Inforespace - No 102 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 102
Date: June 2001
Volume: 30th year
Publisher: Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a publication dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena, presents a comprehensive dossier on the Belgian UFO wave and critically examines the persistent myth of Nazi flying saucers. It also features tributes to prominent figures in ufology and explores the scientific approach to the subject.

Dossier: The Belgian UFO Wave (1989-1991)

The magazine dedicates significant space to the exceptional wave of UFO sightings that swept across Belgium from autumn 1989 to summer 1991. The SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) offers an in-depth report, detailing:

• A preface by Jean-Pierre Petit, director of research at CNRS.
• A day-by-day historical account of the wave and descriptions of the best cases investigated by SOBEPS.
• An analysis of media coverage, including international press, TV, and radio.
• Photographic and video evidence, along with analysis results.
• Collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie for radar data analysis.
• The evolving official and scientific interest, including a European study project.
• Observations of other triangular UFOs abroad, with a focus on the 1983-84 American wave.
• A discussion on "Stealth" technology to dispel misconceptions.
• Initial statistical analyses of the wave.
• Personal conclusions from the authors.
• A postface by General Wilfried De Brouwer of the Air Force.

The issue highlights two key publications by SOBEPS on this wave: "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique: Un Dossier Exceptionnel" and "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique: Une Enigme Non Résolue." These books, available as a set, offer detailed accounts, including the analysis of the Petit-Rechain photograph and daytime sightings. The report also touches upon meteorological disturbances and radar data, particularly concerning the night of March 30-31, 1990, and discusses the scientific challenges and political implications of ufological research.

Profiles: Michel Figuet and Pierre Guérin

This edition pays tribute to two significant figures in ufology: Michel Figuet and Pierre Guérin.

Michel Figuet (1938-2000)

Michel Figuet is remembered as an autodidact, highly intelligent, and exceptionally patient investigator of UFO cases in France. His meticulous work, including a system for coding cases before computers, earned him international recognition. The article recounts his early interest in ufology, sparked by a 1982 congress, and his dedication to uncovering detailed information about sightings. Figuet, a former submariner, was involved with the A.A.M.T. and contributed to "Lumières dans la Nuit." His rigorous approach aimed to isolate particularly credible cases. The article notes his personal UFO sighting in Fort-de-France in 1965. Sadly, Figuet's later years were marked by severe health issues, leading to paralysis and a slow decline, a fate described with poignant detail.

Pierre Guérin (1927-2000)

Pierre Guérin is presented as a pivotal figure who brought a scientific perspective to ufology. An astronomer by training, he surprised the scientific community in 1972 with an article in "Science et Avenir" that treated UFOs seriously, accumulating evidence rather than dismissing them outright. Guérin's interest in UFOs predated this article, with his early involvement noted in the GEPA's "Phénomènes spatiaux." He was described as a "double agent," an official astronomer and an unofficial ufologist, cautious in scientific circles but bold among specialists. His early engagement with the subject began in 1947, influenced by Aimé Michel's work. Guérin participated in the launch of GEPA and engaged in discussions about extraterrestrial life and the possibility of interstellar travel. He investigated the famous Valensole case in 1965, confirming details from previous reports. The article highlights his academic career, including his thesis in astrophysics, and how his involvement in ufology led to a more clandestine approach due to skepticism from colleagues like Evry Schatzman. Guérin's approach to extraterrestrial life was initially a way to address the UFO phenomenon indirectly, given the resistance to direct discussion of sightings.

The Myth of Nazi Flying Saucers

Jean SIDER addresses the persistent myth of Nazi flying saucers, particularly the alleged V-7 craft. He asserts that the narrative largely originates from post-1950 popular press, with the term "V-7" appearing in French media in 1952. SIDER traces the origins of these claims, noting that the U.S. Air Force investigated potential advanced Nazi aircraft projects after WWII but found no evidence of flying saucer designs. He critiques specific alleged Nazi craft, including:

• Rudolf Schriever's "Flying Disc": Claimed to be 15 meters in diameter and capable of 4,000 km/h, but likely existed only on paper, with contradictory accounts and a later mention of the V-7 designation appearing in a French source.
• Richard Miethe's "V-7": The V-7 designation first appeared in France-Soir in 1952, with Miethe claiming to have built a 42-meter diameter craft capable of 20,000m altitude and powered by twelve turbines. SIDER dismisses these claims as fantastical.
• The "Flying Saucer" of Spitzberg: Attributed to a V-7 typical craft, this claim is debunked as a hoax investigated by Norwegian ufologist Ole Jonny Braenne.
• The "Flying Saucer" of German X: Alleged to have reached 20,000m altitude and 1,700 km/h, dismissed as pure fantasy.
• Habermohl and Schriever's "First Flying Disc": Alleged to have flown in Prague in 1945 at extreme speeds and altitudes, similar to other exaggerated claims.
• Giuseppe Belluzo's Circular Craft: A 10-meter diameter craft, with Belluzo later admitting to having only plans.
• Hermann Klaas's "Flying Disc": A small model destroyed during a test flight.
• Viktor Schauberger's "Flying Saucer": Claims of an eccentric inventor's electromagnetic craft, with alleged flights at extreme altitudes and speeds, mirroring other fantastical accounts.
• Arthur Sack's AS 6 V-1 Circular Wing Aircraft: A project that did not progress beyond taxiing tests.
• Alexander Lippisch's "Disc": A project abandoned after wind tunnel tests.
• Joseph Andreas Epp's "Saucer": A proposed project with a model presented to the press.
• "V-7 Haunebu II, Haunebu III, and Vril": These are described as entirely imaginary saucers, appearing in sensationalist video tapes and linked to neo-Nazi narratives.

SIDER concludes that these claims are largely fictional, often originating from sensationalist journalism and lacking any credible evidence. He notes the contradictions in dates, locations, and performance claims, and points out that even scientists like Hermann Oberth were misled by some of these reports.

The Avrocar and Adamski's Scoutcar

The article also addresses the Avrocar, a real experimental VTOL aircraft developed by Avro Canada and later by the U.S. Army. While it was a circular-shaped aircraft, its actual performance was far from the exaggerated speeds and altitudes attributed to it in some ufological circles. The Avrocar's development was fraught with difficulties, and it never achieved its intended performance, ultimately being relegated to museums.

Furthermore, the issue thoroughly debunks the famous photographs of George Adamski's "scoutcar." It reveals that these images were created using a model, with evidence pointing to the involvement of Lonzo Dove and Clara Louis-John. The article cites research by William Moore and confirmations from photographers Fred and Phillis Dickeson, establishing these images as fabrications.

Conclusion

The issue emphasizes that the myth of Nazi flying saucers and many other UFO-related claims are built on a foundation of misinformation, hoaxes, and exaggerated accounts. It advocates for a rational and critical approach to the subject, urging readers to be intelligent in their assessment of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology. It encourages critical thinking and distinguishes between scientific inquiry and speculative or pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness tempered with skepticism, aiming to advance the understanding of UFO phenomena through careful analysis and debunking of misinformation. The recurring theme is the importance of intellectual honesty and the pursuit of truth, as encapsulated in the editorial message: "Be intelligent!"

Inforespace, Issue 27, is a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. This issue, published in 1999, features a prominent cover story on 'Triangles volants non identifiés au-dessus de la Grande-Bretagne' (Unidentified Flying Triangles over Great Britain), authored by Michel Bougard. The magazine also includes articles exploring the oscillatory movements of UFOs, the Fermi Paradox, and the role of the internet in ufology.

Article: Triangles volants non identifiés au-dessus de la Grande-Bretagne

Michel Bougard reports on a series of unidentified aerial events in Great Britain since 1993 that resemble those previously observed in Belgium. These phenomena are often described as 'Black Triangles' or 'Silent Vulcan' by witnesses, referencing the triangular shape and silence of the craft. The article notes that initial explanations involving new aircraft prototypes like the Eurofighter or HALO have been insufficient to account for the characteristics reported by witnesses. The author thanks Omar Fowler, head of the Phenomenon Research Association, for providing case details.

Case Study: Wycoller (England), June 1, 1996

Steven X. and his wife Vivienne witnessed a large, dark, triangular object hovering silently above a reservoir. They described a 'hole' in the center and violet lights at the corners. The object was estimated to be the size of a football field. One witness reported seeing the UFO approach vertically, stop, and then tilt. The observation lasted about ten minutes.

Article: Les extraterrestres sont-ils seuls dans l'univers ?

Pierre Lagrange, a sociologist specializing in 'parasciences,' explores the Fermi Paradox, which questions the absence of observable extraterrestrial civilizations despite the high probability of their existence. Lagrange discusses various hypotheses, including the 'zoo hypothesis' and the idea that we are simply not equipped to perceive or understand alien presence. He critiques the selective nature of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) programs, which focus on distant signals rather than potential nearby signs of alien activity. Lagrange advocates for a broader, multidisciplinary approach to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, involving biologists, ethnologists, and science fiction literature.

