Inforespace - No 24 - 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 24
Date: December 1975
Volume: 4th year
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country of Publication: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a bimonthly review dedicated to ufology, spatial phenomena, and primhistory, presents a deep dive into the potential connections between ancient art and UFO sightings. The editorial section reflects on the past year's activities and the challenges faced by the organization, particularly the stagnation in membership, and outlines plans for the upcoming year.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Michel Bougard, Rédacteur en chef, acknowledges the end of the year and the tradition of optimistic outlooks. However, it tempers this with a more cautious view of the future, while still highlighting positive aspects of the organization's work. Inforespace aimed to provide objective and diverse information on UFO phenomena throughout the year, focusing on significant international cases rather than solely Belgian ones. This approach was partly due to the limited scope of the francophone Belgian audience and the time-consuming nature of thorough investigations. The editorial also addresses the perceived lack of studies by SOBEPS, explaining that while studies are essential, they believe in allowing individual researchers to pursue specific aspects of the phenomenon rather than imposing a rigid research program. The authors express that ufology is still in its nascent stages, with much left to discover, which is both daunting and exhilarating. They emphasize the critical need for reader support, as membership numbers stagnated in 1975, and call for members to help promote SOBEPS and recruit new members. The editorial also teases a change in the magazine's appearance for the next issue (No. 25) and mentions plans for future content, including in-depth articles on UFO philosophy, more photo dossiers, and investigations into maritime UFOs and early 20th-century sightings. A new feature, a 'readers' letters' section, is also announced.

Subscription Information and Back Issues

Pages 2 and 6 provide detailed information on subscription 'cotisations' (fees) for the year 1975 and renewal for 1976. Four formulas are offered (A, B, C, D) allowing subscribers to cover one or multiple years, with options for ordinary, student, and support memberships. Prices are listed in Belgian Francs (FB) for Belgium and 'Autres pays' (other countries), and in French Francs (FF) for France. Payments are to be made via CCP (Compte de Chèques Postaux) or bank transfer to SOBEPS in Brussels. For France and Canada, international postal money orders or bank transfers are required, with no checks accepted. The issue also announces that back issues from 1972, 1973, and 1974 are still available, encouraging new members to acquire them to complete their collection. These older issues featured series like 'Historique des Objets Volants Non Identifiés,' 'Dossier Photo' with Belgian cases and Brazilian OVNI photos, 'Nos Enquêtes' on Belgian sightings, and 'Etude et Recherche' on topics like the 1908 Tunguska event and UFO propulsion. Articles on 'Primhistoire et Archéologie' covered subjects like the Nazca lines, Tassili rock art, Piri Reis map, and ancient electrical phenomena. Notable cases like the Hill and Trancas affairs, and figures like Allen Hynek and Claude Poher, were also featured.

Article: Les surprises de l'art byzantin: engins volants ou symboles religieux ? (The Surprises of Byzantine Art: Flying Machines or Religious Symbols?)

This extensive article, authored by Christiane Piens and Jacques Scornaux, explores the intriguing similarities between certain Byzantine frescoes and modern UFO imagery. It begins by describing the medieval Detchani monastery in Kosovo-Metohia, Yugoslavia, built between 1327 and 1335. In 1964, a discovery was made of highly unusual frescoes, particularly on the upper sections, depicting angels in what are described as 'cosmic vessels' resembling contemporary Sputniks. The article details two such 'vessels' from the Crucifixion fresco, noting their aerodynamic shapes and 'reactive waves' suggesting high speed. A figure within one vessel is described as a man, not an angel, appearing to steer it, while another figure in the second vessel is also non-traditional. The fresco of the Resurrection is also analyzed, showing Christ seemingly inside a 'rocket' with stabilizing wings, preparing for ascent. This is compared to a 17th-century Russian icon from Zagorsk depicting the Ascension, where Christ is in an aerodynamic receptacle. The authors question the origin of these depictions, suggesting they might be inspired by lost apocryphal texts or older works.

The article then shifts to Belgium, discussing frescoes in the Chevetogne monastery, built in the 20th century in Byzantine style. Here, the Dormition of the Virgin fresco shows Apostles ascending in what are described as 'cloud-vessels,' surrounding the Virgin. The fresco of the Baptism of Christ depicts the Holy Spirit in a circle of light, and a similar illustration in the crypt shows a dove in a circle with radiating light. The Transfiguration fresco shows Christ in a mandorla with six rays of light, interpreted as a 'luminous cloud.'

