Inforespace - No 105 - 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 105
Date: December 2002
Volume: 31st year

This issue of Inforespace, published by the Belgian UFO research organization SOBEPS, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong emphasis on the significant Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1991.

Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (UFO Wave Over Belgium)

The issue features two main sections dedicated to the Belgian UFO wave, presented as exceptional dossiers.

1. UN DOSSIER EXCEPTIONNEL (An Exceptional Dossier)

• This section introduces a comprehensive dossier on the UFO wave that swept over Belgium from autumn 1989 to summer 1991. It highlights the contents of a book published by SOBEPS, which includes:
• A preface by Jean-Pierre Petit (CNRS).
• A day-by-day history of events and SOBEPS's investigations, detailing the best cases.
• Media coverage analysis, including excerpts from print, TV, and radio.
• Analysis of photo and video evidence.
• Radar data analysis in collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie.
• The evolving official and scientific interest, including a European study project.
• Observations of other triangular UFOs abroad, with a focus on the 1983-1984 American wave.
• A discussion on 'Stealth' technology to debunk certain theories.
• Initial statistical analyses of the wave.
• Personal conclusions of the book's authors.
• A postface by General Wilfried De Brouwer of the Air Force.

The book is described as a must-have, offering extensive details with over 200 illustrations, including color photos.

2. UNE ENIGME NON RESOLUE (An Unresolved Enigma)

• This section refers to SOBEPS's 1994 report on the Belgian wave, which presented challenges to the political and scientific communities. It outlines the contents of a second book, covering:
• A preface by Isabelle Stengers on the wave as an 'anomaly'.
• A history of observations and major cases after the first report.
• Detailed analysis of flight characteristics, structures, and physical effects.
• A complete analysis of the Petit-Rechain photograph.
• Daytime sightings, particularly those on November 29, 1989, before the main wave over Eupen.
• Scientific and media reactions to SOBEPS's reports.
• The influence of media on testimonies and the role of the press.
• Methodologies for new research based on available data.
• Hypotheses on meteorological perturbations and radars for the March 30-31, 1990 episode.
• Prospects for scientific ufology and SOBEPS's political initiatives at national and European levels.

These two books are presented as inseparable and offered as a package.

Editorial

The editorial addresses the delay in publication, attributing it to the difficulty in gathering quality texts that meet the magazine's standards for seriousness and originality. It then touches upon several brief news items:

• Jean-Jacques Velasco (SEPRA/CNES): A report of Velasco stating that UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin, which was later officially denied by CNES, emphasizing their commitment to rigorous scientific investigation.
• Reactions to Velasco's statement: The editorial criticizes the reactions from individuals like André Lausberg and Marc Hallet, describing them as overly aggressive and bordering on hysteria.
• Le Figaro article: A mention of a French newspaper article questioning whether the state should fund UFO research, and alluding to internal pressures within CNES to suppress SEPRA.
• SEPRA Audit: An audit commissioned by Gérard Brachet (former CNES Director General) recommended continuing and developing SEPRA's activities, but the report was reportedly shelved. Alain Bensoussan, who succeeded Brachet, is noted for his hostility towards SEPRA.
• Franck Boitte's Index: The editorial praises Franck Boitte's comprehensive index of the first 100 issues of Inforespace, describing it as an original and personal analysis that goes beyond a simple listing of articles, offering a valuable research tool.

The editorial concludes with New Year's wishes and a reminder for subscription renewals.

Renouvellement des Cotisations (Subscription Renewals)

This section provides details for renewing subscriptions for 2003, offering two issues (n° 106 + n° 107) for members. It lists prices for France, Belgium, and other countries, with options for 'd'honneur' (honorary) and 'ordinaire' (ordinary) memberships. Payment details for the SOBEPS bank account in Brussels are provided, along with specific instructions for international payments.

La sauvegarde des archives ufologiques (The Preservation of Ufological Archives)

• This article by Jacques Scornaux (President of SCEAU/Archives OVNI) addresses the concern of ufologists in France about the potential loss of archives from deceased researchers and groups. It argues that entrusting archives to private associations risks future loss, and therefore, depositing them in public archives offers the best guarantee of long-term preservation due to legal requirements. The article highlights:
• The need to preserve ufological memory for future researchers.
• The challenge of safeguarding documents that might seem insignificant now but could be valuable later.
• The solution of depositing archives in public institutions, which are legally bound to accept them.
• The advantage of public access to these archives, unlike some university or national libraries.
• The foundation of the French non-profit association SCEAU (Sauvegarde & Conservation des Études et Archives Ufologiques) in 1990 to ensure the long-term preservation of ufological heritage.
• SCEAU's efforts to contact individuals and organizations to arrange archive deposits.
• The establishment of SCEAU collections in libraries like the Pontiffroy Media Library in Metz and the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.
• SCEAU's aim to establish thematic libraries in Belgium and its collaboration with similar organizations in the US (The Sign Historical Group) and Sweden (AFU).

