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Inforespace - No 23 - 1975

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Overview

Title: Inforespace Issue: No. 23 Volume: 4th year Date: October 1975 Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) Country: Belgium Language: French

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 23
Volume: 4th year
Date: October 1975
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a bimonthly review focused on ufology, space phenomena, and prehistory, presents a comprehensive look at recent developments and ongoing research in the field.

La journée d'information publique sur les OVNI à Poitiers

The issue details a public information day on UFOs held in Poitiers on June 25, 1975, organized by the municipality and hosted by journalist Jean-Claude Bourret. The event featured scientific presentations and a public debate, with representatives from SOBEPS attending as observers. The day aimed to inform participants and foster exchange among researchers.

Intervention de Jean-Claude Ribes

Astrophysicist Jean-Claude Ribes discussed the probability of extraterrestrial life. He explained how the gravitational pull of planets can be detected by observing a star's center of gravity, noting that many stars likely have planetary companions. Ribes argued that life is likely not unique to Earth and that intelligent life, while perhaps not the ultimate stage of evolution, is probable elsewhere. He also addressed the challenges of interstellar travel and the low probability of contemporary contact between civilizations due to their potentially short lifespans. He mentioned past failed attempts at contact and the possibility of receiving signals that cannot be recognized.

Intervention de Patrick Aimedieu

Patrick Aimedieu, a researcher at CNRS specializing in aeronomy, presented his findings on 'ufonauts'—humanoids observed near landed UFOs. He categorized them by size (small, normal, over 2m) and behavior (flight, rare contact attempts, marked aggression). Aimedieu noted that witnesses are generally credible and often surprised by these encounters. He suggested that the seemingly absurd behaviors might be part of experiments by extraterrestrial civilizations. The scientific examination of these cases focuses on identifying common characteristics and establishing classifications.

Intervention de Pierre Guérin

Pierre Guérin, an astrophysicist and ufologist, focused on the problem of proof in ufology. He countered the arguments of 'anti-soucoupistes' who dismiss UFO phenomena due to a lack of scientific observation, stating that scientific progress often begins with observation and data collection. Guérin highlighted the difficulty in establishing proof for UFO cases, especially 'close encounters,' where witnesses may experience 'waking dreams' or psychological manipulation by the phenomenon. He cited cases like the Turin incident and the Betty and Barney Hill affair as examples of corroborating evidence. Guérin expressed concern that the widespread availability of UFO reports in newsstands could lead to the fabrication of convincing false cases. He proposed that if a witness remains unchanged after an encounter, their testimony might be closer to physical reality, whereas significant psychological changes suggest a 'waking dream' induced by the phenomenon.

Intervention d'Auguste Meessen

Professor Auguste Meessen of the University of Louvain discussed new avenues for UFO research, including hypotheses and strategies. His intervention, deemed highly interesting, will be the subject of a future article.

Intervention de Jean Goupil

Electronics engineer Jean Goupil presented his hypothesis on UFO propulsion, viewing UFOs as vehicles rather than just objects. He elaborated on Plantier's theory, proposing an anti-gravitational repulsive field that creates a vacuum bubble for propulsion. He suggested that observed electromagnetic phenomena might be by-products of this system. Goupil's theory aims to explain phenomena like the absence of sound, sudden accelerations, and materialization of images.

Grand Débat Public

Following the presentations, a public debate was held, moderated by Jean-Claude Bourret. Lucien Clerebaut emphasized the vital role of private research groups like SOBEPS in collecting information and advancing UFO research, often facing criticism from some established scientists.

International News

Un Humanoïde Simiesque dans l'Ohio: This section details a 1973 sighting in Ohio, USA, where a witness, Mrs. R. Heitfeld, reported seeing a luminous object and a simian-like creature within a 'cloche' of light. The event occurred near her mobile home and involved a police call and the arrival of a young couple whose car battery needed assistance. The creature was described as large, with a prognathous face, and moved with a robotic gait. The incident also coincided with a false fire alarm at a nearby warehouse.