The authors delve into the iconographic meanings of 'gloire' (glory) and 'mandorle' (almond-shaped aureole), explaining their traditional symbolism as halos or representations of the celestial realm. They note that while these elements are common in Christian art, the specific 'cloud-vessels' at Detchani and Chevetogne are unusual. They explore the possibility that these 'vessels' are not simply clouds but actual vehicles, and that the figures within them, unlike the saints depicted outside, do not have halos. This leads to a speculative hypothesis that these figures might represent extraterrestrial beings, with the halo being a terrestrial helmet, unnecessary in an 'astronef' with a reconstituted atmosphere.

Further analysis of the Detchani frescoes suggests the figures are seated, not actively piloting, and looking away from the direction of travel. The authors conclude that the mystery lies primarily with the 'vessels' themselves, whose rear emissions might suggest fiery ejection. They propose that these might be UFOs interpreted through the religious lens of the time, or perhaps a variant symbolism where meteors are depicted instead of clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Inforespace revolve around the interpretation of ancient art and historical artifacts through the lens of ufology. The magazine consistently explores the possibility that phenomena described in historical texts or depicted in art could be evidence of past extraterrestrial visitations or advanced technologies. The editorial stance is one of rational and objective investigation, seeking to understand these phenomena without prejudice, while acknowledging the speculative nature of much of the research. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific approach to ufology, even as it ventures into areas like primhistory and archaeology. The magazine also highlights the importance of reader participation and support for the continued study of these complex subjects.

This issue of 'Merci Docteur Jung' (likely a French publication, given the language of the articles) focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychological interpretation and statistical analysis. The primary article, authored by Henry Durrant, critically examines the public discourse surrounding UFOs, particularly the tendency to dismiss them as purely psychological or imaginary.

Henry Durrant's Analysis of Jung and UFOs

Durrant begins by addressing the common practice of inviting psychologists, psychoanalysts, or psychiatrists onto media programs to discuss UFOs. He notes that these experts often invoke the 'modern myth' of the flying saucer, referencing Dr. Carl Jung's work. Durrant points out that Jung, in his book 'Un mythe moderne', explicitly stated his inability to resolve the physical reality of UFOs, limiting himself to the psychological aspect. However, Durrant argues that many 'psychoscientists' misrepresent Jung's position, implying he believed UFOs were solely psychological phenomena. He criticizes the imprecise and context-lacking use of Jung's texts by these professionals to suggest that UFO sightings are merely manifestations of collective psychology or individual paranoias.

Durrant highlights specific quotes from Jung that contradict the simplistic psychological explanation. For instance, Jung acknowledges that the physical nature of UFOs poses enigmas even to competent minds and notes that they appear to be guided by 'quasi-human pilots,' suggesting a technological sophistication far beyond current human capabilities. Durrant also references an interview where Jung stated that a purely psychological explanation for UFOs is impossible, and that their construction demonstrates a scientific technique superior to ours.

He further quotes Jung from a 1958 interview, where the psychologist suggests that the construction of flying saucers demonstrates superior scientific technique and that a global 'curtain' might be lifted by the revelation of UFOs, potentially leading to universal panic. Jung advocates for informing the public rapidly and extensively to avoid such a catastrophe.

Durrant concludes this section by noting that while Jung focused on the psychological aspect, his writings also left the door open to the hypothesis of the phenomenon's reality. He contrasts this with the more common interpretation by psychoscientists.

Orthoteny: Statistical Analysis of UFO Alignments

The issue then delves into a detailed statistical analysis of UFO sightings, specifically focusing on the concept of 'orthoteny,' which studies the apparent linear alignments of UFO reports. The article, likely authored by François Toulet or drawing heavily on his work, aims to determine if these alignments are statistically significant or simply random occurrences.

The Challenge of Defining Alignment

The authors first address the mathematical definition of an alignment, acknowledging that the probability of points randomly distributed on a surface forming a precise line is virtually zero. They distinguish between statistical 'opinion polls' and rigorous statistical analysis. The core problem is defining what constitutes an 'alignment' with a given tolerance for deviation (battement).

Topological vs. Geometric Approaches

Two main approaches to analyzing alignments are discussed: topological and geometric. The topological approach focuses on the shape of figures without considering dimensions, while the geometric approach incorporates distance and spatial relationships. The article favors the geometric approach, which has been more widely used.

