Inforespace - No 16 - 1974

Magazine Overview

This issue of inforespace, identified as number 16 of its 3rd year and published in 1974, is a bimonthly review from SOBEPS asbl, the Belgian Society for the Study of Space Phenomena. The cover prominently features the themes of "cosmology, space phenomena, prehistory." The publication is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Gérard Dohmen, President of the "Groupe D" and founder of the Belgian Federation of Ufology (FBU).

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Michel Bougard, Editor-in-Chief, emphasizes that SOBEPS, though young, is driven by dedicated individuals. It highlights the work of investigators and researchers striving for objective analysis of the UFO problem. The editorial stresses the importance of informing the public and avoiding an insular approach, urging members to help spread awareness of the UFO phenomenon as a crucial issue of the 20th century. It thanks the press, particularly MM. José Fostié and Gérard Des Marez, for providing platforms for discussion. The goal is not only to inform but also to convince the public of the reality of UFOs and to draw the attention of scientists to neglected areas of research.

Articles and Content

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

This section presents a chronological compilation of UFO sightings and related events:

• April 24, 1964 (Socorro, New Mexico): Police officer Lonnie Zamora pursued a vehicle and then witnessed a bluish, orange-tinged flame. He observed an oval object, about 3.5-4.5 meters in size, with four legs, and two small humanoid beings beneath it. The object ascended rapidly, causing a sensation of suffocation in Zamora. The landing site showed imprints and burnt bushes.
• April 24, 1964 (Tioga City, New York): Farmer Gary T. Wilcox saw a whitish, metallic object in his field. Two humanoid beings emerged and conversed with him in English, expressing interest in agriculture. The object then flew north, leaving behind red dust.
• May 17, 1965 (Ohio): A flamboyant object was observed maneuvering at low altitude in Wooster and Smithville, then in Lawrence and Burbank. It made noise, changed color, interfered with police radio, and seemed to be preparing to land. Abnormal radioactivity was detected.
• July 7, 1965 (USA): Nine people witnessed an object that caused television interference. The silent object, about tree-top height, hovered over a neighbor's garden.
• July 12, 1965 (Leningrad to Moscow): A TU 104 aircraft was accompanied by a UFO that emerged from beneath its fuselage and flew away at high speed.
• July 28, 1965 (Lake Chelan, Washington): An ex-naval pilot and another person observed a circular object, about 10 meters in diameter, descending with a whistling sound. They heard strident voices like children's. The object disappeared after 40 minutes.
• October 22, 1964 (England): Wavenay Girvan, director of the Flying Saucer Review, died prematurely. Her case files disappeared, but the review continued to be a significant publication on the subject.
• November 14, 1965 (Adhara, Argentina): Professor Benito Reyna observed an object that approached the Echo II satellite, performed a sharp avoidance maneuver, and then disappeared. It reappeared and repeated the maneuver before heading towards Canopus.
• December 25, 1964 (Warminster, Great Britain): A series of unusual events occurred, including strange noises, pigeons falling from the sky, and reports of rats with holes in their bodies. Objects were heard falling on rooftops.
• April 1965 (Warminster, Great Britain): Bizarre ground noises were reported, followed by luminous phenomena, including a cigar-shaped UFO observed by Reverend Graham Philips. Photographs of oblong luminous shapes were taken.
• 1965 (USA): The year was dubbed "the year of the flying saucer" due to a large number of observations. The Blue Book commission recorded 886 UFO sightings. Herbert Roth created the Volunteer Flight Officer Network to collect pilot reports.
• January 1965 (Washington D.C.): Twelve to fifteen white, ovoid objects flew over the Capitol, tracked by radar and pursued by military aircraft.
• June 4, 1965 (Orbit): Astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White photographed a UFO with extensions while in orbit, and later observed two similar objects over the Caribbean.
• 1965 (France): Maurice Masse, a farmer in Valensole, observed an egg-shaped object resting on a pivot and four legs, with two small beings collecting plant samples. The object took off, leaving complex star-shaped traces.

Primhistory et Archéologie (Prehistory and Archaeology)

This section, titled "Paratonnerre, pile, galvanoplastie,... dans l'antiquité" (Lightning rod, battery, electroplating,... in antiquity), explores the idea that electrical energy was known and utilized in ancient times. It cites PICHON, who suggests that applications like lightning rods, magnets, and batteries were known as early as the 10th century BC in Jerusalem and the Chinese Empire. The etymology of "electricity" (from Greek "elektron" for amber) and "magnetism" (from "magnes," the lodestone) is discussed. The article highlights the "Bagdad Batteries" as evidence of ancient electrical use. The discovery of these terracotta jars, each containing a copper cylinder and an iron rod, is detailed, with variations in accounts regarding the date, location, and discoverer (Wilhelm Koèning or a German engineer). The Philips company provided a communication stating the batteries were discovered in 1936 near Bagdad and could produce a potential difference of over 0.5 volts when filled with acetic acid.

Communication

A brief announcement notes that Belgian television will broadcast a program on UFOs titled "Sérieux ou pas?" (Serious or not?) on Friday, August 9th, featuring cases collected by SOBEPS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the exploration of ancient technologies and their potential connection to phenomena beyond current understanding, and the promotion of ufology as a serious field of study. The editorial stance is one of advocating for public awareness, scientific rigor, and open investigation into the UFO phenomenon, challenging skepticism and encouraging a re-evaluation of existing knowledge. The magazine aims to present evidence objectively and to foster a deeper understanding of these unexplained events.

This issue of "Planète" magazine, identified as issue number 14, delves into the intriguing intersection of ancient technologies and modern unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and telepathic encounters. The content suggests a re-evaluation of historical knowledge, positing that ancient civilizations may have possessed a more advanced understanding of science and technology than is commonly accepted.

Ancient Technologies and Electricity

The magazine explores evidence suggesting the use of electricity and advanced techniques in antiquity. It highlights the discovery of the "Baghdad battery," described as a set of clay jars containing copper cylinders and iron rods, which could have generated a weak electrical current. The article discusses how this technology might have been used for electroplating, citing the example of gold-covered ancient artifacts. The existence of "perpetual lamps" is also examined, with historical accounts from various cultures, including Egypt, Rome, and Greece, describing lamps that allegedly burned for centuries without fuel. These accounts are presented as potential evidence of advanced energy sources or technologies, possibly related to electricity or even radioactivity.

The Baghdad Battery and Electroplating

The "Baghdad battery" is presented as a significant artifact, with its potential to generate electricity. The article connects this to the technique of galvanoplasty, or electroplating, which requires a continuous electrical source. It references discoveries of gold-plated artifacts dating back to 2500 BC, suggesting that such techniques were known and utilized in ancient times. The discovery of these batteries in Mesopotamia is discussed, with speculation about their purpose and origin, possibly linked to Egyptian technology.

Perpetual Lamps

Numerous historical accounts of perpetual lamps are recounted. These include a lamp in the temple of Jupiter-Amon, a golden lamp described by Pausanias in the temple of Minerva, and a lamp in Egypt's sanctuary of Isis that could not be extinguished by wind or water. The reign of Justinian saw a perpetual lamp found in Antioch that reportedly functioned for over five hundred years. In 1401, the tomb of Pallas near Rome was found illuminated by a lantern that had been lit for over 2000 years. The magazine also mentions a French rabbi named Jechielé from the 12th century who allegedly created a dazzling lamp that lit up spontaneously.

Other Ancient Technologies

Beyond electrical devices, the issue touches upon other advanced ancient concepts. The existence of lightning rods in antiquity is suggested, with the Temple of Solomon reportedly having 24. The story of Numa Pompilius, who could allegedly summon Jupiter's fire (lightning), and his successor Tullus Hostillius, who was killed by it, is recounted. Greek historian Ctésias's account of two swords that could ward off storms is also mentioned, possibly a lyrical description of a lightning rod.

