Inforespace - No 25 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 25
Volume: 5th year
Date: January 1976
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial

The editorial, written by Editor-in-Chief Michel Bougard, announces a new look for Inforespace, emphasizing that the changes are more than just superficial, aiming to improve the content and differentiate the magazine from others in the field of ufology. The editor outlines three types of readers: enthusiasts who want to stay updated, those seeking solid documentation, and dedicated researchers. Inforespace aims to cater to all by presenting in-depth articles, recent case studies, and reflections on the phenomenon. The magazine pledges to continue presenting news of major recent international cases and general reflections, alongside detailed investigations by SOBEPS within Belgium. It also promises to revisit older cases that have matured with time, adding valuable details to the coherent edifice of ufology. The editorial touches upon the debate of whether UFO information should be restricted to an elite or disseminated widely.

New in the Bookstore Service

This section reviews three books related to ufology:

• LES ETRANGERS DE L'ESPACE (Aliens from Space) by Major Donald E. Keyhoe. This 332-page French translation discusses the author's experiences as director of NICAP and the alleged cover-up of UFO information by US authorities like the USAF and CIA. Keyhoe criticizes this attitude and aims to reveal maneuvers to falsify investigations and silence witnesses.
• FACE AUX EXTRATERRESTRES (Facing Extraterrestrials) by Charles Garreau and Raymond Lavier. This 300-page book presents findings similar to Bruce Cathy's 'Harmonic 33,' identifying permanent corridors and a grid on the French territory where observations are more frequent. It includes 200 reports of landing observations in France.
• OVNI, DIMENSION AUTRE (UFO, Another Dimension) by Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi. This 62-page comic book is described as the third and best volume in a series on UFOs, detailing famous cases like Valensole and Crixas with precision.

Investigations

Close Encounters in Silly

This section details two significant UFO observations that occurred in 1974 near Silly, