Inforespace - No 15 - 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 15, 3rd year
Date: 1974
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Type: Bimonthly review

This issue of Inforespace, a Belgian publication focused on cosmology, space phenomena, and prehistory, presents a comprehensive look at the UFO phenomenon in 1974. The magazine is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Gérard Dohmen, founder of the Belgian Ufology Federation (FBU).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Editor-in-Chief Michel Bougard, highlights the unprecedented global interest in UFOs in recent months, fueled by a wave of worldwide sightings. Bougard notes the media's varied reactions, sometimes giving undue attention to minor events while overlooking significant cases. He references the Concorde 001 incident, where a photograph sparked widespread debate, and commends Jean-Claude Bourret's objective presentation of the UFO problem on France-Inter, including an interview with the French Minister of Armies, R. Galley, who acknowledged the issue. The editorial also points to the increasing coverage of UFOs in scientific publications like 'Science & Vie,' which featured an objective approach and statistical work by Claude Poher. Bougard concludes by emphasizing the need for continued public information and study of the phenomenon, stating that "truth is at this price."

Table of Contents

The issue features a detailed table of contents, including:

• Editorial (p. 2)
• History of Unidentified Flying Objects (p. 3)
• Rock Engravings of British Columbia (p. 10)
• Neither Cubic nor Salzburgian (p. 13)
• The Importance of Equilibrium (p. 14)
• The Scientific Method and the UFO Phenomenon (p. 17)
• The Photo File of Inforespace (p. 22)
• Regarding the "Black Hole" that Allegedly Caused the Destruction of the Taiga (p. 24)
• Plasmas and Plasmoids (p. 24)
• Our Investigations (p. 27)
• International News (p. 35)
• Chronicle of UFOs (p. 42)

Historical Overview of Unidentified Flying Objects

This section provides a chronological account of UFO sightings and related events, primarily from the early to mid-1960s:

• October 1961: The International UFO-Congress was held in Wiesbaden, Germany, with over 1,000 participants.
• January 1, 1961: In La Victoria, Venezuela, an UFO allegedly lifted a truck off the road, causing it to overturn.
• January 19, 1961: A U.S. Air Force communiqué stated that no material evidence of flying saucers had been found.
• November 1961: Wilbert Smith reportedly showed Admiral Knowles a fragment of a flying saucer.
• June 3, 1961: Four people in Savona, Italy, witnessed a large bubble form on the sea, from which a cone-on-disc shaped object emerged.
• 1961: Carl G. Jung's book "Un Mythe Moderne" discussed UFOs in terms of psychological phenomena.
• September 19, 1961: Barney and Betty Hill reported an encounter with a bright, cigar-shaped object near Lancaster, New Hampshire, USA, experiencing missing time and subsequent physical and psychological effects. Their account was investigated by Walter Webb of NICAP.
• Early 1964: Major Hector V. Quintanilla took over Project Blue Book, and NICAP published "The UFO Evidence."
• April 8, 1963: A Gemini capsule was reportedly escorted by four unidentified spacecraft.
• April 9, 1963: M. Florence Ferrer reported an encounter with a bizarre, luminous object near El Quisco, Chile.
• May 1963: Major Gordon Cooper reportedly spotted an UFO during his space mission, but was not authorized to comment.
• June 18, 1963: Cosmonaut Valeri Bikovky reported being followed by an "egg-shaped" object.
• October 12, 1963: A large, luminous object was observed near Venado Tuerto, Argentina, from which three tall, luminous beings emerged.
• October 25, 1963: Pilots flying between Saint-Louis and Michell AFB observed UFOs that changed size and shape.
• November 16, 1963: Young people in Hythe, UK, reported seeing an oval light and a dark, human-like figure with bat-like wings.
• December 21, 1963: An incandescent disc was observed near the Buenos Aires airport.
• December 27, 1963: Wilbert Smith, head of Project Magnet, passed away.