SOBEPS et l'État: entre pragmatisme sociétal et illusionnisme politique? (SOBEPS and the State: Between Societal Pragmatism and Political Illusionism?)

This section features two articles exploring the relationship between the Belgian state and the SOBEPS organization.

Pascal Hubrecht (Politologue) and Léon Brenig (Physicist) - Introduction

They describe the overwhelming nature of the 1989-1990 UFO wave in Belgium, with hundreds of daily sightings. Initially, the Ministry of Defense did not address the issue, but public attention grew through the media. The SOBEPS hotline was saturated, and the organization was overwhelmed. The article notes the unprecedented collaboration initiated on January 10, 1990, when the Belgian state, through the Ministry of Interior and the Air Force, sought assistance from SOBEPS. This collaboration included providing a Hawker Siddeley and an Islander aircraft, and instructing the Gendarmerie to transmit information to SOBEPS. The authors state that this official collaboration, initiated twelve years prior, remains active.

They frame this as a victory for SOBEPS, potentially ending the dismissal of UFO witnesses as 'deluded'. It offered an opportunity to address the UFO issue officially and scientifically. However, they lament that despite this, the UFO dossier remains largely ignored, with critics dismissing evidence and attacking SOBEPS leaders. They question whether the state's involvement was a 'game of deception' and whether it served a political agenda.

The State's Role and the Nature of Power

• This part of the article delves into political science concepts:
• The Belgian UFO wave's unresolved nature: Despite state involvement, the wave remains unexplained after twelve years. The authors question how UFOs could violate airspace with impunity in a highly militarized region like Europe in 1989.
• Political 'Illusionism' and 'Theatrocracy': Drawing on Machiavelli, the authors suggest that political powers often manipulate appearances and public opinion through staged events ('theatrocracy') to maintain control and consensus. They argue that the state's interaction with SOBEPS might have been a tactic to manage public perception and avoid admitting powerlessness.
• The Nature of Political Groups: The article defines 'pressure groups' and contrasts the European approach (often viewing them with suspicion) with the American approach (where lobbying is seen as a natural part of political life).
• The Masses and Psychology: It discusses the concept of 'masses' and their psychological characteristics, drawing on Freud and Gustave Le Bon. The authors suggest that political leaders understand the masses' susceptibility to simple, emotional appeals and use this knowledge for manipulation.
• State Control and Media: The article posits that media, often influenced by political interests, can shape public opinion by presenting a simplified or distorted reality, allowing the state to manage public perception and avoid confronting difficult truths, such as its potential powerlessness regarding UFOs.
• The SOBEPS-State Relationship: The authors suggest that the state's collaboration with SOBEPS might have been a strategic move to control the organization's influence and prevent it from becoming a destabilizing force. While SOBEPS gained visibility, the state may have sought to manage the 'OVNI problem' by framing it as an 'unknown' to be studied, rather than an admitted threat or a sign of state impotence.

Fiction: "Bitburg: alerte dans le ciel" (Bitburg: Alert in the Sky)

• This section presents a fictionalized account based on real events, set on December 5, 1989, near the Bitburg airbase in Germany. It describes:
• A truck driver, Joan de Kerk, reporting a large, fast-moving object.
• The context of heightened military alert during the late Cold War, with US Air Force F-15s on standby.
• A scenario where an unidentified aircraft (later revealed to be a Soviet MiG-23) violates airspace and is intercepted. The incident is quickly resolved, and the Soviet Union offers an apology, attributing it to pilot error and desperation. The event is kept secret to avoid disrupting East-West negotiations.
• The article uses this fictionalized account to highlight the strict vigilance in European airspace at the time and questions the official narrative that UFOs posed no threat, given the immediate interception protocols for any suspicious aircraft.

La défense de l'Europe en 1989 (The Defense of Europe in 1989)

This article analyzes the military context of 1989, emphasizing the high level of surveillance in Europe, particularly around the Bitburg airbase. It contrasts the perceived threat from the Soviet Union with the possibility of internal factions within the Soviet military causing incidents. The authors question why, given the rigorous radar surveillance and interception protocols, the Belgian UFO wave was not met with a similar response. They argue that the official explanation of UFOs being non-threatening is not credible in light of the military's readiness to intercept any unidentified aircraft. The article concludes by posing the question of whether the situation was a case of 'theatrocracy' or genuine oversight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ufology with political, social, and scientific spheres. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy, the manipulation of public opinion, and the challenges faced by independent researchers in gaining official recognition. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the complexities of state involvement and the potential for political agendas to influence the handling of UFO phenomena. The importance of preserving historical UFO data and making it accessible is also a significant theme, as highlighted by the articles on archive preservation and the index of past issues.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: Annexe (Volume 1)
Date: 1995 (with references to earlier and later events)
Publisher: inforespace
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, presented as an 'Annexe' and focusing on Volume 1, delves into the significant UFO case known as 'L'Affaire "D" (1)'. The primary article, authored by Franck BOITTE, an Informatician, provides an in-depth analysis and chronological account of this event and its aftermath. The magazine's cover prominently features the headline 'L'affaire "D" (1)' and an illustration of various UFOs, signaling the central theme of the publication.

The 'D' Affair: A Chronological Account

The article begins by introducing 'L'Affaire "D"', a case that reportedly occurred in April 1955 in the village of Assas, Hérault, France. The witness, referred to as 'D.', has maintained his anonymity for decades. The narrative highlights the extensive efforts by numerous private investigative bodies and public organizations to document and understand this event. Despite the passage of time, 'D.' has consistently sought recognition for his experience and the subsequent physical and psychological repercussions.

The publication of the article is contextualized by a televised debate on UFOs in January 1995, which prompted 'D.' to write a strong letter to the television channel. This letter, in turn, brought him to the attention of Perry Petrakis, who, intrigued by the witness's persistence, initiated a more thorough investigation. The article introduces B. Bousquet, a local representative of SOS-OVNI and author of a two-volume work on UFO mysteries in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, as a key investigator in this case.

The chronology of events begins with D.'s birth in 1927 in Assas. Several earlier incidents are recounted, including a peculiar encounter in Mende in July 1940 involving a 'block of ice' object, an explosion, and electrical meters exploding. Another incident in 1946 involved D. succeeding his maternal grandfather in a family farm and a lucrative snail-gathering business.

The core of the 'D' affair is detailed with the events of April 1955. On the night of April 18th (or possibly the 19th), while D. was in a pinewood near Assas, he witnessed a large, luminous orange glow in the sky. He described seeing multiple luminous points arranged in a 'V' formation, which then descended and landed in a nearby pine grove. D. observed one of the objects, described as an oval mass of light-colored grey, approximately 6-6.8 meters wide and 3.6-3.8 meters high, with lower sections resembling 'portholes'. He reported experiencing a tingling sensation and being subjected to a beam of white light. The objects reportedly took off around 02:40 AM, leaving behind flattened vegetation and traces of silver filaments. D. later reported his experience to his wife and then to the mayor.

Subsequent events include the discovery of the silver filaments, which were collected but later disposed of. D. also reported his dog falling ill and dying shortly after the encounter, exhibiting strange symptoms and physical changes, which the article speculates might be related to radiation exposure.

The article meticulously traces D.'s life post-1955, detailing his health issues, his employment with SNCF, and his continued interactions with various UFO research groups. It highlights his persistent health problems, which he attributes to the 1955 encounter, and his attempts to seek official recognition and explanations.

Military and Aviation Information

Interspersed within the narrative are lists of military units and their equipment associated with the 2nd and 4th Allied Tactical Air Forces. These lists detail squadrons, their bases, and the aircraft they operated, including Mirage, Jaguar, Harrier, Tornado, Phantom, F-16, F-15, F-111, A-10, and Alpha Jet. This information provides a backdrop of the military aviation landscape in Europe during the period.