Maurice Denis-Papin's hypothesis that the Ark of the Covenant might have been an electrical capacitor is explored, drawing parallels between its description and the precautions taken for its transport.

The Coso Object

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Coso object," discovered in California in 1961. This artifact, found within a geode, consists of a hard ceramic casing and a metallic rod. Radiographic analysis revealed similarities to a modern spark plug. The geode's estimated age of 500,000 years raises questions about the object's true origin and age, with speculation ranging from a modern hoax to an artifact of extreme antiquity.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine reports on several modern unexplained aerial phenomena.

Aische-en-Refail Incident

On January 24, 1973, near Aische-en-Refail, Belgium, a witness named Mme N. D. reported an encounter with a red, dome-shaped object. While driving, her car's engine stalled, the radio went silent, and the vehicle stopped. The object, described as having distinct colored sections (red top, yellow middle, white base with black dots), hovered, ascended, and descended several times before moving away. The incident caused no secondary effects on the witness, but the car experienced a temporary electrical issue. Investigations at the site found no unusual radioactivity or geological anomalies.

Schneider Case (Telepathic Encounter)

In Brazil, around September 26-27, 1968, Henrique Schneider Junior, a chemist, reported a telepathic encounter with two "silhouettes" in his pottery factory's courtyard. He experienced paralysis and received mental responses to his unspoken questions. The "silhouettes" communicated that they were from "MERS" (possibly referring to Mars) and were on a precise route when attracted by smoke from his kiln. They described their movement via a geometric panel and a conveyor belt system. The object itself was described as conical with three supporting legs. The incident left physical traces, including a burned circle on the ground and damage to nearby vehicles and roof tiles, possibly due to the object's departure.

New Hampshire Sighting

On March 28, 1973, three astronomy students at Belknap College in New Hampshire, USA, observed a red, flashing "night light" in the sky. Through a 12-inch reflector telescope, they described it as an oval, dull red object with a flocculent perimeter. A red light pulsed within the object, suggesting rotation. A smaller 6-inch telescope was also used for observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the idea that ancient civilizations possessed technologies far beyond our current understanding, challenging conventional historical timelines. The magazine presents UFO sightings and telepathic phenomena as credible subjects for investigation, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial or unknown intelligences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, urging readers to focus on factual evidence rather than preconceived notions of belief or disbelief. The authors emphasize the importance of rigorous investigation and the collection of eyewitness testimony, even when dealing with seemingly extraordinary claims.

This issue of Inforespace, dated May-June 1973, delves into significant UFO (OVNI) cases and related scientific and philosophical discussions. The magazine features detailed accounts of sightings, photographic evidence analysis, and expert opinions, aiming to foster a scientific approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

The OVNI of Concorde 001

The issue prominently features the 'OVNI de Concorde 001' case, referring to a photograph taken aboard Concorde 001 on June 30, 1973, at 12:15 UTC, while flying over Chad at 17,000 meters altitude during a solar eclipse. The photograph, which was leaked to the press, shows a luminous elliptical spot. After being enlarged 150 times, it revealed an object resembling a classic UFO: a rounded yellow base, a red conical trunk, and a blackish cylinder, all surrounded by a fuzzy halo. The photo was taken by Jean Begot and analyzed by astrophysicist Serge Koutchmy from the Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris. Their analysis reportedly found no flaws in the film or other phenomena that could explain the anomaly. The object's size was estimated to be around 200 meters in diameter, at a distance of 15 km. However, astrophysicist Pierre Guérin suggested that the phenomenon might be a cloud created by a meteor shower, as the Earth had crossed the Beta Taurids meteor stream that day.

The Lubbock Lights (August 1951)

Another major section focuses on the 'Lubbock Lights' case, which occurred in August 1951 in Lubbock, Texas. The article details multiple sightings and photographic evidence. On August 25, 1951, four professors from the city's Technical College observed blue-green lights moving in a semi-circle. Later that evening, an employee of Sandia Corporation and his wife reported seeing a V-shaped object with black bands and bluish lights moving silently at low altitude.

Over the following weeks, particularly around August 31, the professors observed similar lights multiple times. They noted the lights appeared suddenly at an elevation of about 45 degrees, moving from north to south with an angular speed of 30 degrees per second. Despite attempts to estimate altitude and speed, these remained indeterminate. Hundreds of witnesses reportedly made similar observations in the region.

On the night of August 31, amateur photographer M. Carl Hart Jr. captured several photographs of these lights. He took two initial photos, followed by three more. He described the lights as dull, blue-green, and moving in a V-formation, covering 120 degrees of the sky in 4 seconds. Other witnesses reported similar aerial phenomena, including one woman who described a 'flying blind' object and others who saw 'double grids'. Control tower operators at a nearby airport also reported observing the lights.

One incident involved a 'pear-shaped' object observed near Matador, Texas, by two women. The object, described as metallic and hovering about 140 meters away at an altitude of approximately 40-50 meters, moved slowly against the wind before spiraling upwards and disappearing.

The photographs taken by Carl Hart Jr. were analyzed by the ATIC at Wright Field. While the negatives were found to be dirty and scratched, the lights were clearly visible, and no stars were discernible, suggesting the lights were brighter than stars or impressed the film more strongly. Without reference points, determining altitude, speed, or diameter was impossible. Attempts to replicate the photographic conditions were largely unsuccessful, with experimenters managing only two poor-quality shots in 4 seconds.

Initial explanations for the Lubbock Lights included birds reflecting light, particularly plovers or ducks, which are known to have oily chests that can reflect light. The U.S. Air Force's conclusion was that birds were the likely cause, although the observed angular speed was considered high for migrating birds. Other theories suggested refracted city lights or even a meteor shower.

The Condon Report and Dr. Edward U. Condon

The issue also notes the death of Dr. Edward U. Condon on March 25th, at the age of 72. Dr. Condon was a prominent physicist who directed the controversial U.S. Air Force study that resulted in the 'Condon Report' on UFOs. Despite the often critical view of Condon within the ufology community, the article acknowledges his significant contributions to contemporary physics, including his work on quantum mechanics and nuclear energy.

Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives on UFOs

Jean Sendy, an author known for his work on archaeology and ancient astronaut theories, contributes an article discussing his views on UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. He posits that ancient myths and structures like Stonehenge and the pyramids suggest knowledge beyond the capabilities of early humans, hinting at visits from advanced beings. He contrasts this with the modern phenomenon of UFO sightings, which he believes are distinct from the ancient 'celestial visitors'.

Pierre Guérin is highlighted for his statistical approach to studying UFO phenomena, particularly his observation that UFO sightings often occur along straight lines, such as the 'Bayonne-Vichy' line, and that notable scientists have been born in towns along this line. Guérin suggests that UFO sightings might be related to phenomena originating from deep within the planet, influencing the atmosphere and creating the impression of extraterrestrial craft.

The article also discusses the scientific method and the importance of critical thinking, as advocated by the author. It emphasizes the need to base conclusions on verifiable facts and to remain open to challenging pre-existing beliefs. The author distinguishes between an OVNI (unidentified flying object) and an OVPI (perfectly identified flying object), suggesting that once a UFO is identified, it ceases to be an OVNI.

The 'Grand Secret' and the Impossibility of Extraterrestrial Proof

Jean Sendy explores the concept of a 'Grand Secret' surrounding extraterrestrial visitation. He argues that while no extraterrestrial manufactured object has been definitively identified, the day such proof emerges, it would not be a revolution in understanding human potential, but a total upheaval of our worldview. He suggests that if proof of an extraterrestrial civilization capable of interstellar travel were presented, it would challenge humanity's self-perception of being the most advanced beings in the universe. He speculates that if such proof existed, governments might attempt to keep it secret, not out of censorship, but to manage the profound philosophical and religious implications for the public.