Scientific Method and the UFO Phenomenon

This section discusses the scientific community's engagement with UFOs. It highlights the efforts of organizations like GEPA (Groupement d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens) in France, which aimed to engage the scientific community rather than official services. The article quotes René Fouéré, who stressed the importance of convincing scientists with high-quality arguments. It also references the work of Dr. Donald Menzel and Joseph Allen Hynek, with Hynek criticizing the U.S. Air Force's statistical methods for analyzing UFO reports and asserting that witnesses are often honest and serious individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the challenges of scientific investigation into the phenomenon, and the growing public and media interest in the subject. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michel Bougard, is one of advocating for continued research, open information dissemination, and a serious scientific approach to understanding UFOs, rejecting passive observation in favor of active inquiry. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between public fascination and scientific skepticism by presenting evidence and analysis.

This issue of OVNI magazine, published in 1974, features a cover story titled "La méthode scientifique et le phénomène OVNI" (The Scientific Method and the UFO Phenomenon). The magazine explores various facets of UFO research, including eyewitness accounts, archaeological evidence, and theoretical discussions.

Eyewitness Accounts

The issue presents several detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings:

• Chilean Interview (Ref. 51, p. 34): A report mentions an interview with an individual who was subjected to a rigorous interrogation by NASA, involving a spectrum analysis device. The individual was invited by NASA, with all expenses paid, but ultimately refused the offer for personal reasons.
• Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA (April 9, 1964, 8:10 PM) (Ref. 10, p. 23): A single witness observed a cloud-like phenomenon. The central part of the cloud suddenly became brilliant, and an object emerged. The witness described the object as having several rows of dark, hollow 'windows' framed by a metallic border. The phenomenon gave the impression of a gigantic object, executed a turn, became blurred to the spectator's eyes, and then faded away.
• New York State, USA (April 11, 1964) (Ref. 10, p. 23): A physiotherapist and his family reported an observation that began with what they thought was a very large jet airplane trail moving from northeast to southwest. This white trail was unusually wide, and the black part of it was attributed to the angle of sunlight. The white vapor trail dissipated, but then a black spiral formation, about a mile long, appeared. This spiral became darker and produced smoke-like 'fumerolles.' It approached a silhouetted cloud system and then rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position, resembling an airplane surrounded by smoke. It then stopped, remained suspended for two to three minutes, and descended into the clouds before disappearing. Later, a horizontal, crayon-shaped object appeared, estimated to be as large as a submarine, moving from left to right. A flash of white light came from its rear, and it then became thicker in the middle, emitting smoke, and jumped backward a distance equal to its forward movement. It then stopped, became shorter, and appeared as a saucer shape, then a perfect roundness, before dividing into two parts. The upper part became smaller and disappeared, while the lower object descended at a 45-degree angle to where the 'banana' shaped object had disappeared. This lower object then divided again, one part taking the form of a vertical crayon and the other oval, before both vanished. This entire episode lasted about 45 minutes and ended at dusk.

Primhistory and Archaeology: Rock Carvings of British Columbia

This section, authored by Jacques Scornaux, discusses significant archaeological discoveries in British Columbia, Canada, focusing on rock carvings and paintings. The author references works by John Corner and Edward F. Meade, highlighting the stylized nature and artistic value of these carvings, suggesting they were created by skilled artists.

• Uniqueness of Canadian Carvings: While similar rock art exists in Tassili, Val Camonica, and Australia, the Canadian examples are unique due to their relative antiquity, dating back only a few hundred years, compared to thousands of years for others. The practice ceased abruptly around 1860.
• Interpretation of Figures: The article discusses various interpretations of these carvings. Some figures are described as evoking fusiform craft occupied by human-like beings, with one showing an ejection of smoke or vapor and another an 'landing gear.' Other figures with large heads and no facial features, or surrounded by a helmet, are compared to similar engravings found elsewhere.
• Cayuse Creek and Kootenay Lake: Paintings from Cayuse Creek and Kootenay Lake are mentioned, depicting what appear to be 'fusiform craft' with occupants.
• Cap Alava, Washington: A carving found in Cap Alava, USA, shows a sailing ship alongside a 'flying saucer' with a double dome and ring, described as a classic representation.
• Christina Lake: A particularly impressive drawing from a small cave near Christina Lake features a disc-shaped object with emanating lines, possibly representing light or exhaust. Human figures are included to indicate the object's elevation above the ground.
• Artistic Skill: The author argues that the detailed and realistic depictions suggest the artists were highly skilled and not merely indulging in fanciful creations.

The 'Salzburg Cube' Revisited

This section, also by Jacques Scornaux, revisits the controversial 'Salzburg cube' artifact. The article aims to correct previous misconceptions about its discovery and nature.

• Discovery: The object was found in the autumn of 1885 in a foundry in Schondorf, Upper Austria, by a worker breaking coal blocks from the Wollsegg mine. It was examined by Dr. Adolf Gurlt, a mining engineer.
• Misconceptions: Contrary to popular belief, the object was never transported to the Salzburg Museum but rather to the Linz Museum, and even then, only temporarily. The article suggests confusion may have arisen from the similarity of names.
• Current Location: The object has not disappeared and is still visible at the Helmathaus (regional museum) in Vöcklabrück, Upper Austria. A plaster cast is also available at the Oberosterreichisches Landesmuseum in Linz.
• Scientific Analysis: A fragment was analyzed by electron microscopy at the Natural History Museum of Vienna in 1966. The analysis revealed no cobalt, chrome, or nickel, ruling out a meteoritic origin. It did contain a small amount of manganese, leading researchers to conclude it was a simple piece of cast iron, likely used as ballast in old mine machinery.
• Origin: The article questions whether the object was found *in* the coal or simply *among* the coal blocks, suggesting it might have been present before the coal was broken up.
• Shape Description: The description of the object as having a 'regular structure' is questioned, with the author suggesting it might have come from a rough mold, with the median incision marking the separation of the mold parts.

The Importance of Balance: UFOs and the Scientific Approach

This extensive section, attributed to Brinsley Le Poer Trench and translated by Jacques Scornaux, discusses the challenges and complexities of studying UFOs from a scientific perspective.

• Scope of UFO Research: The author notes the vastness and complexity of the UFO subject, with many unanswered questions and a lack of general consensus on numerous aspects.
• Origin Theories: Several theories regarding the origin of UFOs are presented: 1. From our own solar system or other galaxies. 2. From invisible, interpenetrating universes. 3. From the depths of the oceans (referencing Ivan Sanderson's book). 4. From the past or future (time travelers). 5. From the center of the Earth (hollow Earth theory). 6. A combination of the above.
• Visitor Descriptions: The issue of alleged landings by extraterrestrial entities is discussed, with descriptions varying widely, from giants to robot-like humanoids. The author suggests these diverse descriptions indicate visitors from various origins.
• Visitor Intentions: A significant debate among ufologists concerns whether visitors are friendly, hostile, or indifferent. Four viewpoints are presented: 1. All visitors are friendly. 2. Most UFOs are hostile. 3. Visitors are conducting long-term scientific investigations and are neutral. 4. A battle is occurring between forces of good and evil, with both friendly and hostile entities present.
• The 'Missing Link' Hypothesis: The idea that extraterrestrials might be the 'missing link' in Darwin's theory of evolution is explored, referencing Otto Binder's work and biblical verses.
• Abductions and Teleportation: The article touches upon reports of aircraft and people being abducted, cattle mutilations, medical examinations aboard spacecraft (Hill case), and sexual experiences (Antonio Villas Boas case), as well as 'teleportation' and the phenomenon of 'Men in Black.'
• Scientific Method and UFOs: The author critically examines the application of the scientific method to UFO phenomena. He stresses that science is characterized by prudence and honesty, requiring constant re-evaluation of hypotheses based on facts.
• Prudence: Avoiding hasty conclusions, repeating experiments, and subjecting hypotheses to factual control.
• Honesty: Describing observations accurately and accepting factual evidence that contradicts cherished ideas.
• Principle of Parsimony: When faced with multiple hypotheses, the simplest explanation that accounts for the facts should be preferred. Science, as a working hypothesis, is materialistic, seeking explanations within the framework of matter and energy.
• Challenges for Scientists: The article posits that many scientists dismiss UFOs due to a lack of information and a predisposition to reject unconventional ideas. They may lack the time to engage with specialized literature or find the available information fragmented and mixed with speculation.
• Skepticism and Passion: Scientists may react with skepticism, sometimes violently, to phenomena that do not fit their established understanding of natural laws. They can also adopt passionate, non-objective positions.
• Balance and Specialization: The author emphasizes the need for balance in UFO research, cautioning against being swayed solely by pseudoscientific messages or by an overly narrow focus. While specialization is necessary due to the subject's vastness, researchers should maintain a holistic view.
• Mediumship and 'Ashtar' Messages: A strong warning is issued against the dangers of uncritically accepting messages purportedly from extraterrestrial entities via mediums, particularly those attributed to 'Ashtar.' The author notes the contradictions in such messages and highlights the work of John A. Keel in exposing fraudulent communications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of applying scientific rigor to their study, and the critical examination of evidence, whether it be eyewitness testimony, archaeological findings, or purported communications from extraterrestrial sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, urging researchers to maintain a balanced and critical approach, avoiding both dogmatic rejection and uncritical acceptance of phenomena and claims. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific method as a tool for navigating this complex subject, while acknowledging its limitations and the potential for bias. The magazine also seems to advocate for a holistic understanding of the UFO phenomenon, integrating various types of evidence and perspectives.