Des Nouvelles du Brésil: Reports from Brazil in June 1974 describe UFO sightings in Valença and the region of São Paulo. Witnesses in Valença reported a saucer-shaped UFO with intense lights and a loud noise that hovered before disappearing, leaving an orange trace. In São Paulo, residents and police observed a strange, constant orange luminosity described as a cigar-shaped balloon. The article also mentions a lawyer in Barra Mansa who reported a similar sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the nature of evidence, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the historical context of sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by the SOBEPS association, is one of rational and objective study, aiming to disseminate information without prejudice and encouraging reader contributions. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and critical analysis while remaining open to unexplained phenomena.

This issue of Inforespace, dated March 1975 (Issue 14, Volume 14), is published by SOBEPS in Belgium and focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Flying Object/Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) reports from various international locations.

Brazil: The São Bernardo Incident (June 20, 1974)

The issue details an incident in São Bernardo, Brazil, where multiple witnesses, including students and police, observed a bright orange luminous object. The object reportedly responded to the vehicle's headlights and sounds. The phenomenon was also detected by radio transmitters. Attempts by the Brazilian Air Force to intercept the object using aircraft were unsuccessful, with the object disappearing and reappearing. Captain Rozenfeldo Marsola and Captain Wilson Truma provided testimonies. The phenomenon was explained by some scientists as a natural atmospheric phenomenon, possibly a mirage effect caused by chemical plant emissions reflecting off ice crystals in clouds. However, the Brazilian Ministry of Air refuted this, citing clear sky conditions and the impossibility of such reflections from cirrus clouds.

Spain: OVNI and the Army (January 1, 1975)

This section reports on an observation in the Burgos region of Spain. Three military personnel, Manolo Agnera, Felipe Sanchez, and Ricardo Iglesias, encountered a luminous object described as a "cone trunk" shape, approximately 2 meters high with a 3-meter base, emitting a yellowish-orange light. The object hovered just above the ground. Four identical objects then appeared. The witnesses drove away but stopped again as another vehicle approached. Later, they observed a bright object descending rapidly, which they believed crashed. An investigation revealed a burned area of 40 meters long by 4 meters wide. Local farmers confirmed the burn marks were recent. Further investigation by Spanish ufologists suggested the burned area was larger (60m x 12m) and that the burns were not from October 1974 as initially suggested.

Mexico: Incendiary Ray in Mexico (May 29, 1973)

A mysterious fire occurred in a truck carrying construction materials in Vera Cruz, Mexico. The driver, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, reported seeing small, "dwarf-like" figures before his truck was surrounded by "gigantic blue flames" that destroyed the vehicle without heat. Industrial engineer José Haro Lopez investigated and suggested the fire was caused by a laser-like ray, noting that certain parts of the truck, like plastic seats and the fuel tank, were left intact.

Tasmania: Observations in Tasmania

This section presents several cases from Tasmania, Australia:

  • September 16, 1974: Mme A. Richards, while driving with her daughters, experienced her car stalling and radio interference while observing a bright light in the sky. She reported feeling a severe emotional reaction.
  • September 18, 1974: M. Richards observed a luminous object following his car. The object stopped when he stopped and moved behind him when he turned off his headlights.
  • September 22, 1974: Mme W. reported an incandescent orange and silver object approaching her car, causing it to stall. The object hovered for about 60 seconds before moving away.
  • February 26, 1975: Two men fishing by Lake Sorell observed three luminous objects moving against the wind. One object emitted a powerful, cone-shaped beam of light towards the lake.

Belgium: Close Encounter at the Periphery of Wavre (May 1972)

A driver in Wavre, Belgium, reported a spherical, pale green object, the size of a walnut or coconut, with dark lines forming irregular crosshatchings. The object exploded on his windshield at high speed, but the glass remained intact. The driver, who had previous UFO sightings, described the object as solid with defined contours.

Belgium: Engine Stoppage at Ohain (September 1972)

This report details an incident at the Royal Waterloo Golf Club in Ohain, Belgium. A gardener, M. Charlier, experienced his lawnmower engine stalling and a feeling of heat, tingling, and a heavy sensation while working early in the morning. He compared the sensation to pins and needles. The incident occurred in a partially cloudy sky with moderate wind and cool temperatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, their potential impact on witnesses, and the challenges in investigating such events. The magazine highlights the persistence of these phenomena despite a lack of definitive explanations or widespread collaboration. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, presenting detailed accounts and witness testimonies, while acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining official confirmation or scientific consensus. The publication seems to advocate for continued investigation and open-mindedness towards these unexplained events, suggesting that they are not mere atmospheric anomalies but may represent something more significant, possibly extraterrestrial in origin, as suggested by one witness.

This issue of Inforespace, dated May 1974, focuses on ufological research, particularly the theory of Orthoteny and the state of UFO studies in Romania. The cover story, "L'orthoténie : un grand espoir déçu ?" (Orthoteny: A Great Hope Dashed?), explores this historical hypothesis.

The Orthoteny Theory

The article details the genesis of the Orthoteny theory, initiated by Aimé Michel following the significant UFO wave in France in September and October 1954. Michel, a philosopher and UFO researcher, attempted to find patterns in the numerous sightings. Inspired by a suggestion from poet Jean Cocteau to look for lines and patterns, Michel initially failed to find order when plotting only the 'good' observations. However, by plotting all observations from the same day, he discovered remarkable alignments, most notably the 'BAVIC line' of six points stretching 578 km from Bayonne to Vichy on September 24, 1954. The article discusses the statistical improbability of such alignments occurring by chance and considers various explanations, including conventional aircraft, weather balloons, and the possibility of extraterrestrial or future human craft.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

Two specific cases are highlighted:

  • France, September 24, 1954: Fourteen sightings are detailed, with a focus on the BAVIC line and other alignments, including three points forming a line from Lantefontaine, Besançon, and Grenoble, and star-shaped patterns observed in Poncey-sur-l'Ignon and Montlevicq.
  • Conejo, California, February 8, 1973: Two teenagers, Kurt Huettner and Richard Coimbra, observed and photographed a disc-shaped object with a dome. The object was estimated to be about 23 meters in diameter and at an altitude of 800 feet. Analysis by Adrian Vance of MUFON suggested the object was about 10 meters in diameter and over 600 meters away, with a flattened base and a possible opening emitting light. The article notes a discrepancy in distance estimates between the witnesses and the analysis.
  • Romania (undated): A witness reported a silent, circular object with a flattened cone base and a dome, surrounded by a luminous halo, moving at high speed and changing color. The object's movement was described as a curved ascent, and it caused a brief 'whirlwind' effect. The witness was 'stunned' by the appearance.

Interview with Ion Hobana

Ion Hobana, a prominent Eastern European UFO researcher, discusses the state of ufological research in Romania. He corrects inaccuracies about his background, noting he is a licensed writer, not a science chronicler, and highlights his awards for contributions to science fiction and Romanian anticipation literature.

Key points from the interview:

  • Research Groups: Several UFO research groups exist in Romania, including one based at the Students' Cultural House in Bucharest, called the 'OVNI Scientific Circle,' comprising students, engineers, and professors.
  • Data Collection: The group records cases, including those from before World War II, and has compiled about 250 Romanian cases. They plan to systematically research old newspapers for more historical data.
  • Methodology: Their research involves establishing correlations between Romanian cases and international ones, analyzing general characteristics of the phenomenon, and publishing theoretical studies on propulsion, electromagnetism, and aerodynamics. They also conduct on-site investigations.
  • Science Fiction Influence: Hobana's interest in UFOs stems from his long-standing interest in science fiction, noting that early ufology was closely linked to sci-fi concepts. He cites examples like Kasantsev and Jimmy Guieu.
  • Objective Phenomenon: Hobana firmly believes UFOs represent an objective phenomenon, not just subjective projections. He stresses the importance of a scientific methodology for studying it.
  • Challenges: He acknowledges the difficulty in defining a unique methodology for UFOs, which seem to exist outside current scientific frameworks. He also notes the need to re-examine older cases that might have been dismissed as anti-scientific.
  • "Crazy Idea": Hobana suggests that a "crazy idea" might be necessary to break through current impasses in ufology, similar to how such ideas are needed in particle physics.
  • Contactees: He is skeptical of 'contactees' like Daniel Fry, believing that genuine contact would have led to significant scientific or societal changes, which has not occurred.
  • Illogical Aspects: Hobana finds the inherent absurdity in some well-reported observations paradoxical, suggesting that intelligence is behind the structured aspects, while the illogical parts present a contradiction that needs resolution.
  • Romanian Waves: He confirms that UFO waves have occurred in Romania, notably in May 1968 and continuing through August 1969.
  • Books: Hobana co-authored "Ufo's in Oost en West" and "OZN, o sfidare pentru ratiunea umanà," the latter critiquing the Condon Report.

Communication and TV Emissions

The issue also includes a notice about the operating hours of the SOBEPS headquarters and an announcement for a 13-part TV series on UFOs titled "Les Dossiers des Soucoupes Volantes" airing on TF 1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing data collection, analysis, and the development of appropriate methodologies. There is a clear distinction made between credible research and sensationalism, particularly regarding 'contactee' claims. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs represent a genuine, objective phenomenon that warrants serious scientific investigation, even if it challenges current scientific paradigms. The influence of science fiction on early ufological thought is acknowledged, but the focus remains on empirical evidence and logical analysis. The publication also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of information across borders.

Title: Chronique des OVNI
Issue: n° 92
Date: January-February 1968
Publisher: Planète
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Chronique des OVNI" focuses on historical UFO sightings and the theoretical frameworks used to analyze them, particularly the concept of 'orthoteny'. The main article, "Les OVNI à l'aube de notre millénaire" (UFOs at the Dawn of Our Millennium), traces alleged UFO phenomena from the 11th to the 15th centuries, while other sections delve into the mathematical analysis of these sightings.

Les OVNI à l'aube de notre millénaire

This extensive historical review presents a chronological account of unusual aerial phenomena reported across Europe, Asia, and North Africa from the year 1000 onwards. The article begins by dispelling the notion of a widespread 'Great Fear' in the year 1000, suggesting it's more legend than lived reality, but marks the beginning of a rich period of observation.

Early accounts include:

  • 1011: A 'torch of fire' resembling a tower observed in Lorraine, France, with a loud noise.
  • 1015: Two luminous spherical objects seen in Japan, each emitting two stars.
  • 1094: A 'metallic object' observed in Japan before sunset.
  • 1096 (July-August): Ten lights in a straight line over Japan.
  • 1027 (August): Numerous 'stars' with loud noises and bright light over North Africa, near Cairo.
  • 1034 (or 1043?): A fiery, egg-shaped object traversed Europe, changing direction before disappearing west.
  • 1067: A fire burned brilliantly in the air over the English Channel, burning woods and crops.
  • 1104: Fiery torches, ardent streaks, and flying fires were seen in the air in Northumberland, UK.
  • 1123: A 'flying machine' allegedly observed over London.
  • 1125: A 'man of fire' seen running and spitting fire in Brunswick, Germany.
  • 1133: A 'large silver object' nearly landed in Japan.
  • 1160: Three strange lights appeared over Thann, Alsace.
  • 1167 (December 24): Two 'fire-colored stars' observed in the west of the UK.
  • 1180 (October 27): A luminous object resembling 'terracotta' observed in Japan.
  • 1186 (August 9): A very long 'cross' of astonishing dimensions observed over Dunstable, UK.
  • 1188: A 'cross' and a 'crucified man' observed in France.
  • 1217: A 'cross' observed in the UK.
  • 1218: Formations of three crosses observed over Cologne, Münster (Germany), and Leyde (Netherlands).
  • 1235 (September 24): Lights appeared and circled over a Japanese army camp.
  • 1200: An object allegedly hovered over Jerusalem for three days.
  • 1239 (July 24): A bright 'star' like a torch moved across the sky in England.
  • 1254 (January 1): A large, elegant 'ship' observed in a clear sky over St-Albans, UK.
  • 1254 (same year): A 'large ship' visible for a long time over Paris.
  • 1269 (December 6): A strange cross-shaped light illuminated Cracow, Poland.
  • 1271 (September 12): A luminous object the size of the full moon appeared in Japan.
  • 1290 (August 3 or October 28): A 'brilliant silver disc' passed over Byland Abbey, UK.
  • 1290 (March): An unknown object illuminated the sky over Durham, UK.
  • 1322 (November 4): A 'pillar of fire' moved slowly across the sky over Uxbridge, UK.
  • 1349 (July 18): Two objects engaged in acrobatic maneuvers, emitting 'flashes' in Japan.
  • 1352 (December): A powerful luminous beam swept the sky over Northern England.
  • 1355 (Summer): Red and blue 'banners' appeared in the sky over Leicester, UK, with one seemingly defeating the other.
  • 1387 (November-December): A 'burning wheel' or 'barrel of flames' observed over Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, UK.
  • 1361: A 'drum-shaped' object flew over Japan.
  • 1383 (January 8): Several 'very luminous and aligned' objects passed over a convent in Ragusa, Sicily.
  • 1394 (September): An object named 'asud' flew over Forlì, Italy.
  • 1395: A large star was seen with five smaller stars that appeared to attack it, accompanied by cries and the appearance of a 'copper man' wielding a flaming lance.
  • 1415 (October 25): 'Fiery beings' assisting English archers at the Battle of Agincourt, launching 'fire rockets'.

The article notes that while some early phenomena might be astronomical or meteorological, later descriptions become more precise, suggesting a connection to modern UFO observations.

Orthoteny and Mathematical Analysis

The article introduces Aimé Michel's concept of 'orthoteny,' derived from the Greek for 'stretched in a straight line.' This theory posits that UFO sightings often align along straight lines, which on a spherical surface are arcs of great circles. Michel's work, particularly his analysis of the French UFO wave of autumn 1954, is discussed.

Key aspects of orthoteny and its analysis include:

  • Geometric Structure: The relationship between the geometric structure of networks of sightings and the behavior of the phenomena is crucial. Michel noted that UFO trajectories often followed these lines.
  • 'Dead Leaf Fall' Maneuver: This oscillation observed during direction changes often occurs at the intersection of orthotenic lines.
  • 'Mothership' Observations: Objects described as 'motherships' (like the 'grand cigare des nuées') are observed at the 'joints' of these networks, particularly at the center of star patterns, suggesting a 'dispersion center' role.
  • 'Virgilian Saucers': UFOs that do not align with any orthotenic lines are termed 'virgilian saucers.' Michel pondered reasons for their existence, including insufficient data, reporting errors, genuine disorder, or multiple origins for the phenomena.
  • Statistical Analysis (Jacques Vallée): Ufologist Jacques Vallée questioned the role of chance and used computer simulations to analyze the probability of orthotenic alignments. His work suggested that alignments of 3 or 4 points could be explained by chance, but longer alignments, like BAVIC, had a high improbability of being coincidental.
  • Great Circles: The article explains that on a sphere, 'straight lines' are arcs of great circles. Mathematical equations are provided to define and analyze these great circles, including their intersection points and slopes.
  • Case Studies: Several specific cases are analyzed mathematically:
  • Fatima, Lourdes, La Salette: An attempt to verify if these three Marian apparition sites form a straight line. The calculation showed Lourdes to be 8.424 km off the line defined by Fatima and La Salette, suggesting it might not be a perfect orthoteny.
  • BAVIC: This alignment is studied, with a method proposed to establish its equation. The analysis involves determining parameters A and B for the great circle and calculating distances of observation points to this line.
  • PODEN: The alignment of Poperinge and Leeuwaarden is examined, finding it verified for Rouen but not for Fatima.
  • BRUTUS and BAVIC: The perpendicularity of these two lines is tested, with calculations showing an angle of 89°15', indicating near-orthogonality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic analysis of UFO sightings, moving beyond anecdotal accounts to seek underlying patterns and mathematical structures. The magazine champions the work of researchers like Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, who employ rigorous methods, including geometry and statistics, to understand the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, treating them as a genuine phenomenon worthy of scientific investigation, while also acknowledging the role of chance and the limitations of data. The article emphasizes that while maps can be illustrative, precise analysis requires mathematical calculation. The historical perspective suggests that UFO-like phenomena have been observed for centuries, challenging the notion that they are solely a modern invention.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as issue number 3 of volume 1, covers the period of October-November. The magazine is published by SOBEPS in Belgium and is in French.