Call for Collaboration and Contact Information

The issue concludes with a call for collaboration from readers, requesting assistance with photographic reproductions and enlargements for the society's work. It also announces a change in the Belgian telephone number for SOBEPS, providing the new number: 02/523.60.13.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to the study of UFO phenomena. It encourages detailed reporting of sightings, photographic evidence, and eyewitness accounts, while also critically examining potential explanations, both conventional and unconventional. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking verifiable data and logical explanations, but not dismissing the possibility of genuinely unexplained aerial phenomena. The issue highlights the tension between skepticism and the pursuit of evidence, emphasizing the importance of methodical investigation and the potential for paradigm shifts in our understanding of the universe.

Title: Etude et Recherche
Issue: 9
Volume: 13
Issue Date: 1908
Publisher: Inforespace
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: L'extraordinaire explosion de 1908 dans la Taïga (9)

The Extraordinary Explosion of 1908 in the Taiga (9)

This article, continuing a series, revisits the inexplicable destruction of 1908 in the Taiga, proposing a torus-shaped object as the cause. The authors estimate the object's altitude to be at least 30 km, possibly much higher, based on observations and atmospheric ionization data. The core of the theory revolves around the concept of a superconducting torus that, upon encountering atmospheric conditions, experiences an implosion leading to a massive energy release.

Atmospheric Phenomena and Implosion

The article details how the ionization of the atmosphere, crucial for maintaining the torus's luminous magnetosphere, becomes a critical factor. As the torus descends, the increasing air density and decreasing mean free path of electrons hinder their ability to gain sufficient energy from the magnetic field to ionize air molecules. This leads to the collapse of the magnetosphere and a subsequent violent expansion of the surrounding air, creating a powerful shockwave capable of destroying the object.

The authors calculate that at an altitude of 60 km, with a speed of 250 m/s (just below the speed of sound), the torus would have a diameter of 1400 meters and a magnetic field of 31 gauss. They address the discrepancy with scientific estimates of explosion altitudes (5-10 km) by suggesting that the high-altitude torus event triggered a secondary, lower-altitude explosion.

Energy Calculations and Object Characteristics

To quantify the energy involved, the article models the turbulent zone between the shockwave and the magnetosphere. Assuming a volume between two spheres (1800m and 1400m diameter), the calculated energy is enormous. This energy is then reduced by factors accounting for turbulence, luminous losses (90%), and other inefficiencies, resulting in a residual energy of 385,500 kgm. This is still considered more than sufficient to destroy the torus.

The article then delves into the potential construction of such a torus, suggesting a 24-meter diameter structure made of vanadium, a superconductor with a critical temperature of 5.3°K. The estimated weight of the conductor alone is 57 tons, with additional weight for insulation and cooling systems, bringing the total to approximately 156 tons.

The Explosion of the Torus

When superconductivity is lost, even locally, the torus's resistance increases, demanding a significant potential difference to maintain current. This leads to rapid heating, vaporization, and the formation of an ionized plasma. The mechanical rupture of insulation layers and the disruption of cooling systems trigger a chain reaction. The rapid variation of the magnetic field causes imbalances, leading to immense Lorentz forces that tear the torus apart. This process is described as an "explosion" of vaporized vanadium.

Experimental Simulation

To illustrate the phenomenon, the author describes an experiment using a battery of 31 capacitor groups, totaling 9300 volts and 2.25 x 10^11 ergs of energy. This energy was discharged into a torus-shaped coil, creating an aluminum vapor explosion. The resulting debris, including expanded polystyrene cylinders simulating the forest, visually resembled the devastation observed at Tunguska.