This issue of Inforespace, dated September 1973, focuses on the photographic documentation and scientific investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover features a photo dossier of UFOs, with specific attention given to sightings in Tokyo and Brussels.

Scientific Scrutiny and Ufology

The magazine critically examines the scientific community's approach to UFO phenomena. It addresses the common arguments used to dismiss or avoid researching UFOs, such as the lack of sufficient evidence and the reliance on testimonial evidence. The author argues that these objections are often based on a misunderstanding of the scientific method or a resistance to confronting potentially paradigm-shifting facts. The issue highlights that many scientific endeavors begin with limited evidence and that the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while potentially unsettling, is presented as the most plausible scientific explanation given the current state of evidence.

The Plasma Theory and UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the plasma theory as a potential explanation for UFOs. It explains what plasmas are—ionized gases with unique properties—and how they can be formed and behave. The article discusses the work of J. Philip Klass, who proposed that plasmas could explain many UFO sightings. However, it also notes the criticisms of this theory, particularly regarding the instability and specific formation conditions of plasmas, which may not align with the duration and characteristics of many UFO observations. The concept of 'plasmoids' is also introduced as a related phenomenon.

Case Studies and Evidence

Tokyo UFO Photographs

The issue details a specific case from Tokyo, Japan, in September 1973, where a student, Yoshiaki Kato, photographed what appeared to be UFOs near the Tokyo Tower. The photographs were taken with a Canon FTb camera, and the event was corroborated by witnesses, including Kato's mother and neighbors. The article notes that the photos were later published in the press.

Brussels UFO Sighting

Another case study describes a UFO sighting in Brussels, Belgium, on July 5, 1972. A witness, M. Saillé, observed a silver, oval-shaped object hovering and then moving rapidly across the sky. He managed to photograph the object. The report details the object's unusual behavior, including its rapid oscillations while stationary and its subsequent continuous movement. The witness also noted the reaction of pigeons to the object, which flew away, while his dog showed no alarm.

The Tunguska Event and Black Holes

The magazine also revisits the Tunguska event of 1908, discussing a hypothesis published in the journal Nature suggesting that a 'black hole' passing through Earth could have caused the explosion. The author critiques this theory by pointing out discrepancies with established facts about the event, such as the speed and trajectory of the supposed black hole.

Scientific Limitations and Future Research

The articles emphasize the challenges in studying phenomena like UFOs, particularly the reluctance of some scientists to engage with evidence that doesn't fit existing paradigms. The issue advocates for a rigorous application of the scientific method, even when dealing with unconventional subjects, and suggests that current scientific understanding may not be exhaustive. It highlights the need for continued research and open-mindedness in exploring unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of scientific skepticism towards UFOs, the exploration of scientific theories (like plasma physics) that might explain these phenomena, and the presentation of photographic and testimonial evidence from specific sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more open and rigorous scientific approach to ufology, challenging the dismissive attitudes prevalent in some scientific circles, and presenting the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a valid, albeit complex, line of inquiry.

This issue of OVNI magazine, identified as issue number 37, delves into several intriguing UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) cases, with a strong emphasis on photographic analysis and witness testimony. The publication, likely from Belgium given the publisher's location and the language, features detailed investigations into sightings from the 1960s and 1970s.

Case Study 1: M. Saillé's Photograph Analysis

The issue begins with an analysis of a photograph taken by M. Saillé, which captures a blurry object in the sky. The article details the process of examining the photograph, including enlargement and comparison with the witness's hand-drawn sketches. The analysis attempts to determine the object's proportions, altitude, and trajectory relative to the witness's apartment and the surrounding landscape. Key findings include that the object was higher than depicted in the sketch and that its apparent descent might be due to its movement away from the observer. The photograph itself is described as having poor quality, with smudges and vertical bands, and the object appears as a tiny point, less than a millimeter in width, covering about 1/4 of a degree of the horizon. The camera used was a Box Ferrania with Kodak VP 120 film (125 ASA). Despite the technical limitations, the article suggests that the case has many guarantees of authenticity.

Case Study 2: The "Luminous Roof" of Montignies-sur-Sambre

This section details an observation by M. A.G. on December 15, 1965, in Montignies-sur-Sambre, Belgium. M. A.G., a 43-year-old former miner, observed a powerful, stationary, white luminous plaque in the sky around 10:30 PM. The object, described as having a roof-like shape, was oriented north-northwest to south-southeast. It displayed color bands ranging from white to yellow, orange, and red. The object's apparent size was comparable to the full moon, with estimated dimensions of 150-300 meters in length and 50-75 meters in width. The luminosity was strong but not blinding. The observation lasted about 12 minutes, after which M. A.G. returned home. He later observed the phenomenon again from his garden, noting a slight shift in angle. His wife also witnessed the event. The object then began to vibrate and ascended vertically at high speed. The article includes a map of the area and a sketch of the phenomenon. The analysis of this case emphasizes the witness's good eyesight and the unusual shape of the object, which had not been previously described in UFO literature. The author, Yves Vézant, concludes that M. A.G. likely imagined the observation in good faith and was unaware of the broader UFO phenomenon.

Case Study 3: The Orange Bubble of Chaudfontaine

This report describes an observation by Mlle M.-P. Joiret on the morning of December 9, 1972, in Chaudfontaine, Belgium. While waiting for a ride to school, she saw a yellowish-red luminous sphere emerge from behind a house roof. The object moved silently at low altitude and slow speed, emitting sparks periodically. It was described as being the apparent size of an orange. The observation lasted about three minutes, during which the object disappeared at an estimated altitude of 500 meters. The witness's parents were informed several days later. The article notes that Mlle Joiret had no prior interest in UFOs, but her mother did. A curious detail mentioned is that the witness's watch stopped after the observation. The investigation suggests the object was likely flying at an altitude between 50 and 100 meters, with a diameter estimated between 4 and 8 meters. The direction of movement was from west-northwest to east-southeast. The region is geologically interesting, with natural springs and a subterranean water course.