Article: L'ufologie à l'heure de l'internet

Michel Bougard discusses the increasing importance of the internet as a platform for information dissemination and communication in ufology. He highlights the creation of the SOBEPS website (www.sobeps.org) as a means for the organization to establish an online presence. Bougard notes the rapid circulation of news via email and mailing lists, which is changing the role of traditional ufological journals. He emphasizes the need for SOBEPS to update its website with comprehensive and useful information, acknowledging that time constraints due to professional activities limit their efforts. The article also mentions the ongoing effort to compile a list of ufological websites, inviting contributions from members.

Article: Les mouvements oscillatoires des ovnis et leur explication

Auguste MEESSEN, Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Sciences of U.C.L., presents a scientific study on the oscillatory movements of UFOs. The article begins by describing the 'dead leaf' descent movement, often associated with disc-shaped UFOs, characterized by a slow, vertical descent with alternating lateral deviations and changes in inclination. The author notes that this movement is more complex than that of a falling leaf, suggesting the involvement of propulsion systems.

Case Study: Kingston (Humberside), October 7, 1997

A witness, M. G.P., an engineer, reported seeing five red lights that appeared to be part of a large triangular craft. The lights were described as large, scintillating, and much brighter than those of a helicopter. The witness heard a humming sound and a crackling noise as the lights extinguished.

Case Study: Leicestershire, March 31, 1999

Colin Saunders and three other passengers observed pulsating red lights that formed a large pyramidal structure, approximately tens of meters high, inclined at 20-30 degrees. The object moved at high speed towards Coventry, with the observation lasting only 15-20 seconds. Saunders, a computer graphics engineer, created a detailed drawing of the phenomenon.

Analysis of Oscillatory Movements

The article details various UFO sightings exhibiting oscillatory movements, including 'dead leaf' descents, rocking motions, and changes in inclination. These movements are analyzed in the context of physics and potential propulsion systems. Several case studies are presented:

• Mont-Jean, France (March 23, 1974): A group observed a luminous object performing a 'dead leaf' descent and ascent pattern.
• Baune, France (October 14, 1954): A couple witnessed a luminous object that descended slowly with a rocking motion, changing colors.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (February 9, 1957): An oval object exhibited a 'dead leaf' descent followed by rapid, erratic ascents.
• Salvador (February 24, 1958): Witnesses saw a hemispherical UFO descend and perform a 'dead leaf' movement.
• France (May 20, 1974): A boy observed an ovoid object land in a field, emitting intense light.
• Mendoza, Argentina (May 24, 1971): A painter and dentist observed an object performing bizarre, erratic movements and rocking.
• United States (July 4, 1947): Five large discs were seen oscillating laterally while moving at high speed.
• California (March 29, 1952): A pilot observed a small, round, chrome-like object that decelerated rapidly and oscillated significantly.
• Oregon (May 11, 1950): A couple observed a circular object with a dome that rocked slowly before departing rapidly.
• Kansas (August 25, 1952): A musician saw a large, elongated discoidal object hovering and rocking slightly.
• California (August 15, 1957): A disc was observed tilting and ascending vertically.

The article also discusses the 'inverted dead leaf' movement, where an object ascends with a slow, rocking motion. The author suggests that these movements are not random but controlled, implying intelligent intent.

Article: The V-7 and Disinformation

An article explores the possibility that the widely reported 'V-7' Nazi flying saucer was a fabrication. The author suggests that journalists in 1952, possibly influenced by nostalgic elements of the Third Reich, may have propagated this myth. A more plausible explanation proposed is that the U.S. Air Force and CIA intentionally planted false information in the 1950s. This disinformation campaign aimed to convince the public and American authorities that UFOs were either captured Nazi technology or Soviet creations, thereby justifying increased defense budgets and fueling the Cold War narrative. The article cites Walter Bowart's 'Operation Mind Control' and a 1948 document mentioning Dr. Gunther Bock's work on flying wing projects in Germany as supporting evidence for this theory.

