hundreds of people in San Diego also witnessed it. The prevailing explanation at the time was that it was an Air Force craft studying meteorites, though Adamski noted it pointed upwards and disappeared, leaving a luminous trail.

Adamski's Publications

Contrary to some beliefs, Adamski had published numerous brochures summarizing his lectures and teachings before 1953. These texts, often speculative, dealt with topics like "inner relaxation" and "creative thought." His more prominent UFO-related works include:

• 1937: "Satan, Man of the Hour" (later an addendum to "Flying Saucers Farewell")
• 1953: "Flying Saucers Have Landed" (co-authored with Desmond Leslie, widely published and translated)
• 1955: "Inside the Spaceships"
• 1956: "Cosmic Philosophy"
• 1958: "Questions And Answers I et V"
• 1958: "Telepathy I et III"
• 1961: "Flying Saucers Farewell"
• 1962: "Special Report" (private edition detailing a meeting on Saturn)

Adamski also produced "Cosmic Science Newsletters."

Durrant suggests that Adamski's UFO books served primarily as pretexts to disseminate his "Cosmic Philosophy," emphasizing moral progress over technical advancement. He notes that while this approach may have disqualified his work in scientific circles, the publication of "Flying Saucers Have Landed" and the ensuing public interest spurred many researchers, including notable figures like Dr. J.A. Hynek and Jacques Vallée, to engage more pragmatically with the UFO question.

The Memorable November 20th (November 20, 1952)

This section details Adamski's alleged first personal contact with an extraterrestrial. Accompanied by friends, Adamski went out to "hunt saucers." After a period of searching, they stopped near Parker, California. Adamski and his companions then encountered a large, silver, cigar-shaped "space vessel" that hovered silently.

Adamski and two companions, identified as "contacts" from Mars (Firkon) and Saturn (Ramu), entered the "Scout Ship." Adamski described the interior as a circular cabin with a central pillar and a soft, diffused light. He reported a telepathic conversation with the Venusian, Orthon, who conveyed messages about the dangers of atomic explosions, the existence of populated worlds, and the ease of space travel. Orthon also discussed the concept of reincarnation and the struggle between forces of order and anarchy on Earth.

Adamski was given a small piece of melted metal from the ship as potential proof, though the "ufonauts" dismissed its significance. The Scout Ship then reportedly docked with a larger "mothership" in the stratosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance on ufology. It engages with both scientific and anecdotal accounts, scrutinizing theories like Dr. Warren's sociological interpretation of witnesses while also presenting detailed narratives of alleged extraterrestrial encounters, such as those of George Adamski. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous analysis and a questioning approach, encouraging readers to consider various perspectives on the UFO phenomenon without necessarily endorsing every claim uncritically. The emphasis on detailed accounts and historical context suggests a commitment to exploring the subject matter thoroughly.

This issue of Inforespace, dated 1973, focuses on photographic evidence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and delves into the scientific principles that might explain their propulsion. The magazine presents a collection of articles and analyses, including detailed witness accounts, photographic documentation, and theoretical discussions.

Carrousel au-dessus de Bruxelles

This article details a sighting that occurred on March 6, 1959, in Brussels, Belgium, observed by a group of seven people, including M. Jean-Gérard Dohmen, a known Belgian ufologist. The observation began around 8:45 PM from an industrial school in Schaerbeek, offering a panoramic view of the eastern horizon. Initially, a yellowish object, described as a first-magnitude star but too low to be an astronomical body, was noticed. Subsequently, a dark red point appeared, moving from east to west like an airplane. Soon after, two more lights (objects N° 2 and 3) appeared, moving in bounds and regularly overtaking each other, seemingly obeying a single command. Another object (N° 4) then appeared, moving from southeast to northwest. The observers then noted a fifth object moving overhead and a sixth moving in the opposite direction, suggesting they might have crossed paths above the building. The article notes that these objects exhibited synchronized movements and were silent. The observation continued, with objects N° 7 and 8 also being noted. Object N° 7, a red point, was later confirmed by Dohmen's son to have passed over their garden around 9:00 PM, suggesting an altitude of 500-600 meters. The objects were described as resembling lights rather than distinct forms, with dimensions not exceeding two meters. The article also mentions subsequent observations of similar objects around Zaventem airport between 1959 and 1961. The authors raise two questions regarding the reliability of the witness accounts: the potential for witness excitation to amplify events and the possibility of attributing the phenomena to intense airport traffic and urban noise masking engine sounds. They conclude that a completely negative answer to these questions is not possible and that rigorous reflection is necessary for UFO research.