Menzel's Method

Donald Menzel, an astrophysicist often perceived as an opponent of UFO research, is presented as a key figure in developing a rigorous statistical method. His approach involves defining an 'alignment corridor' based on the distance between observations and a tolerated deviation. The probability of an alignment of 'm' points is calculated based on the ratio of the corridor's surface area to the total area of observation, using a formula derived from binomial distribution principles.

Case Studies: Poncey-sur-l'Ignon and Montlevicq

The article applies Menzel's method to two specific cases: the 'star' of Poncey-sur-l'Ignon (31 points) and the 'star' of Montlevicq (29 observations). Detailed tables (Tableau III and IV) present the number of points per alignment and alignments per point for these cases. The average number of alignments per point is calculated for both.

Simulation and Comparison

Tableau V (not provided in the OCR) is mentioned as showing the results of applying Menzel's corrected formula to these cases, comparing simulated alignments with observed data. The authors note that the width of the 'corridor' (tolerance for deviation) significantly impacts the probability calculations. They highlight that even with a relatively narrow corridor (e.g., 4 km), the number of observed alignments can be compared to statistically generated ones.

Toulet's Analysis of UFO Distribution

François Toulet's statistical study on the distribution of UFOs by French departments is also discussed. He found that while population and surface area play a role, the correlation between UFO sightings and population (0.34) is not strong enough to suggest a simple relationship. Toulet compares the actual distribution to two theoretical models: 'independent firing' (random distribution) and 'contagious firing' (where the probability of a sighting increases with previous sightings in an area). The actual distribution does not match the random model, showing a tendency towards 'contagious firing,' suggesting that some regions are more prone to UFO sightings than others.

This leads to questions about whether certain regions are inherently more attractive to UFOs or if factors like local reporting habits, media influence, or psychological contagion play a role.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of psychological explanations for UFOs, the application of rigorous statistical methods to analyze sighting patterns, and the challenge of distinguishing between random chance and potentially meaningful phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and analytical approach, questioning simplistic interpretations and advocating for data-driven analysis, even when it involves challenging established figures like Dr. Jung or perceived UFO 'experts' like Aimé Michel. The article acknowledges the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and the limitations of current analytical tools, suggesting that while statistical analysis can reveal patterns, it does not necessarily provide definitive answers about the origin or nature of UFOs.

This issue of inforespace, identified as issue number 63 and volume 12, published in September 1974, focuses on UFO phenomena with a strong emphasis on statistical analysis and detailed case studies. The cover features a sketch of a UFO observed by Alain Hannot, and the main headline is 'Le dossier photo d'inforespace' (The photo file of inforespace).

Statistical Analysis of UFO Alignments

The magazine critically examines the concept of 'orthoteny,' the idea that UFOs often appear in straight lines. It presents data from experiments conducted in Poncey and Montlevicq, comparing observed numbers of alignments with statistical predictions. The authors note that experimental values are often lower than predicted, particularly for longer alignments, and question the statistical significance of some findings. They discuss the work of ufologists like Aimé Michel, Menzel, Toulet, and Vallée, highlighting disagreements and offering their own interpretations of the data. A key point of contention is the interpretation of statistical averages versus individual observations, with the authors criticizing what they perceive as flawed reasoning in some analyses.

Oloron and Gaillac: Mirror Effects?

This section investigates two classic French UFO cases from 1952, Oloron and Gaillac, in the context of a theory proposed by Brinsley Le Poer Trench. Trench suggested that UFOs might be capable of producing projected images via a technical, rather than psychic, process. The authors analyze the original descriptions of these cases, as documented by Aimé Michel, and find significant differences between the two events, questioning the validity of Trench's hypothesis based on the lack of true similitude. They also note that no official investigation was conducted for these cases at the time.

Photo Dossier: Montreal, August 5, 1973

This section details a UFO sighting by Michel Imbeault, a 16-year-old student in Montreal. On the morning of August 5, 1973, Imbeault observed a series of lights moving at high speed across the sky. He managed to photograph the phenomenon. The article provides technical details of the observation, including the location, time, meteorological conditions, camera equipment (Argus Cosina STL 1000), film type (Kodak Ektachrome High Speed), and camera settings (shutter speed 1/1000, aperture f/4-5.6).