Related Cases and Phenomena

The latter part of the issue broadens its scope to include other UFO-related phenomena and sightings reported in various parts of the world, particularly in 2002. These include:

• Animal Mutilations: Reports from Argentina, Chile, and Canada describe cattle and other animals found dead, exsanguinated, and with precise surgical-like incisions, often with organs removed. The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as 'chupacabra', is discussed in detail, including official investigations and conflicting explanations.
• UFO Sightings: Numerous sightings are reported globally, including:
• Spherical objects observed in Turkey (Adiyaman) in January 2002, exhibiting rotation and light emissions.
• Triangular objects sighted in England and the United States in March 2002.
• Circular and oval UFOs appearing in Montenegro in March 2002.
• Large spherical and disc-shaped objects observed in Argentina and Mexico in April and May 2002, some displaying unusual flight characteristics and size.
• Reports of 'suspended cities' and large luminous UFOs in Argentina.
• A wave of sightings in Mexico involving numerous spheres and a large triangular object.
• A sighting of a large cylindrical object in Argentina in May 2002.
• Multiple sightings of brilliant red and blue spheres in Chile in May 2002.
• A conical object observed in the United States (Iowa) in March 2002.
• A bright object plunging into the sea near Turkey in May 2002.
• A circular object with multiple 'arms' observed near Istanbul, Turkey.
• Reports of 'chupacabra'-like mutilations and UFO sightings in Mexico and Canada in June 2002.
• A wave of UFO sightings in Argentina in July 2002, including luminous objects and a large spherical object.
• Numerous sightings of spheres and triangular objects in Mexico in July 2002.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Inforespace are the detailed investigation of specific UFO cases, the persistence of witnesses, the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining official acknowledgment, and the global nature of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as implied by the detailed reporting and the inclusion of scientific and investigative perspectives, is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine aims to present factual accounts, witness testimonies, and the findings of investigations, encouraging readers to consider the evidence objectively. The inclusion of military aviation data suggests an interest in distinguishing known aerial technology from unexplained sightings. The magazine also highlights the difficulties in obtaining information from official sources and the skepticism often faced by witnesses and researchers.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 41
Date: November 2002 (implied by content)
Publisher: SOBEPS
Country: Belgium
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Inforespace focuses on the analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly the 'Belgian Wave' of 1989-1991, and a series of global sightings reported in August-November 2002. The magazine explores potential explanations, including natural phenomena, military prototypes, and extraterrestrial origins, while also detailing the activities and resources of the SOBEPS organization.

Article: Quels prototypes pour la vague belge ? (What Prototypes for the Belgian Wave?)

This lengthy article by Léon BRENIG, a physicist at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, delves into the characteristics of the UFOs observed during the Belgian Wave. BRENIG dismisses explanations involving conventional aircraft, natural phenomena, or even individual or collective hallucinations, proposing three main hypotheses: unknown natural phenomena, secret military prototypes, or extraterrestrial craft.

Characteristics of Belgian Wave UFOs:

• General Appearance: Described as unusual, with sharp, geometric contours. The most common shape was a dark, triangular platform, 20-30 meters on each side, not aerodynamically designed for high-speed flight. Vertical walls were noted, offering significant air resistance.
• Luminosity: Objects often featured powerful headlights illuminating horizontally and sometimes had luminous panels. The underside was frequently described as having a large luminous surface in each of the three angles and one in the center. Some reports mentioned pulsating lights or panels.
• Light Sources: Three main light sources, 3-5 meters in diameter, were described as convex spherical caps embedded in the object's base. The light was often diffuse and dim, but sometimes powerful beams were emitted downwards, described as intense, conical, and with a 'solid' light quality. A central luminous zone was also noted, sometimes emitting pulsating red light and appearing more complex or even detachable.
• Light Beams: Witnesses reported non-divergent light beams, similar to lasers, but with sharp, truncated ends. These beams could retract, extend, and sometimes detach to form autonomous luminous spheres moving at high speeds. The function of these beams remains a mystery.
• Flight Capabilities: Objects exhibited incredible ease of flight, hovering silently, accelerating rapidly in any direction, and disappearing instantly. They appeared unaffected by gravity and atmospheric conditions.
• Radar Evasion: A significant characteristic was their consistent evasion of radar detection, a fact confirmed by research into military and civilian radar data.