Le dossier photo d'inforespace: La Souterraine

This section presents photographic evidence of UFOs, starting with a case from La Souterraine, France, on the night of September 2-3, 1969. M. Laguide and his friend M. Zamit observed a large white ball of light in the sky. Laguide took three photographs of the phenomenon, which appeared to hover and then move erratically. His parents and neighbors also witnessed the event. The article notes that the object's appearance in the photographs is difficult to discern due to a bright halo, possibly indicating ultraviolet light emission. The estimated size of the object was around 20 meters in diameter, with an altitude not exceeding 250 meters, ruling out confusion with a weather balloon. The article also mentions similar photographic cases from Faymonville, Belgium, taken on July 19, 1972. A third photographic case is presented from Antibes, France, taken on February 9, 1973, by M. Yves Renard. Renard described observing a bright point of light that grew larger and moved erratically before disappearing quickly. The photograph taken by Renard shows a more complex, tormented shape than the spherical appearance described by the witness. The article suggests that these photographic cases, despite being recent, share characteristics and conditions of observation, hinting at the same phenomenon.

Etude et Recherche: L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga (2ème partie)

This article, authored by Michel Bougard, explores the scientific aspects of UFO propulsion, focusing on electromagnetic principles and drawing parallels with the 1908 Tunguska event. The author discusses the challenges of electromagnetic propulsion, particularly the need for immense magnetic fields and the associated forces and energy requirements. He references the work of scientists like A.V. Zolotov, who suggested an internal energy source for the Tunguska explosion, and proposes that the event could represent the destruction of an electromagnetic craft. The article delves into the physics of generating powerful magnetic fields, discussing concepts like "force-free magnetic fields" and "balanced magnetic fields." It highlights the difficulties in creating such fields, including the immense forces that would try to tear apart the conductors and the enormous energy expenditure required for ionization and maintaining the magnetic field. Appendices 1 and 2 provide technical details on the production and usage of high magnetic fields and discuss the concept of balanced magnetic fields in relation to the virial theorem.

Note de la Rédaction

The editorial note addresses concerns about the authenticity of photographic documents in ufology. It reassures readers that while SOBEPS selects photos with the best guarantees, it remains possible for a document to be unrelated to UFO phenomena. The section is presented as an open dossier, and the editors promise to share any further information received.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation and analysis of photographic evidence of UFOs, witness testimonies, and the scientific exploration of potential UFO propulsion mechanisms, particularly electromagnetic ones. The magazine adopts a serious and analytical approach, seeking to ground UFO research in scientific principles and rigorous examination of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and potential challenges in verifying UFO phenomena while encouraging further research and critical thinking. The inclusion of scientific appendices and references suggests a commitment to providing detailed, evidence-based content for its readers.

This issue of Inforespace, Volume 3, Issue 9, dated March 1973, focuses on "Reflections on UFO Propulsion. Part 3: Some Observed Facts." The publication is in French, and the primary author for the theoretical section is Axel de Broqueville.

Theoretical Framework for UFO Propulsion

The issue begins by addressing the problem of UFOs from a scientific perspective, not dismissing the extraterrestrial hypothesis outright. It posits that UFOs, if they are craft, must obey physical laws applicable at their scale, particularly the principle of action and reaction. The author distinguishes between "spacecraft" that propel themselves by ejecting matter and "exploration craft" that operate within Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The proposed mechanism involves ionizing a portion of the ambient medium and then manipulating these charged particles using an adequate electromagnetic field, specifically mentioning the Lorentz force acting on ionic currents. The concept of "force-free" magnetic fields, where the magnetic field is in equilibrium, is discussed, with the condition that the energy of the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields must be equal. The article suggests that while perfectly discontinuous surfaces are impractical, multi-layer coil systems could transition between toroidal and poloidal currents, remaining parallel to the resulting magnetic field.