Article: UFOs and the Internet

This section discusses the growing role of the internet in ufological research and communication. The organization SOBEPS has launched a website (www.sobeps.org) to share information and connect with the ufological community. The article notes the rapid spread of news through email and online forums, impacting traditional ufological publications. SOBEPS aims to create a comprehensive online resource, though acknowledges limitations due to time constraints. They are also compiling a list of ufological websites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Inforespace revolve around the nature of UFOs, their observed behaviors, and potential origins. The magazine appears to adopt a critical and analytical stance, questioning official narratives and exploring alternative explanations, including disinformation campaigns and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. There is a strong emphasis on detailed witness accounts and scientific analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly their movements and physical characteristics. The issue also reflects a growing awareness of the internet's role in ufological discourse and research.

This issue of "inforspace" delves into the complex movements of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), focusing on phenomena like wobbling and precession. The magazine presents a detailed analysis of various observed UFO behaviors, proposing theoretical frameworks to understand their propulsion and dynamics. The primary focus is on explaining these movements through scientific principles, even when dealing with potentially advanced or unknown technologies.

Analysis of UFO Movements

The article begins by defining 'wobbling' as a gyroscopic effect, akin to a spinning top's precession, and notes its frequent mention in UFO reports. It distinguishes between simple changes in inclination and more complex oscillatory movements. Several specific observations are detailed:

• New Zealand, September 9, 1954: Two witnesses observed three disc-shaped UFOs exhibiting precessional movement. Photos were taken.
• California, August 11, 1960: Ray Hawks witnessed a round object descend, hover, and pivot like a spinning coin, exhibiting precession. The object emitted a 'royal blue' smoke and its movement caused the tractor's engine to shut down, suggesting electromagnetic effects.
• France, May 26, 1970: A young observer noted a luminous point moving with a sinusoidal oscillation in the horizontal plane.

The magazine categorizes different types of movements, including horizontal oscillations, saccadic movements, and 'falling leaf' motions. It highlights observations from various locations and time periods, such as the North Sea during NATO maneuvers (September 1952), Vermont (September 1950), Downey, California (May 1951), Oregon (July 1947), and Hollywood (April 1973).

Theoretical Frameworks

A Descriptive Theory: The 'Virtual Movable Pendulum'

To better understand these phenomena, the article introduces the concept of a 'virtual movable pendulum'. This model posits that a disc-shaped UFO can be conceptualized as being suspended by a virtual cord from a point that itself can move uniformly in any direction. This allows for oscillations in inclination and changes in position, providing a unified way to describe many observed movements.

Explanatory Theory: Pulsed Electromagnetic Propulsion

Moving beyond description, the magazine explores an explanatory theory for UFO propulsion, focusing on pulsed electromagnetic (EM) propulsion. This theory suggests that UFOs ionize the air around them and use EM fields to generate thrust, drawing on the principle of action and reaction. The author posits that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might have mastered technologies like superconductors to create intense, low-frequency oscillating EM fields. This system would allow for propulsion without sonic booms and with precise control over movement, explaining the lack of atmospheric disturbance often associated with helicopters.

The theory addresses how these EM fields could create a force that propels the craft, potentially by interacting with ionized air particles. It also touches upon the idea that the EM fields might be generated by oscillating currents on the UFO's surface, creating magnetic and induced electric fields.

Control and Intentionality

The article questions whether UFO movements are accidental or intentional. Given the precision and control observed, it leans towards intentionality. The author suggests that these movements might be designed to 'astonish' or 'entertain' observers, serving as a form of 'show' to make humanity more receptive to the idea of extraterrestrial intelligence. This aligns with the idea that extraterrestrials might be conducting psychosociological experiments.

The 'Condon Report' and Secrecy

The magazine critically examines the Condon Report, commissioned by the USAF to scientifically study UFOs. The author implies that the report's conclusion, that UFOs do not warrant further study, was influenced by a desire to maintain secrecy and suppress information about advanced technologies. The article expresses concern about potential 'intellectual scandals' arising from such manipulation of public and scientific opinion.

Mathematical Modeling

To further illustrate the concepts, the article includes mathematical equations describing the dynamics of a UFO, particularly in the context of oscillations. It uses concepts from Newtonian mechanics and polar coordinates to model the forces and movements involved. The equations aim to demonstrate how a 'virtual pendulum' could behave and how a regulation mechanism might control the UFO's flight.

Specific Movement Types Explained

• Oscillations of Inclination: The article explains how changing the orientation of the propulsion force relative to the UFO's axis can cause changes in inclination, even without pendular movements.
• 'Falling Leaf' Movements: These are explained as a combination of horizontal movement with superimposed vertical oscillations, potentially controlled by adjusting the propulsion force. The article presents simulations of these movements.
• Horizontal Oscillatory Movements: These are described as a combination of constant horizontal translation with transversal pendular movements, resulting in sinusoidal trajectories for small amplitudes.