Hypotheses Explored:

• Natural Phenomena: Dismissed due to the stable, geometric shapes and lack of atmospheric interaction (e.g., clouds, auroras, ball lightning).
• Conventional Aircraft: Confusions were identified but ruled out for sightings involving stationary hovering at low altitudes, silence, and extreme maneuverability.
• Lighter-than-Air Prototypes: While possible for some aspects, the described shapes (triangular platforms) and extreme accelerations were deemed incompatible with balloons or airships.
• Heavier-than-Air Prototypes: BRENIG discusses concepts like electrokinetic propulsion and magnetohydrodynamic systems. He notes that while theoretical advancements exist (e.g., NASA patents), current technology struggles to explain the observed phenomena, particularly the silent operation, lack of air disturbance, and extreme maneuverability. The sheer scale and weight of such prototypes would also likely generate significant noise and air movement, which witnesses did not report.
• Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: BRENIG concludes that, by elimination, the extraterrestrial hypothesis becomes a plausible consideration. He argues that it is not unscientific to consider the possibility of advanced civilizations developing technology far beyond our current understanding, capable of interstellar travel.

Global Sightings: August - November 2002

The magazine details numerous UFO sightings from various parts of the world during this period:

• August 2002 (India & Nepal): Panic spread due to attacks by a mysterious bipedal creature and later by flying spheres causing electrical shocks and burns.
• August 2002 (Argentina & Chile): Farm animals (goats, cows) were found dead under strange conditions, with evidence of mutilation.
• August 2002 (Nicaragua): Similar animal deaths were reported.
• August 2002 (Colombia, USA): Numerous luminous UFOs were observed.
• September 2002 (Argentina): Police and civilians in Cordoba observed disc-shaped objects flying in formation, sometimes stationary, emitting red light.
• September 2002 (Mexico): A luminous spherical UFO, about 50 meters in diameter, was observed hovering over Tijuana.
• September 2002 (USA): A triangular grey UFO was observed near Mesquite, Texas, flying silently at low altitude.
• September 2002 (Germany): A pilot observed two metallic conical objects flying in formation over Berlin.
• September 2002 (Canada): A triangular object was observed hovering and then moving silently over a family's car near Montreal.
• September 2002 (Netherlands): A couple reported being followed by a white luminous sphere near Bladel.
• October 2002 (Puerto Rico): A wave of farm animal deaths, primarily poultry, occurred with characteristic mutilations.
• October 2002 (UK): An egg-shaped white object was observed performing erratic movements in St-Albans, Hertfordshire. Four triangular UFOs with orange-red halos were seen over Northampton.
• October 2002 (Russia): A red luminous object approached a car in Kursk, causing radio interference.
• October 2002 (Crimea): Large luminous spheres were observed near Astrakhan and Orzonokitsk.
• October 2002 (Global): Numerous UFOs were reported in the USA, Poland, and Australia.
• November 2002 (Turkey): Pilots of a DC-10 reported being overflown by a flotilla of 15 circular objects at high altitude.
• November 2002 (China): Pilots reported observing a white and blue skate-board-shaped object.
• November 2002 (Mexico): An AeroMexico flight crew and air traffic control observed a large, silver-glowing object. A fleet of about twenty metallic spheres was filmed over Iztacalco.
• November 2002 (Argentina): A cow was found mutilated near Santiago del Estero, with organs removed and no signs of decay or animal predation.
• November 2002 (Ukraine/Crimea): A UFO was observed over Simferopol.
• November 2002 (Canada/Brazil): Multiple UFO sightings, including an annular object over Santos, Brazil.
• November 2002 (Argentina/Colombia): Three flattened spheres were seen over Buenos Aires and Bogota.
• December 2002 (Venezuela): A large bright sphere was observed over Caracas.

SOBEPS Activities and Services

The magazine also details the activities of SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux), a non-profit association dedicated to the rational study of unidentified aerial phenomena. They conduct investigations, disseminate information through their review 'Inforespace', and organize conferences and debates. They emphasize their reliance on volunteer work and welcome collaboration from members. The issue also lists available publications for sale, including books on UFOs, and promotes their website (www.sobeps.org) and merchandise like the SOBEPS pin.

Contact Information:

• General Inquiries: 02/521.74.04 (Saturdays 2 PM - 6 PM)
• Testimonies: 02/524.28.48 (24-hour answering machine)
• Fax: 02/520.73.93
• Library Access: By appointment on Saturdays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the detailed analysis of physical characteristics and flight capabilities of observed objects, and the ongoing debate regarding their origin. The editorial stance, particularly in BRENIG's article, leans towards considering the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a serious possibility, based on the inadequacy of conventional explanations and the consistent, often inexplicable, nature of the reported phenomena. The magazine advocates for a scientific and open-minded approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and data collection.