Bibliography and Theoretical Underpinnings

A comprehensive bibliography is provided, referencing numerous articles and books on topics such as high magnetic fields, superconductivity, hydromagnetics, and plasma physics. Key references include works by Abrikosov on superconductivity, Chandrasekhar on magnetic fields and gravitational stability, and Lüst and Schlüter on force-free magnetic fields. The bibliography aims to guide readers interested in the scientific underpinnings of the discussed phenomena.

Observed Phenomena: Air Displacement and Sound

The article then transitions to examining observational data to see if it aligns with the theoretical framework. It highlights observations of air displacement and acoustic phenomena associated with UFOs. Reports include whistling sounds resembling air escaping a flat tire or a valve, and noises compared to a swarm of bees or a flock of birds. Witnesses have described strong gusts of wind, whirlwinds, and trees bending or being uprooted by the passage of UFOs. Specific cases detail how air displacement can be concentrated, leaving traces like depigmented or flattened grass in circular patterns. Some accounts describe objects causing significant air movement that can affect vehicles, such as causing cars to spin or be lifted, and even affecting animals like horses.

Observed Phenomena: Suction Effects

Further observations relate to suction effects beneath UFOs. Reports mention dust and sand being lifted from the ground, and in one instance, a car being pulled sideways by an unseen force. The concept of a "cloche" (bell) shape for the air displacement behind the craft is proposed, creating a vacuum or strong depression that could lead to suction.

Observed Phenomena: Interactions with Water

When UFOs are observed over water, the effects are more pronounced. Witnesses have reported water appearing to boil or be "sucked" upwards. Disks have been seen hovering over rivers and lakes, causing the water to dance and form circles of waves. Some objects have been observed diving into water or emerging from it, causing the water to boil intensely. One account describes a large aluminum ball plunging into a river, causing the water to boil, and later a blue-grey disk emerging, hovering briefly, and then departing.

Observed Phenomena: Electromagnetic Effects

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to electromagnetic effects attributed to UFOs. A NICAP report is cited, listing numerous observations including temporary engine stalls (47 cases), electrical light extinctions (38 cases), radio and television disturbances (33 and 16 cases, respectively), electric shocks, and physiological effects (5 cases each). Magnetic effects are also noted, such as compasses going haywire and strong variations in magnetic fields recorded by scientific instruments. The article discusses the possibility that engine stalls and light extinctions are caused by interruptions in electrical current flow. It also details instances where car engines and lights stopped working, radios were jammed, and witnesses experienced electric shocks or a feeling of being paralyzed. Some reports describe unusual lights and sounds, and even the car paint being affected, bubbling or changing color.

Observed Phenomena: Radiation and Magnetic Anomalies

Further observations include reports of unusual radiation. One case describes a witness being exposed to a ray that caused a checkered pattern of burns on his clothing, and his car's paint was altered, becoming fluorescent and later developing bubbles. Another report mentions a UFO landing site exhibiting abnormal radioactivity. Magnetic anomalies are also detailed, such as compasses deviating wildly and magnetometers registering sudden, strong variations in the magnetic field. The article also mentions the "Faraday effect" in relation to observations of black rings around a UFO.