The Mid-August UFOs

This extensive section reports on a series of UFO observations that occurred in Belgium during the evening of August 15, 1974. The article meticulously details nine distinct sightings:

1. St-Josse-Ten-Noode: A bright, luminous ball, about one-fifth the size of the full moon, moved slowly and then changed direction sharply at high speed.
2. Havelange: A circular, milky white object, about a quarter the size of the full moon, moved silently at tree-top height.
3. Lodelinsart: A yellow-orange ball appeared from a non-luminous mist, hovered, and then moved away rapidly, accompanied by a powerful modulated sound.
4. Hal: Four 'stars' were observed to be aligned horizontally. One of these 'stars' then moved eastward at a steady pace, followed by the others.
5. Wezembeek-Oppem: A metallic grey disc with sharp contours moved horizontally, leaving a lighter trail, with no audible sound.
6. Dampremy: A stationary object, initially perceived as a large star, descended rapidly and hovered, emitting a strong sound. It was later described as a perfectly circular craft.
7. St-Josse-Ten-Noode (second observation): A spindle-shaped object of uniform grey metallic color moved without lights or position indicators.
8. Dampremy (second observation): An object, initially a large star, descended rapidly and hovered, emitting a powerful sound. It transformed into a circular craft.
9. Hal (second observation): The aligned 'stars' began to move eastward, one after another, completing the alignment.

The article notes that most of these phenomena were fleeting, with durations often less than a minute, making definitive analysis challenging. It also mentions that some initial reports were discarded after verification, such as a supposed UFO in Ampsin being identified as dying fireworks, and another in Waterloo as the passage of the Skylab satellite.

Informational Comments and Analysis

The concluding section discusses the challenges of UFO investigation, highlighting the fugitive nature of many sightings and the difficulty in distinguishing them from conventional phenomena. It emphasizes the need for rigorous verification and careful analysis of witness testimonies. The authors note that while some cases are easily explained (e.g., meteors, satellites, aircraft), others, like the Lodelinsart case with its accompanying sound, remain more puzzling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions simplistic interpretations of UFO phenomena, particularly those relying on statistical probabilities without accounting for the nuances of individual observations. There's a critical stance towards theories that are not well-supported by evidence, as seen in the analysis of the Oloron and Gaillac cases. The magazine champions detailed, empirical investigation, as demonstrated by the extensive reporting on the August 1974 Belgian sightings and the photographic evidence from Montreal. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, demanding rigorous evidence and analysis while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the magazine focuses on a specific UFO sighting that occurred in Mont-sur-Marchienne, Belgium, on August 28, 1974. The cover headline, "Un OVNI bruyant à Mont-sur-Marchienne," immediately signals the main topic. The issue delves into the details of this observation, its auditory characteristics, and broader implications for UFO research.

The Mont-sur-Marchienne UFO Sighting

The article details an observation made by Mlle Patricia Riéga on Tuesday, August 28, 1974, in a heavily industrialized area near Charleroi. The Riéga family home is situated amidst the large steel complexes of Cockerill-Providence and the forges of Thy-le-Château, in a region characterized by extensive industrial infrastructure, including a dense rail network and proximity to a major international rail line.

Patricia was in the courtyard on a warm evening when she was alerted by a sound similar to a jet plane, but more intense and lasting for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. This was followed by distinct, sharp whistling sounds that suggested rapid rotation in the air. Despite looking, she could only see stars, indicating the sound source was not an aircraft. The sound intensified, described as a "tournoiement" (whirling) that became so loud it was overwhelming, causing her fear.

Suddenly, the object appeared to "leap" out of a small cloud towards the southwest. Patricia described the object as discoidal with a pronounced dome, its shape comparable to a Boeing aircraft or three to four times the diameter of the moon. It was clearly visible against the dark sky, emitting a strong red-orange-yellow halo. The object's color was described as steel-like. At times, the halo seemed to degrade. The craft was not horizontal but slightly tilted towards the observer. Its luminosity was insufficient to illuminate the ground but bright enough to prevent clear observation of details, though three faint mauve, square-shaped spots, possibly windows, were noted.

The object moved with a rapid, counter-clockwise rotation, following a trajectory oriented SSE-NNO. It moved away obliquely, as if on an air cushion, maintaining its angle of inclination throughout the observation. It disappeared behind a house roof. The intense, modulated whistling sound persisted throughout the sighting and then slowly attenuated.