Historical UFO Sightings

The issue begins by exploring early historical accounts of potential UFO phenomena, dating back to the 15th century. It highlights several intriguing incidents:

  • October-November 1423, Japan: Two objects were observed moving in an undulating manner. One crashed to the ground, exploding with a bright light. The event lasted three hours, and attempts to find debris were unsuccessful. The article questions whether this was a meteor or an early reported UFO crash.
  • March 3, 1428, Forli, Italy: The sky was reportedly traversed by strange phenomena described as a "flame in the shape of a tower" and a "fire lamp." These observations are noted as having been found in city archives.
  • January 5, 1433, Nice, France: A luminous globe was visible for many hours.
  • November 1, 1461, Arras, France: A manuscript from the archives of the town hall, titled "Memoirs of a Bourgeois of Arras" by Jacques Duclerc, describes an object seen in the sky. It was brilliant like an iron bar, long and wide as half the Moon. It remained immobile for about fifteen minutes, then began to twist, writhe, and ascend into the sky, described as moving like a watch spring. The article emphasizes how this observation vividly describes the behavior of an "object" with characteristics similar to modern UFOs.
  • 1478, Switzerland: Fireballs were observed flying over Switzerland.
  • 1479, Japan: An identical phenomenon (fireballs) was observed.

The Cardan Account

The issue then presents a detailed account from Jérôme Cardan's work "De subtilitate rerum" (Book XIX), concerning an event experienced by his father, Facius, on August 13, 1491.

According to the account, seven men appeared to Facius around the twentieth hour of the day. They were dressed in silken robes resembling Greek togas and wore brilliant shoes. Their attire, worn under shining red breastplates, was described as extraordinarily beautiful. Two individuals seemed to hold a higher rank. The tallest, ruddy-complexioned, was accompanied by two companions, while the second, lighter-skinned and smaller, was with three companions. In total, seven men were present.

When asked who they were, they stated they were "men made of air" and subject to birth and death, though their lives could last up to three hundred years. Regarding the immortality of the soul, they affirmed that nothing of the individual survives personally. They also explained that they were forbidden by a special law, punishable by heavy fines, from revealing the locations of "treasures" if they knew them.

These individuals stayed with Facius for over three hours. However, they disagreed on the cause of the universe. The most prominent figure refused to admit that God had created the world from all eternity, while another suggested that God created it gradually.

The article notes that Jérôme Cardan was born in 1501, ten years after these events, and that his father's account is part of his "De subtilitate rerum," a work that includes inventions, physical experiences, and anecdotes. Cardan was a friend of Leonardo da Vinci and is known for his contributions to mathematics, including the resolution of cubic equations.

The Age of Discoveries

The magazine transitions to the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance, a period marked by the rise of monarchies and the flourishing of trade. It highlights the spirit of humanism and the rediscovery of classical knowledge.