Observed Phenomena: Ionizing Radiation and Luminescence

The issue explores the possibility of UFOs causing air ionization. One observation involved sodium vapor tubes emitting light despite being disconnected, suggesting either a strong electric field or ionizing radiation. Another case describes an engineer touching a UFO, experiencing a violent electric shock, and his glove melting. The object then emitted a blast of hot air that set his clothes on fire. The engineer later presented with marks resembling X-ray burns. The phenomenon of "truncated luminous beams" is also discussed, with the hypothesis that these are beams of ionizing particles that produce luminescence in the air. These beams are reported to be able to deviate, as seen in an observation where a beam was curved like a water jet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of theoretical propulsion systems for UFOs, and the detailed cataloging of observed effects. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to reconcile observed facts with scientific principles, and encouraging further research into what is perceived as a significant and potentially misunderstood phenomenon. The authors emphasize the need to analyze observational data to validate theoretical models and suggest that the "noise" of disparate observations contains a decipherable "signal."

This issue of Inforespace, Volume 12, Issue 9, dated September 1973, published by SOBEPS in Belgium, focuses on UFO phenomena, electromagnetic propulsion, and historical accounts. The cover story, "Un mauvais présage pour les conquistadores" (A bad omen for the conquistadors), hints at historical interpretations of celestial events.

Detailed Analysis of UFO Cases

Canadian Sighting (Yvan Guindon)

The issue details a remarkable observation by young Yvan Guindon in Chili (likely referring to a location in Canada, given the context of other references) in August 1967. He witnessed a lenticular object, approximately 10 meters in diameter and 5 meters high, hovering at 45 meters. The object emitted a white luminosity with colored lights and projected a bright beam described as 'more brilliant than an electric arc' onto the ground. This beam caused temporary blindness to the observer. Subsequently, a luminous column rose from the object, forming a transparent, bell-shaped curtain that delimited a circle of about 80 meters in diameter on the ground. The object then ascended rapidly to an altitude of 300 meters and disappeared at high speed. Physical evidence found the next day included three trees, about 20 cm in diameter, broken at 3 to 4 meters from the ground. The article suggests this could be explained by an intense beam of charged particles.

Belgian and French Sightings

The article also references a similar 'luminous bell' phenomenon observed by M. Herbosch in Belgium (Inforespace, no. 2, pp. 32-33). Another case from France on September 23, 1954, describes a family observing a brilliant object from which a vast, red, hemispherical luminosity rose, covering a 15-meter diameter area. A filament of light extended upwards, and the phenomenon lasted for 20-30 seconds before disappearing.

Italian Landing Case (Orioli)

An investigation by the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) in Bagna cavallo, Italy, on July 25, 1972, is detailed. Cultivator Giordano Orioli and his wife Lina reported observing a mysterious object in their field. Initially mistaken for a broken-down truck, the object was later identified as rectangular, 6 to 7 meters long and 3.5 meters high, with a domed top and two rows of four 'portholes'. It had a tube-like antenna curving towards the ground. The object's color was dark rust, and the portholes appeared silver or nickel. Upon departure, it emitted a noise described as '3 or 4 gas canisters being opened' and ascended rapidly. The Oriolis reported experiencing stomach and intestinal problems afterward. Neighbors heard a strong whistling sound. Following the event, the harvested alfalfa was found irregularly disturbed, and four circular imprints were discovered. Military authorities reportedly showed interest in the case.

Brazilian Landing Case (Gugerman)

On June 23, 1972, an OVNI landed in Apucarana, Brazil. Soldiers from the 30th Motorized Infantry Battalion measured traces left by the object. Farmer José Gugerman and his son Sergio reported seeing a suspended object. The object was described as round, dark underneath, and brilliant on top, resembling an enlarged bladder. It flew at an estimated altitude of one thousand meters without making noise or emitting light. The spectacle caused horses and cows to panic. The object then accelerated southwards, leaving behind 'a rain of paper leaves' that were attracted back to the craft. The farmer's wife and son also experienced intestinal issues.

Ugandan Sighting (Idi Amin)

A Reuter dispatch from Kampala, Uganda, on March 4, 1973, reported that President Idi Amin witnessed a mysterious, smoke-enveloped object plunge into Lake Victoria and re-emerge. The event was interpreted as a sign of good fortune for the country. The object was described as having a 'serpent's tail' before disappearing into the water for seven minutes and then rising like a rocket. The radio advised those who saw it to pray.