Patricia's father, who was watching television, and her mother, in the kitchen, did not perceive the sound. The family dog did not react, which was unusual given the sensitivity of animals to such phenomena. The event did not seem to affect local TV or electrical distribution networks, except for a significant voltage drop in Marchienne-au-Pont, located vertically below the object's path.

Patricia, deeply affected, remained trembling for half an hour and couldn't sleep that night. The next day, the effects had disappeared. She later identified a photograph shown by SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Études des Phénomènes Spatiaux) as similar to what she had seen – a photo taken by George Stock in Passaic, New Jersey, on July 29, 1952. Patricia has since concluded that the origin of UFOs is extraterrestrial.

Complementary Investigation and Analysis

Michel Abrassart and Jean-Luc Vertongen provide further details. They note that the noisy UFO observations are concentrated in the Carolorégienne region (Lodelinsart and Dampremy) and Mont-sur-Marchienne. The extreme localization of the sound is a recurring characteristic, with witnesses close to each other not hearing it unless they are directly exposed.

An interesting detail is that Alain Hannot, who had recorded the sound of a previous observation, presented his recording at a meeting in Liège. A doctor of sciences present was particularly interested and obtained permission to re-record the magnetic tape. An in-depth analysis of this recording is underway.

Technical data for the Mont-sur-Marchienne observation include: Date: Tuesday, August 28, 1974, 8:55 PM; Location: Mont-sur-Marchienne, Hainaut, Belgium (OSO of Charleroi); Latitude: 50°24'24" N; Longitude: 04°24'37" E; Altitude: 105 m. The object was described as a "soucoupe avec dôme protubérant" (saucer with a protuberant dome). There were two witnesses. Secondary effects were reported as nil. The sound was a "puissant sifflement modulé" (powerful modulated whistling). The article assigns an IC (Indice de Crédibilité) of 3 and an IE (Indice d'Explication) of 2, according to Poher's scale.

Hypotheses and Research Strategies

Michel Bougard's presentation at Poitiers and Liège is summarized, focusing on the scientific approach to the UFO problem. The article defines UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) as material craft with unknown technology. It acknowledges the existence of numerous credible witnesses and the need for a scientific, rational approach.

Key characteristics of UFOs include luminous, acoustic, olfactory, thermal, electrical, and mechanical effects. They are often corroborated by ground traces, animal reactions, photos, films, radar data, and electromagnetic effects on electrical circuits. Witnesses may experience physiological effects like eye irritation or burns.

Statistics from Claude Poher's analysis of 825 cases show that a significant percentage of witnesses were professionals (doctors, priests, engineers, etc.), and many observations were made at close range and by multiple witnesses.

The article discusses the initial military hypothesis of "secret weapons" during WWII, but as information accumulated, it became clear that terrestrial technology could not account for the observed capabilities: incredible maneuverability, vertical take-off and landing, hovering, sharp turns without deceleration, and unique structures (spherical, discoidal, cylindrical) with features like "hublots" (portholes) and "dômes transparents" (transparent domes).

An analysis of 1593 cases by the U.S. Air Force (under Captain Ruppelt) in 1952 identified a significant percentage as "Non identifiés" (Unidentified), including cases with simultaneous radar and visual sightings. The article quotes Ruppelt stating that when radar detects a target and a visual observer sees a light, and a fighter jet intercepts it and also sees the light before it disappears, there is "no simple answer."

The article concludes that the UFO phenomenon is real and likely involves material objects, but their origin is unlikely to be terrestrial. The intelligent behavior of UFOs, their interaction with installations, and their evasive maneuvers suggest a non-human origin.

Extraterrestrial Hypothesis and Challenges

The extraterrestrial hypothesis is explored, suggesting UFOs are built and piloted by intelligent beings from other planets. This is supported by reports of humanoid figures near UFOs, often engaged in collecting samples or performing tasks. These beings are described as distinct from humans in physical appearance and behavior, and they seem to avoid direct contact.

Some "contactees" claim to have received messages, but these are often trivial or bizarre, leading to skepticism. The article cautions against accepting such claims without scrutiny due to the potential for fraud.

However, the extraterrestrial hypothesis faces theoretical challenges, primarily the immense distances involved in interstellar travel and the energy requirements, which seem to exceed current understanding of physics and technology. The "limitation of speeds" imposed by relativity and the vast energies needed are significant obstacles.

