Inforespace - No 113 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 113
Volume: 35th year
Date: December 2006
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, the official publication of the Belgian UFO research society SOBEPS, delves into the intriguing world of ufology and spatial phenomena. It features a prominent focus on crop circles, particularly recent discoveries in Belgium, alongside reflections on the perceived decline in UFO sightings and the society's ongoing activities.

Editorial: 35 Years On, December 1971...

Michel Bougard, President of SOBEPS, reflects on the magazine's 35-year history, tracing its origins back to the preparation of the first issue in December 1971. He recalls the early days of the "Belgian wave" of UFO sightings in 1989 and the dedication of the founding members. Bougard notes a current lull in UFO activity, referencing a recent article in "Sciences & Avenir" that questioned the disappearance of UFOs. He quotes Pierre Lagrange, who suggests that UFOs have become a commonplace topic, no longer deemed newsworthy by mainstream media, leading witnesses to hesitate in reporting their experiences. Bougard also highlights the upcoming TF1 television series on crop circles, noting that agroglyphs are a featured topic in this issue. He invites readers to renew their subscriptions and looks forward to future discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena.

Articles and Features

Three Agroglyphs in Waterloo

This extensive article by Gérard GRÊDE details the discovery and investigation of several agroglyphs in the Waterloo region of Belgium during June and July 2006. The author recounts his personal involvement, including a barbecue at the SOBEPS headquarters where he learned of a potential new agroglyph. He describes visiting the site near the Lion of Waterloo on June 21, 2006, with ufology enthusiast Jean-Marie Van der Hoop. Initially, their search proved fruitless, but later, a photograph on the website www.graancirkels.be revealed an agroglyphe at the foot of the Lion of Waterloo, discovered by Antoine Hupin. The article notes the absence of trampling marks, suggesting a careful, possibly aerial, method of creation. The agroglyph's location is precisely described, situated near the historic battlefield. The farmer, Stéphane Hoste, expressed frustration with vandals and curious visitors. The article also details the discovery of two more agroglyphs on July 17, 2006, in a flax field and a wheat field near Plancenoit. The author discusses the unusual central holes found in some circles and the Vileda mop handle sleeve discovered, questioning its presence. The symbolic representation of the agroglyphs is analyzed, noting their resemblance to Yin and Yang symbols and their potential connection to astronomical events like the summer solstice. The article also touches upon the media's interest in these formations and the involvement of groups like the Raëlians.

"L'expérience circulaire" (The Circular Experience)

Written by Gilles Durand, a member of VECA (Voyage d'Etude des Cercles Anglais), this piece recounts the VECA team's efforts in 1990 to understand crop circles. The article critiques the prevailing hypotheses, particularly the dismissal of human creation. The VECA team aimed to model a "crop circle" to test this hypothesis. They collaborated with André Delepierre, a cinema special effects expert, to create a French crop circle. The article details the meticulous planning, including a precise design with a central circle of 15 meters, concentric rings, and satellite circles, all to be completed within an hour. The experiment involved an agricultural field near Verdes, France, on June 16, 1990. The process of creation, using a specially designed garden roller, is described in detail, along with observations made by an aerial observer and an on-site team. The article notes that the created circle exhibited characteristics similar to those found in British "authentic" crop circles, including bent stalks and a "plancher" effect. The VECA team also conducted smaller empirical trials in a field near Nancy.

Testimonies and Filmed/Photographed Evidence

This section presents a collection of visual and photographic/filmed testimonies related to unusual aerial phenomena and crop circles. It includes reports of luminous white and orange spheres observed in Rixensart and Hornu, as well as a sighting of numerous white luminous balls over Brussels. It also details filmed and photographed evidence, including an orange light observed and recorded in Rixensart, and anomalous photos taken by the Heuft family near the Waterloo agroglyph, showing faint traces resembling a flying saucers. Another testimony describes an agroglyphe in a flax field in Plancenoit, with a fine trace resembling a flying saucer visible upon magnification.

The "Pierdel Method"

This section elaborates on the creation process of the French crop circle by André Delepierre. It details the preparation phase, including the design of the figure and the selection of materials, such as a custom-made garden roller weighing 25 kilograms. The fabrication process, which took place on June 16, 1990, is described step-by-step, emphasizing the precision and speed with which the figure was created. The article also discusses the subsequent observations and analysis of the created circle, comparing its characteristics to those of British crop circles.

The Constatations

This section provides detailed observations of the created crop circle, focusing on the physical characteristics of the flattened wheat stalks. It notes that the stalks were bent near their base, not broken, and formed a dense, soft "plancher." The article highlights the presence of concentric "waves" in the central circle, a phenomenon attributed to "authentic" crop circles. Aerial photographs revealed a "laser effect" or reflection. The article also mentions the discovery of a small hole in the center of the circle, similar to those found in other crop circles.

Renewal of Subscriptions for 2007

This section provides information for members regarding subscription renewals for the year 2007. It outlines the costs for different membership categories (honorary, ordinary) for subscribers in Belgium, France, and other countries, including the price for the two upcoming issues of INFORESPACE (n° 114 and n° 115). It also provides details on payment methods, including bank transfers and postal orders, with specific instructions for international payments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are crop circles, ufology, and the investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michel Bougard, is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, a willingness to challenge prevailing skepticism, and a commitment to understanding the true nature of these phenomena. The magazine appears to advocate for an open-minded approach, considering various hypotheses, including human fabrication, while remaining receptive to the possibility of non-human intelligence. The emphasis on detailed investigation, witness testimonies, and photographic evidence underscores the magazine's dedication to documenting and analyzing UFO-related events.

This issue of "inforespace" from April 2006 features a prominent article titled "Ovni ou méprise ?" (UFO or Mistake?) by Patrick FERRYN, an investigator for SOBEPS. The magazine also includes in-depth theoretical discussions on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (PAN), semiotics, and the limitations of traditional SETI approaches.

Investigation into the Andenne UFO Sighting

The lead article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Andenne, France, on April 6, 2006. The event began around 1 AM when police inspectors J.-F. P. and O.M. were alerted to a sighting by a young woman, Mélodie L., who was visibly distressed. The police arrived at her home shortly after but the phenomenon had already disappeared. Mélodie provided a detailed account of her experience, which was later documented in official police reports.

According to the report, Mélodie was being driven home by Robert S., accompanied by Mickael and Laura. While driving on a country road near Coutisse, Robert S. first noticed two red lights in the sky, which then turned into two bright white headlights. They observed several other smaller lights (blue, white, and red) as well. The object(s) appeared to be flat and oval, emitting a faint whistling sound but no engine noise comparable to an aircraft. They observed the objects moving erratically, sometimes appearing stationary, then moving slowly, and eventually disappearing towards Huy.

Subsequent interviews with Mélodie, Mickael, and Laura corroborated Robert S.'s account. They described seeing approximately fifteen to twenty objects, some appearing higher than others, moving in a coordinated manner. Mélodie even sketched one of the objects, describing it as oval and flat, with powerful white headlights and smaller blinking red and blue lights on its sides.

The investigation involved interviews with the witnesses, police officers, and later, researchers from SOBEPS, including Lucien Clerebaut. The proximity of Bierset airport raised the possibility of misidentification with aircraft. However, initial inquiries with airport authorities suggested that night flights had ceased before the sighting, and aircraft typically approached from a different direction than observed by the witnesses. Furthermore, witnesses insisted that the objects displayed blue lights, which are not standard on conventional aircraft.

Further investigation revealed that while aircraft do approach from the N-E towards Bierset, the witnesses observed objects coming from the S-O. This discrepancy, along with the presence of blue lights, cast doubt on the aircraft misidentification theory. The article also notes that aircraft engines, when throttled down during landing, can produce a low humming or whistling sound, and their lights can appear stationary from a distance, especially at night.

Ultimately, the article concludes that the Andenne event is a typical case of misidentification of nocturnal lights, where conventional aircraft, seen under specific circumstances (landing approach), were misinterpreted by well-intentioned witnesses due to factors like distance, lighting, and atmospheric conditions.

Theoretical Discussions on PAN, Semiotics, and SETI

The magazine also features a substantial theoretical piece by Jacques F. Vallée and Eric W. Davis, translated by Franck Boitte, titled "Le défi des hautes étrangetés" (The Challenge of High Strangeness). This article proposes a six-level model for analyzing paranormal phenomena, including PAN:

1. Physical manifestations: Objects with defined space, movement, thermal effects, light emissions, traces, and potential physical residues.
2. Anti-physical effects: Phenomena that defy conventional physics, such as phasing through solid matter, changing shape, becoming transparent, or instantaneous teleportation.
3. Psychological factors: The witness's mental state, environment, and social context.
4. Physiological factors: Somatic reactions like buzzing, vibrations, burns, paralysis, or sensations of heat/cold.
5. Psychic effects: Non-sensory communication, poltergeist activity, levitation, premonitory dreams, or personality changes.
6. Cultural effects: Societal reactions, media influence, and the impact of PAN on popular culture and belief systems.

The authors argue that PAN might be the product of a technology that integrates both physical and psychic phenomena, capable of manipulating cultural variables. They critique the anthropocentric bias in both ufology and SETI, suggesting that the assumption that extraterrestrial intelligences would communicate like humans is flawed.

Vallée and Davis introduce the concept of "incommensurability" – the idea that different intelligences might have fundamentally different ways of perceiving and interacting with reality. This challenges the conventional SETI approach, which often relies on assumptions about universal communication methods like radio waves. They advocate for a broader approach, considering various forms of communication, including electromagnetic signals, holographic images, and even psychic or quantum phenomena.

The article also touches upon the work of Charles Sanders Peirce and the distinction between semiotics and semiology. It highlights how the interpretation of signs (semiotics) is crucial in understanding potential alien communications, emphasizing that our human-centric interpretations might be a major barrier.

The Nort-sur-Erdre Enigma and Sceptical Methods

Another section, "La résolution des énigmes de Nort-sur-Erdre et les méthodes diffamatoires des sceptiques" (The Resolution of the Nort-sur-Erdre Enigmas and the Defamatory Methods of Sceptics) by Auguste Meessen, examines a 1987 case where a 10-year-old boy allegedly recorded the sound of a UFO. Meessen analyzes the sound recording, identifying two distinct types of sounds and their patterns. He contrasts his analytical approach with that of "sceptics," whom he accuses of employing defamatory methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific investigation, and theoretical frameworks. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis, moving beyond simplistic explanations, and considering unconventional hypotheses. The editorial stance appears to favor a multidisciplinary approach to understanding PAN, acknowledging both the physical and psychological aspects, and critiquing the limitations of established scientific paradigms when faced with anomalous data. The articles advocate for open-mindedness while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach to research.

This issue of "infospace" (issue 38) is dedicated to a detailed investigation and analysis of a sound recording made by a young witness named Laurent in Nort-sur-Erdre, France, on September 8, 1987. Laurent claimed the sound was associated with a UAP sighting. The magazine presents multiple spectral analyses of the recording and explores various hypotheses, including a hoax, the involvement of radio signals, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony.

The Nort-sur-Erdre Case: The Recording and Initial Reactions

The article begins by recounting the initial report of the incident. Laurent reported hearing a strange, repetitive 'bip-bip' sound around 5 AM. He then observed a luminous, pale orange oval object hovering outside his window. He managed to record the sound using a tape recorder. The sound was described as having a 'bip-bip' that was sometimes distinct and sometimes a 'dull sound.' The object emitted a light that blinked every four seconds. When the object moved, it did so silently and slowly. A column of light descended from the object to the ground, creating a distinct illuminated circle.

Laurent's parents and gendarmes were involved in the initial investigation. The gendarmes' report (PV) is cited, detailing their interview with Laurent. Laurent stated he wasn't scared when he saw the object but became fearful when it disappeared. He also mentioned that the recorded sound was consistent with what he heard, though perhaps less distinct. His father vouched for his son's honesty, stating he was not prone to inventing stories.

News of the recording quickly spread through local radio (Radio France Loire Océan) and national news agencies like Agence France Presse. Several journalists visited the scene, and Renaud Marhic, president of G.E.P.S.I., conducted a more in-depth investigation, producing a detailed report.

Analysis of the Sound Recording

The core of the magazine issue is the technical analysis of Laurent's audio recording. The author, who also conducted an analysis, contrasts his findings with those of Renaud Marhic and Bernard Teston, an engineer. The recording features 'tu-tuuu' sounds and 'te-te' signals. Initial hypotheses suggested the 'te-te' sounds might be related to the Soviet transhorizon radar, known to interfere with radio communications.

Several spectral analyses were performed:

• Author's Initial Analysis: The author's analysis of the 'tu-tuuu' sounds revealed they were not simple Morse code signals and showed non-linear characteristics. He also noted that the 'te-te' signals were distinct from those produced by the Soviet radar, as depicted in Figure 7.
• Laboratory of Acoustics (Nantes): This laboratory performed a summary analysis, suggesting the sound could have been captured from shortwave radio and recorded via radiocassette. They did not find the sound extraordinary.
• Bernard Teston's Analysis: Teston compared Laurent's recording with one made by Renaud Marhic. His sonograms (Figures 8) showed similarities but also differences. He concluded that both recordings were of the same type of signal, possibly from a radar or multiplexed beacon system, but not necessarily from a UAP. He also suggested that the 'te-te' signals were consistent with the 'woodpecker' signal (transhorizon radar).
• Parisian Laboratory (GEPAN/CNES): This laboratory, led by Jean-Jacques Velasco, conducted a highly competent spectral analysis of the original recording. Their conclusion was that Laurent had "cheated" and that the sound was recorded via radio, not the microphone, implying a hoax. They noted the absence of engine noise in the recording, which would be expected if recorded via microphone.

Debates and Counter-Arguments

The article highlights the disagreements and controversies surrounding the case. Renaud Marhic initially adopted a skeptical tone towards Laurent's account but later produced a detailed report supporting the investigation. The author criticizes Marhic's arguments, particularly his interpretation of the object's shape and his claims about the investigation's methodology.

Bernard Teston is portrayed as a strong skeptic who dismisses the author's findings of non-linear effects and challenges the precision of his spectral analysis. Teston's arguments are presented as attempts to discredit the author's work and support the hoax theory.

The author defends his methodology, explaining the significance of precise measurements and the concept of non-linear effects in sound. He argues that his analysis of the 'te-te' signals showed they were different from the Soviet transhorizon radar signals (Figure 7) and that the recording exhibited characteristics that could not be easily explained by simple radio interference or standard Morse code.

The Hoax Hypothesis and Laurent's Confession

The magazine explores the possibility of a hoax. The 'woodpecker' signal from the Soviet transhorizon radar was a strong candidate for the source of the 'te-te' sounds. However, the author's analysis of this radar signal (Figure 7) showed it to be different from the 'te-te' sounds in Laurent's recording. The Parisian laboratory's conclusion that the recording was made via radio, not the microphone, strongly supported the hoax theory.

In a later development, the author recounts a conversation with Laurent in November 2005. Laurent confessed that his story was not true and that he had made it up, possibly as a prank that escalated. He admitted that his parents had believed him too quickly, leading to the involvement of the media and authorities, which made it difficult for him to retract his story. He expressed remorse for the trouble caused.

Other Cases and Methodological Considerations

The article briefly mentions another UAP sound case from Dampremy, Belgium, recorded in 1974, noting that its sound was more chaotic and different from Laurent's recording. The author emphasizes the importance of objective analysis and criticizes the 'skeptical' approach that dismisses evidence without thorough investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UAP evidence, particularly audio recordings, the role of skepticism in ufology, the challenges of scientific investigation, and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation, seeking to uncover the truth behind UAP claims while acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or fabrication. The author champions a detailed, scientific approach, contrasting it with what he perceives as dismissive skepticism. The issue highlights the complexities of analyzing ambiguous phenomena and the importance of considering multiple perspectives and analytical methods.

Title: Inforespace
Issue Date: December 1988 (Issue 75)
Publisher: SOBEPS
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace delves into the controversial aspects of UFO research, particularly focusing on the Belgian UFO wave and critiquing skeptical viewpoints. It features a strong defense of scientific methodology in analyzing UFO phenomena and addresses accusations of defamation against researchers.

Article: The Repeated Defamations

The article begins by addressing claims made by Bernard Teston, a physics professor, regarding acoustic analysis and frequency analysis, which the author refutes. It then focuses on Marc Hallet, a fervent opponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, who has disseminated Teston's affirmations. Hallet is accused of misrepresenting the work of UFO investigators, particularly concerning the Nort-sur-Erdre case, and of attempting to discredit the scientific rigor of their findings. The author highlights that Teston's intervention predated the publication of the article and that Teston's report did not provide new results contradicting the author's findings. Hallet's book, "Quand les scientifiques déraillent," is also criticized for rehashing and distorting the Nort-sur-Erdre case. Furthermore, Hallet's more recent CD, "Les Arcanes de l'Ufologie," is examined for its historical critique methods, which the author claims distort historical truth, citing the example of the Eupen gendarmes' observations.

The author publicly and insistently calls for Marc Hallet and others to cease their defamatory statements.

References

The issue includes an extensive list of references, citing articles from Inforespace, Ovni-Présence, C.U.B. Bulletin, Actes des Rencontres de Lyon, Le Monde, and various books and publications related to UFO research and physics. These references support the claims and arguments made within the articles.

Book Review: 'Les armées fantômes' by Jean Sider

This section reviews Jean Sider's thirteenth book, "Les armées fantômes," which explores the phenomenon of "phantom armies" and "spectral multitudes." The book is noted for its comprehensive catalog of 170 incidents and its exploration of the hypothesis that humans might be the result of a superior intelligence's creation. An appendix includes over 150 testimonies of UFO sightings by astronomers from 1623 to 1991.

Dossier: Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (UFO Wave in Belgium)

This extensive dossier is presented in two parts, detailing the exceptional wave of UFO sightings that occurred in Belgium from autumn 1989 to summer 1991.

Part 1: UN DOSSIER EXCEPTIONNEL (An Exceptional Dossier)

This part, proposed by SOBEPS, offers a comprehensive look at the Belgian UFO wave. It includes a preface by Jean-Pierre Petit, a day-by-day history of events, a description of the best investigated cases, and an overview of media coverage from global print, TV, and radio. It also features photographic and video evidence, analysis of radar data in collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie, the evolving interest from officials and scientists, a European study project, and a discussion of triangular UFOs abroad, including the 1983-84 American wave. The dossier also addresses the "Stealth" technology and presents initial statistical analyses and personal conclusions from the authors, with a postface by General Wilfried De Brouwer.

This 504-page book contains numerous unpublished cases and over 200 illustrations, including color photographs.

Part 2: UNE ENIGME NON RESOLUE (An Unresolved Enigma)

Published in 1994, this is SOBEPS's second activity report on the Belgian wave. It presents challenges to the political and scientific world based on tens of thousands of investigation reports. The section includes a preface by Isabelle Stengers, exploring the wave as an "anomaly." It details the history of observations, significant cases post-report publication, and remarkable characteristics of the wave, such as flight patterns and physical effects. The analysis of the Petit-Rechain photograph is included, along with a discussion of daytime cases and phenomena observed before the main wave, such as the Eupen incident. The report covers scientific reactions, media commentary, and television interest. It compares testimonial evolution across different media and the press's role in disseminating information. It also explores how to undertake new research based on available observations and analyses, discusses meteorological and radar perturbations (specifically the F-16 radar incident of March 1990), and outlines prospects for scientific ufology and the implications of UFO research for democracy.

These two books are offered together for €37 (1500 FB - 275 FF), with individual volumes priced at €26 (1050 FB - 200 FF).

SOBEPS Activities and Resources

SOBEPS is described as a non-profit association dedicated to the rational observation and study of unidentified aerial phenomena. Its activities are based on volunteer work, including investigations and the dissemination of information through a semiannual review and conferences. The magazine "Inforespace" is produced through the goodwill of collaborators, and its publication schedule may vary.

Members are invited to contribute information and promote the society. They can also become active members by assisting with translation, research, investigations, secretarial work, and coding. The association requests prompt notification of any unusual aerial phenomena observed.

Secretariat - Library

SOBEPS premises are accessible to members by appointment on Saturdays between 2 PM and 6 PM, where they can consult the documentation (books and journals). The phone number 02/524.28.48 is reserved for testimonies, with a 24-hour answering service.

SOBEPS Slides

While the collection of slides is exhausted, SOBEPS offers several exceptional series of color slides with commentaries on their origin. These include three series of 12 slides for €15 per set (or €42 for all three), and two series of 12 slides on the Belgian wave for €18.5 for both sets (24 documents).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critique of skeptical arguments, and the detailed documentation of the Belgian UFO wave. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a scientific approach to ufology, defending the work of researchers against what it perceives as unfounded criticism and defamation. The magazine promotes the work of SOBEPS as a serious entity dedicated to understanding these phenomena through careful observation and analysis.