Case Study 4: The UFO of Turin

This section recounts an event that occurred in December 1973, involving a UFO sighting above the Turin-Caselle Airport in Italy. The report is based on information from Italian correspondents and a publication called "Domenica Del Corriere." The primary witness is Riccardo Marano, a 28-year-old pilot who was preparing to land his Piper Cub when air traffic control alerted him to a UFO approximately 400 meters from his path, at an altitude of 1200 meters. Radar operators also tracked the object. Marano was guided towards it and observed a luminous sphere, described as a "gigantic neon lamp," with variable intensity. The object then engaged in rapid, complex maneuvers, including dives and high-speed lateral movements. Marano pursued the object for about 8 minutes until he ran out of fuel autonomy, estimating its speed at 500 to 900 km/h. The object was heading towards Genoa. The testimony was corroborated by radar data from Colonel Rustichelli, commander of the military airport, who described the object as a luminous point of intensity comparable to a DC-8 or Boeing 707. Two Alitalia pilots, Commandant Tranquillio and Commandant Mezzaliami, also reported observing a similar luminous object. Mezzaliami described it as much brighter than a star or artificial satellite, with a fixed white or blue glow. The article mentions that a few days prior, on November 25, M. Franco Contin had taken photographs of a luminous object in Susa, Italy, which was later observed moving at high speed. An official explanation suggested the Turin object was a red sounding balloon launched from Lyon, but the magazine questions this, citing the object's speed and the military alert.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimony with a critical yet open-minded approach. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, aiming to gather and analyze evidence, including photographs and detailed accounts. There is a clear effort to provide scientific and analytical perspectives, as seen in the detailed breakdown of M. Saillé's photograph and the geometric calculations for the Montignies-sur-Sambre sighting. The magazine also acknowledges the skepticism surrounding UFOs, particularly concerning the potential for misidentification or hoaxes, but emphasizes the need for further study. The recurring theme is the presentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on detailed case studies and the challenges of verification. The publication seems to encourage further investigation and welcomes explanations from readers, leaving many cases open-ended.

Public Meeting Announcement

A public meeting organized by SOBEPS is announced for Tuesday, May 28th, at 8:15 PM in Courcelles, Belgium. The event will feature a presentation by M. Michel Bougard on the major aspects of UFO phenomena over the past 20 years, followed by a debate on recent UFO news in Belgium and worldwide. Books related to ufology will be available for purchase.

Book Reviews

Two recent books are advertised: "Disparitions Mystérieuses" by Patrice Gaston and "Les Objets Volants Non Identifiés: Mythe Ou Réalité?" by Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The latter is highlighted as a seminal work on UFOs, presenting Dr. Hynek's ideas, classification method, and analysis of witness behavior.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 44
Volume: 21
Date: July-August 1973
Publisher: SOCIETE BELGE D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (SOBEPS)
Country: Belgium
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Inforespace, the organ of the Belgian Society for the Study of Spatial Phenomena (SOBEPS), presents a collection of intriguing reports and historical accounts related to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).

Article 1: The Annapurna Ballet

This section details an extraordinary observation made by two young Englishmen, Stephen Gill and Roderick Baird, in Nepal on April 18, 1972. While bathing in the Phewa Tal lake near Pokhara, they witnessed a swarm of black points assembling into a moving shape that passed from south to north in under five seconds. Roderick Baird, initially not seeing anything, later observed a group of points moving at a higher altitude. The phenomenon evolved into what they described as 'condensed' disk-like 'soucoupes' that hovered, accelerated, and displayed varied movements without any audible noise. These objects, described as gray and slightly luminous, showed no visible structure. Baird alone witnessed two smaller disks merge into a larger one. After about 15 to 20 seconds, the objects dissipated, leaving behind a ring of smoke. Baird managed to take one photograph of a subsequent aerial formation moving westwards. The editor, Charles Bowen of Flying Saucer Review, was reportedly impressed by the seriousness and sobriety of their account, deeming it too fantastic and unusual to have been invented.

Article 2: UFOs on a Walk?