Despite these challenges, the article suggests that arguments against interstellar travel are not necessarily decisive, as there could be unknown methods of propulsion or energy sources. The possibility of "bases" on Earth (e.g., in oceans) or in space, and relativistic effects on time during high-speed travel, are also mentioned.

The article also touches upon the possibility of UFOs being a manifestation of "paranormal" phenomena, but dismisses this as a "solution of convenience" that doesn't explain anything. It criticizes authors who promote such ideas for financial gain.

Scientific Methodology for UFO Research

The article outlines a scientific methodology for studying UFOs, involving three stages: establishing the reality of the phenomenon through systematic data collection, isolating influencing factors through experimentation (though difficult for UFOs), and analyzing the global structure of observations. This leads to "phenomenological laws" describing "how" it happens, but not "why."

To answer "why," a theoretical model is needed, which can be developed through inductive (from details to general ideas) or deductive (from hypotheses to consequences) methods. These methods are complementary.

The article illustrates the concept of probability in scientific inquiry, moving from absolute uncertainty (all hypotheses equally likely) to limited certainty (probabilities differ) and potentially absolute certainty (one hypothesis proven correct).

The Role of the USAF and CIA

The article critically examines the role of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in investigating UFOs, citing claims of incompetence and deliberate obfuscation by scientists like Allen Hynek and James McDonald. The USAF's "Project Blue Book" is mentioned, with its official conclusion that a significant number of cases remained unexplained due to inadequate data.

The concept of a "conspiracy" is deemed inadequate, but "accidental negligence" is also rejected. The article suggests that the USAF might have been embarrassed by the scale of UFO sightings over U.S. territory, given its responsibility for national security and the substantial budgets allocated to defense.

The Robertson Commission's report is cited, warning against a "morbid national psychology" that could foster mistrust in authorities. The article speculates that the CIA may have played a role in suppressing UFO information, as suggested by Donald Keyhoe.

Despite the uncertainties, the article concludes that it is highly probable that the USAF and CIA have hidden facts behind a "smokescreen." The immense potential of UFO technology, even if extraterrestrial, would warrant secret research efforts. However, this secrecy has led to the ridicule of witnesses and misinformation of the public and scientific community.

The article asserts that the hypothesis of a natural explanation for the UFO phenomenon has been proven untenable.

Choice of a Working Hypothesis

The article presents three main types of hypotheses for UFO phenomena: normal phenomena, extraterrestrial phenomena, and paranormal phenomena. It emphasizes the need to choose a working hypothesis to advance research, even if it only has a limited probability of being correct. This choice of hypothesis is a research strategy, not necessarily a belief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFOs, particularly their auditory aspects, the challenges of scientific investigation, and the potential for extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, favoring a scientific approach while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the possibility of phenomena beyond our current understanding. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a focus on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis. The article also highlights the perceived secrecy and potential cover-ups by governmental agencies regarding UFO information.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as issue 114 of volume 10, dated October 1971, is published by SOBEPS in Belgium and is in French. The cover headline is 'Chronique des OVNI' (Chronicles of UFOs), and the main visual is a diagram classifying phenomena and their potential origins.

Scientific and Philosophical Approaches to UFO Phenomena

The issue begins by exploring various hypotheses for the origin of UFO phenomena. Auguste Meessen, Professor at UCL, discusses the limitations of current explanations. He presents a classification table (Tableau I) that categorizes phenomena into Normal, Paranormal, Extraterrestrial, Psychic, Paraphysical, Metapsychical, and Technological, with potential origins including Earth, parallel worlds, spirits, humanoids, and other universes. Meessen finds the hypothesis of physical objects from other planets currently untenable, suggesting that explanations involving hallucinations or psychic effects are also insufficient due to the scale and coherence of some reported events. He considers paranormal phenomena like telepathy and telekinesis to be inexplicable. He then delves into more speculative hypotheses, such as 'secret powers' of humans, 'parallel worlds' expanding spacetime, and spiritual principles involving 'spirits' like angels and devils, the latter being presented as a logically coherent, though unproven, theory driven by a 'diabolical' desire to deceive.

Meessen advocates for a scientific approach grounded in known physical laws. He argues that even if UFOs are extraterrestrial craft, they must obey fundamental physics, potentially utilizing unknown energy sources or technological principles. He illustrates this with the example of UFO propulsion, suggesting it might involve creating intense ionization of air and using electromagnetic fields to move charged and neutral air particles, generating a reaction force. He also touches upon explanations for phenomena like 'angel hair' (possibly water molecules in unstable structures) and the interruption of electrical currents by additional electromagnetic fields.