The Role of Air and Secondary Explosion

The article posits that the mass ejected upwards from the torus, at speeds up to 219 km/s, encountered atmospheric air. This interaction, particularly at lower altitudes where air density increases, led to a secondary explosion. The energy of the torus, when interacting with approximately 127,000 tons of air, is calculated to have raised the air temperature to 10,000 degrees, generating a pressure 47 times the initial pressure. This event is compared to the explosion of 62,000 tons of TNT, significantly more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

This low-altitude explosion is proposed as the cause of the widespread forest destruction observed in the Tunguska region. The intense heat and wind generated by this event are also cited as explanations for witness accounts of burning clothes and heated ears.

Residual Radioactivity

Finally, the article briefly touches upon the residual radioactivity found in tree ash from the Tunguska region, specifically cesium-137. This finding is compared to the radioactive fallout from 1945, suggesting a possible link to nuclear fusion, although the exact significance is difficult to determine due to local factors affecting fallout.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed scientific analysis of anomalous events, particularly the 1908 Tunguska explosion, and the exploration of advanced physics concepts such as superconductivity, plasma physics, and electromagnetism. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, albeit speculative, scientific inquiry, attempting to explain extraordinary phenomena through theoretical models and experimental analogies. The publication encourages collaboration and the sharing of information, particularly from Portuguese-speaking researchers, highlighting its commitment to advancing the study of UFO phenomena.

This issue of "Chronique des OVNI" (UFO Chronicle) focuses on the potential scientific explanations for the 1908 Tunguska event and features a review of Charles Fort's influential book, "Le Livre des Damnés" (The Damned Book).

Analysis of the 1908 Explosion

The article explores the possibility that the 1908 explosion could have been caused by the destruction of a vessel containing a significant energy reserve in the form of balanced magnetic fields. The author, Maurice de San, discusses the physics involved, particularly fusion reactions, and calculates the potential energy contribution from deuterium. He concludes that while the exact mechanisms are complex and differ from current nuclear bombs, the concept of an energy-rich vessel is not impossible and could explain the observed phenomena. The author acknowledges the assistance of Professors Auguste Meessen and André Boudin, and the collaborators of SOBEPS in preparing this work.

Energy Calculations

The text delves into the energy required for a fusion reaction, specifically involving deuterium. It posits that if 640 grams of deuterium within a 78-tonne mass were to fuse, the energy released would be insufficient to significantly augment the explosion's power, increasing it by a maximum of 1/8. The density and confinement time of the reacting mass are identified as critical factors for a substantial reaction.

Conclusion on the 1908 Event

Maurice de San concludes that it is plausible that the destruction of a vessel containing a reserve of energy in the form of balanced magnetic fields could account for the 1908 explosion. He expresses gratitude to Jacques Scornaux for checking calculations and to Professors Meessen and Boudin for their advice.

Book Review: Le Livre des Damnés

The "Service Librairie" section reviews "Le Livre des Damnés" by Charles Fort, edited by E. Losfeld in 1967. The book is described as an incredible collection of unexplained facts, ranging from UFOs and unusual precipitation (iron, fish) to the discovery of monsters and mysterious disappearances. It is highlighted as a pioneering work that brought authentic cases to public attention, many of which were initially dismissed by science. The review notes that while some phenomena presented may now have explanations, the book still contains many genuine enigmas and remains a valuable reference in bibliographies on the subject. The price is listed as 250 FB, with payment details provided for SOBEPS in Brussels.

Call for Collaborators

A notice from the editor-in-chief, M. M. Bougard, appeals for volunteer collaborators to help with typing articles for the review. The appeal is directed at members living in or around La Louvière, emphasizing that increased participation will strengthen the organization and its voice. Individuals with even limited time are encouraged to contact them.

Bibliography

A supplementary bibliography lists several academic and technical works related to cryogenics and engineering, including publications by Michael McClintock, Russel B. Scott, and references from the Smithsonian Institution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and historical anomalous events like the 1908 Tunguska explosion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking scientific or plausible explanations for these events, while also acknowledging the enduring mysteries and the importance of documenting such cases, as exemplified by the review of Charles Fort's work. There is a clear emphasis on calculation and scientific reasoning in analyzing these phenomena, alongside a call for community involvement in disseminating this research.