Conclusions on Technological Aspects

The article concludes that the numerous coincidences and technological aspects observed in these cases suggest they are not mere chance occurrences. The authors believe the phenomena are real and warrant scientific study, pointing to the physical nature of the observed effects. The hypothesis of extraterrestrial origin is considered.

Historical Interpretations

The Conquistadors' Omen

This section recounts a historical event from 1553 in Peru, during the Spanish conquest. Chronicler Nicolas de Martinez Arzanz y Vela documented an observation above Porco that was interpreted by the indigenous people as a dire omen. The phenomenon included three suns, two moons within a halo, blue and red arcs, and a blood-colored comet. Fifty-two days later, General Hinojosa was assassinated, fulfilling the prophecy. The article notes that even Spanish officials recognized the exceptional nature of the celestial display, though they dismissed its prophetic significance. The author, Michel Bougard, suggests this might have been an early UFO sighting, questioning the possibility of a parhelion given the description.

Survey on UFO Beliefs

"Fate Magazine" Survey Results

The issue presents results from a survey conducted by "Fate Magazine" and published in "Laforghiana" (1972). Key findings include:

• Existence of UFOs: 54% believe UFOs exist (20% certainly, 34% probably).
• Personal Acquaintance: 36% know someone who claims to have seen a UFO.
• Personal Sightings: 8% claim to have seen a UFO themselves, with an additional 14% possibly having seen one.
• Reporting to Authorities: Only 15% believe most people report UFO sightings to authorities.
• Government Disclosure: 76% believe the government has not revealed all it knows about UFOs.
• Condon Report: 80% do not consider the conclusions of the Condon Report definitive.
• Government Funding for Research: 49% believe the government should fund new research into UFOs.
• Origin of UFOs: 32% believe UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin, 27% believe they are natural phenomena, 5% suggest US origin, 0.6% suggest communist countries, and 35.4% don't know.

Other Sections

Erratum

An erratum corrects a typographical error in a previous article regarding the notation 'CE/H' versus 'cEH'.

Italian Landing Case (continued)

Further details on the Italian landing case are provided, including the testimony of neighbors who heard a whistling sound. Confirmation of the disturbed alfalfa is mentioned, with the suggestion that it was mixed or scattered by wind. The discovery of four imprints is noted, and the cautious approach to these findings due to public curiosity is highlighted. The involvement of 'military authorities' is also mentioned.

Ugandan Case Commentary

The article comments on the Ugandan case, noting that while the religious implications given by Ugandan authorities might be amusing, the phenomenon of UFOs plunging into and emerging from bodies of water has been observed in other cases.

"Industrial Research" Survey

A survey conducted by "Industrial Research" among its 90,000 readers (engineers, scientists, technical staff) on UFOs is mentioned. The response rate was comparable to surveys on national priorities, indicating significant interest.

Brazilian Case Details

More details on the Brazilian case are provided, including the description of the object as round, dark underneath, and brilliant on top, resembling an enlarged bladder. Its flight at an altitude of one thousand meters is noted, along with the lack of noise or light emission. The unusual 'paper leaves' phenomenon is described, where objects were attracted back to the craft.

Ivan T. Sanderson Tribute

The magazine announces the passing of Ivan T. Sanderson, a prominent UFO researcher, in February 1973. Sanderson, born in 1910, was a biologist who became an early scientific investigator of UFOs. He authored "The Uninvited Visitors" and "Invisible Residents" and founded the Society for the Investigation of The Unexplained (SITU). The magazine expresses condolences to his wife, Sabrina Sanderson, and the SITU team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace strongly emphasizes the reality and scientific interest of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is that UFOs are physical objects, not mere illusions or misidentifications, and that their technological aspects warrant serious investigation. The magazine presents a mix of contemporary sightings, historical accounts, and survey data to support the idea that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon deserving of scientific study, with a significant portion of the public considering an extraterrestrial origin. The publication also highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation, as seen in the detailed case studies and the tribute to Ivan T. Sanderson.