Historical UFO Sightings: 'Chronicles of UFOs'

The magazine then presents a historical overview of UFO sightings, starting from the Renaissance and extending to the reign of Louis XIV. This section, titled 'De la Renaissance au Roi Soleil...', details numerous accounts from the 16th and 17th centuries:

• 1517: A 'miraculous, extraordinary star' was observed near the Yucatan coast by Juan de Grijalba's expedition, emitting a light ray for over three hours.
• 1509: A dense, luminous smoke was seen in Mexico.
• 1517 (November 8): A sign resembling a human figure appeared in the sky over Moldavia.
• 1520: A large, burning ray appeared over Erfurt, Germany, causing destruction before rising and forming a circle.
• 1528: A yellow object was sighted over Utrecht, causing panic.
• 1535 (April 20): Seven 'suns' appeared over Stockholm, depicted in a painting.
• 1547 (December 13): A 'red cross' and 'red eagle' were observed near Rome.
• 1551 (January 3): Red cylinders, frightening fires, and a rain of 'blood' were reported in Lisbon.
• 1553 (January 13): Three 'suns' and two 'moons' appeared over Porco, Peru.
• 1554 (March 10): A 'burning lance' moved across the sky over Salon-de-Provence and St-Chamas, France, emitting flames.
• 1557 (December 5): Near Tübingen, Germany, large, fiery 'hats' appeared in the sky.
• 1561 (April 14): Cylinders and spheres were observed over Nuremberg.
• 1566 (August 7): Spheres were observed over Basel.
• 1568: 'Celestial armies' in combat were reported in Flanders.
• 1575: A powerful light swept the ground in Brabant, Belgium.
• 1560 and 1564: Beams of bright light were seen over London.
• 1586: A round, dark cloud with a 'red ear' appeared over Beauvais-sous-Matha, France.
• 1587: Aerial combat between armies was reported near Sarlat, France.
• 1593 (May): A 'flying dragon' surrounded by flames was seen near London.
• 1606: 'Fireballs' were observed over Kyoto, Japan.
• 1614 (March 4): A square object was seen over the Kinki region, Japan.
• 1619: A 'long, brilliant object' resembling a dragon with sparks was observed over Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.
• 1621 (September 12): White clouds, described as squadrons, appeared over Paris and Saint-Denis, France, engaging in aerial maneuvers and emitting lance-like and arrow-like forms.

These historical accounts are presented with references to contemporary chronicles and historical texts, emphasizing the long history of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Scientific Method and UFO Research

Auguste Meessen reflects on the nature of scientific inquiry, quoting Einstein on how 'wonderment' arises when experience conflicts with established concepts, driving the development of new ideas. He stresses that the scientific spirit is essential to understanding phenomena like UFOs.

SOBEPS Services and Publications

The issue includes advertisements for SOBEPS's bookstore, offering a range of books on UFOs and related topics, such as 'Identifier et le cas Adamski', 'Le livre noir des soucoupes volantes', 'Les dossiers des OVNI', 'Soucoupes volantes, affaire sérieuse', 'Soucoupes volantes, 20 ans d'enquêtes', 'Les soucoupes volantes viennent d'un autre monde', 'Black-out sur les soucoupes volantes', 'Des signes dans le ciel', 'Chroniques des apparitions extraterrestres', 'Le livre des damnés', 'Disparitions mystérieuses', 'Mystérieuses soucoupes volantes', and special issues on 'Objets volants non identifiés'. Prices are listed in Belgian Francs (FB).

SOBEPS also offers photos and slides of UFO-related documents. Readers are encouraged to diffuse 'Inforespace' and encourage memberships to increase the organization's reach.

Other Advertisements

Advertisements are also present for optical instruments from Pierre Slotter, the magazine 'Kadath' (chronicle of lost civilizations), and printing services from Ets Pendville & Cie. A book titled 'Le guide de l'enquêteur' (The Investigator's Guide) is promoted as an essential aid for witnesses of UFO observations, offering nearly 200 questions to ask and techniques for analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the exploration of scientific and philosophical hypotheses for their origin, and the promotion of serious, scientific investigation into UFOs. The editorial stance clearly favors a rational, evidence-based approach, while acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery of the subject. The magazine aims to inform and educate its readership, encouraging critical thinking and participation in the field of ufology.