  • October 1492: Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, mistakenly believing he had reached Asia via the western route.
  • Mid-October 1492: Chronicles report that Columbus and some companions observed a light, described as a "wax chain," that rose and fell, approaching the ground, for two hours before midnight.
  • 1507: The continent was named "America" in honor of the Florentine navigator Amerigo Vespucci, who confirmed it was a new landmass.
  • July 1497: Vasco de Gama departed from Lisbon.
  • May 1498: Vasco de Gama reached the coast of India at Calicut, opening the "Route to the Indies" which would shape European trade for four centuries.

The article suggests that this era of exploration led to increased global understanding and revealed previously unknown riches, hinting that future articles will explore UFO observations from this period.

Avis (Notice)

This section is a call for assistance from members. The organization is seeking to complete its archives and requests members who possess specific missing issues of the APRO bulletin to contact them. A list of desired issues from 1958 to 1971 is provided, with a cross indicating missing numbers. They also lack all issues from 1957 and earlier.

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS

This section lists various books available for purchase through SOBEPS, with prices in Belgian Francs (FB). The books cover a range of ufological topics:

  • *Identifier et le cas Adamski* by Jean-Gérard Dohmen (450 FB)
  • *Le Livre Noir des Soucoupes Volantes* by Henry Durrant (250 FB)
  • *Les Dossiers des OVNI* by Henry Durrant (285 FB)
  • *Soucoupes Volantes, Affaire Sérieuse* by Frank Edwards (240 FB)
  • *Soucoupes Volantes, 20 Ans d'Enquêtes* by Charles Garreau (220 FB)
  • *Les Soucoupes Volantes Viennent d'un Autre Monde* and *Black-Out sur les Soucoupes Volantes* by Jimmy Guieu (215 FB per volume)
  • *Des Signes dans le Ciel* by Paul Misrakı (270 FB)
  • *Chroniques des Apparitions Extraterrestres* by Jacques Vallée (310 FB)
  • *Le Livre des Damnés* by Charles Fort (250 FB)
  • *Disparitions Mystérieuses* by Patrice Gaston (295 FB)
  • *Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes* by Fernand Lagarde and the "Lumières dans la Nuit" group (350 FB)
  • *Objets Volants Non Identifiés: Le Plus Grand Problème Scientifique de Notre Temps?* (Special issue of "Phénomènes Spatiaux") (120 FB)
  • *Les Objets Volants Non Identifiés: Mythe ou Réalité?* by Dr. J. Allen Hynek (340 FB)
  • *La Nouvelle Vague des Soucoupes Volantes* by Jean-Claude Bourret (300 FB)

Payment instructions are provided for Belgium, France, and Canada, including bank account and postal account details.

Vente de Photos et Dias

SOBEPS also offers a collection of approximately one hundred slides related to the UFO phenomenon for sale. Black and white slides cost 25 FB each, and color slides cost 50 FB. A minimum order of 10 documents is required, with a discount for purchasing the complete collection (20 FB per dia). Black and white photographic prints are also available under the same conditions.

Advertisements

Several advertisements are present:

  • Viking: Offering binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, astronomical and microscopic lenses, and repairs.
  • « KADATH »: A bimonthly magazine focusing on archaeology and enigmas, with 40 illustrated pages, available via subscription.
  • Ets Pendville & Cie: Providing services such as plan reproduction, offset printing, copying, addressing, stencil printing, office supplies, thesis binding, and printing.
  • Le guide de l'enquêteur: A recommended guide for UFO investigators, offering nearly 200 questions for witnesses, techniques for estimating altitude and dimensions, trajectory analysis, ground trace study, and report writing. It also includes astronomical data and a perpetual calendar. This guide is available for 95 FB through SOBEPS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the historical and scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It aims to provide detailed accounts of sightings, analyze evidence, and promote serious study of the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with the topic and contribute to research efforts, as evidenced by the call for APRO bulletin issues and the sale of UFO-related materials. The publication also seems to connect UFO phenomena with broader historical and scientific contexts, such as the Age of Discoveries and the Renaissance.