This case, originating from Yugoslavia, presents sightings of strange 'beings' rather than definitively identified UFOs. On October 6 and 7, 1972, near Ljubljana, Slovenia, an innkeeper, Mme H., observed two white-robed figures with dark faces walking along a hilltop. The figures, about one meter tall, wore white robes reaching the ground, a black belt, and round black caps. Their faces were indistinct, possibly due to distance (at least 150 meters). The beings' feet were described as serpentine, with bright almond-shaped eyes. Mme H. followed them briefly but had to return to her inn. Later, a client of the inn mentioned that his children had been frightened by two white figures with white hoods and black bodies, who appeared to be crawling on their hands and knees. These beings were seen near a Fiat 750, whose headlights were on. The concordance between Mme H.'s and the children's accounts is noted.

Article 3: Au cœur de l'Asie (2) - From Past Chronicles to Modern Accounts

This section continues a series exploring historical accounts of aerial phenomena, focusing on Asia. It references earlier texts from India, Tibet, and China that mention astonishing aerial vessels from millennia ago. It then delves into Chinese manuscripts (Chuang-tsu, Liu-shi-ch'un ch'iu, Hua-non-Tsu) describing events such as ten suns appearing in the sky in 2346 BC, leading to calamities. The article also cites the Japanese Kojiki (712 AD) and Nihongi (720 AD), which recount numerous strange celestial events, including planetary conjunctions that were not astronomical in nature, and nine suns appearing in 9 BC, similar to the Chinese account. More recent Japanese sightings include three round, brilliant objects in 989 AD and two objects releasing small spheres in 1015 AD.

Article 4: Historical Sightings in Japan

This part of the 'Au cœur de l'Asie' series details specific historical sightings in Japan. A 'great silver disk' approached the ground in 1133. In 1180, a luminous object resembling a 'terracotta nacelle' took off from a mountain and changed course. In 1235, General Yoritsume's army witnessed lights in the sky, which were explained as a rare natural phenomenon involving wind moving stars. In 1271, during the condemnation of Nichiren, a luminous object resembling the full moon appeared, causing panic and saving him from execution. In 1361, a 'drum-shaped' object, about twenty feet in diameter, emerged from an island. In 1458, a brilliant object followed by 'bizarre signs' was seen, and later, five stars formed a circle around the moon in Kyoto. A more convincing observation from 1468 involved a dark object making a 'wheel-like noise' that flew from Mount Kasuga towards Osaka Bay. In 1606, 'fireballs' were seen over Kyoto, with one sphere hovering over Nijo-jo castle. In 1749, three circular objects resembling the moon were observed for four consecutive days.

Article 5: Historical Sightings in Tibet and the Himalayas

This section presents two modern, yet pre-1947, accounts of UFOs. E.G. Schary's book 'A la recherche des Mahatmas du Tibet' describes an event in July or August 1917 near the Kailas Parbat massif. As the observer's camp was being set up, a large, brilliant, silver-colored disk, resembling a globe, rose above the hills and moved rapidly. It changed direction and disappeared into the intense blue sky. The observer used binoculars to see its oval, luminous surface. Another remarkable observation is recounted from Nicholas Roerich's 1929 book, 'Altai-Himalaya,' detailing an event on August 5, 1926. While in the Koukounor district, caravan members observed an unusually large black eagle, and then, above it, a large, brilliant object reflecting the sun, described as an enormous oval moving at high speed. It changed direction and disappeared into the sky. The article concludes by noting the remarkable continuity of sightings of unusual flying craft in Asia, from antiquity to recent times.

References and SOBEPS Information

The issue includes references to various books and publications, including 'Flying Saucer Review,' 'Inforespace' itself, and works by authors like Jacques Vallée and P. Kolosimo. It also provides information on how to support SOBEPS, including ordering stickers and using their bank and postal accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical and contemporary observation of UFOs and UAPs, with a particular focus on sightings in Asia (Nepal, Japan, Tibet) and South America (Argentina). The magazine presents detailed witness testimonies and historical accounts, emphasizing the need for serious investigation and open discussion of these phenomena, regardless of how surprising they may seem. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and accounts without sensationalism, and encouraging further research and data accumulation.