Other Explanations and Criticisms

The magazine briefly discusses alternative explanations, such as James McCampbell's 'falling leaf' theory, which involves axial propulsion and controlled inclination. It also touches upon Paul Hill's ideas about 'wobbling' and precession, though it critiques his concept of 'force fields' as somewhat speculative.

Conclusions

The issue concludes by emphasizing the importance of applying scientific methodology to UFO phenomena. It highlights that by introducing descriptive concepts like the 'virtual movable pendulum' and seeking explanatory theories like pulsed EM propulsion, UFOs can be rendered 'mentally transparent'. The author stresses the need to prioritize observational facts and to be open to changing prior ideas. The study of UFO oscillations is presented as a valuable tool for understanding not only the phenomena themselves but also the scientific process and the potential for interaction with extraterrestrial intelligences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific analysis of UFO movements, the exploration of advanced propulsion theories, and the critical examination of official explanations and potential government secrecy. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, advocating for a rational, physics-based approach to understanding UFOs while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins and advanced technologies. The magazine encourages readers to consider the evidence and to engage with the complex questions surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

This document is a page from the magazine "Inforespace", published by SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Aériens Spatiaux - implied by context, though not explicitly stated as Belgian in this excerpt). The magazine is dedicated to the rational observation and study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and related issues. It operates on a volunteer basis, with activities including investigations, information dissemination through its semiannual review, conferences, and debates. The publication of "Inforespace" is dependent on the goodwill of its volunteer collaborators and their free time, meaning publication dates may vary.

SOBEPS Mission and Membership

The SOBEPS association is described as being without any confessional, philosophical, or political affiliation. Its primary purpose is the rational observation and study of unidentified aerial phenomena and associated problems. The association relies on complete volunteerism. Its activities encompass investigations into testimonies and the dissemination of information without prejudice. This dissemination is achieved through a semiannual review and via conferences, debates, and other events.

The editorial team of "Inforespace" is heavily reliant on the goodwill of its volunteer collaborators and their available free time. Consequently, this edition does not carry any commercial character, and the association cannot guarantee fixed publication dates, with potential delays being possible.

To ensure the continuation and quality of its work, SOBEPS actively solicits the collaboration of its members. Members are invited to share any information related to the subjects covered in the review. They are also encouraged to participate in promoting the Society and, within their means, to become active members by contributing directly to various tasks such as translation, reduction (summarization), investigations, secretarial work, and coding.

Furthermore, if any individual happens to observe an unusual aerial phenomenon, or becomes aware of such an observation by another party, they are urged to report it to SOBEPS as quickly as possible.

Secretariat and Library Access

The premises of SOBEPS are accessible to its members, but strictly by appointment. Visits are possible on Saturdays between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. During these times, members can consult the association's entire documentation, which includes books and magazines.

To facilitate a better reception, members are requested to schedule their appointments with the secretariat. For any administrative inquiries, individuals can call the number 02/521.74.04, but this line is only available on Saturdays between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Contact via fax is also possible at 02/520.73.93.

It is reiterated that the telephone number 02/524.28.48 is specifically reserved for witness testimonies. This line operates on an automatic answering machine, available 24 hours a day.

SOBEPS Slide Collections

SOBEPS' collection of slides is currently depleted. However, they are still able to offer some exceptional series, each accompanied by commentaries regarding the origin of the documents.

• Color Slide Series: Three series, each containing 12 color slides, are available. A packet of 12 photographs costs 15€ (equivalent to 600 Belgian Francs or 100 French Francs). The price for all three series is 42€ (equivalent to 1700 Belgian Francs or 280 French Francs).
• Belgian Wave Series: Two series of 12 slides focusing on the Belgian wave of UAP from 1989-1991 are offered. These are sold as two inseparable packets totaling 24 documents for 18.5€ (equivalent to 750 Belgian Francs or 120 French Francs).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt revolve around the operational aspects of the SOBEPS organization: its mission to study UAP, its reliance on volunteerism and member collaboration, the methods of information dissemination (the magazine "Inforespace"), and the practicalities of accessing its resources (library, contact information, and available documentation like slide collections). The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation and the sharing of information related to UAP, while managing expectations regarding publication schedules due to its volunteer-driven nature.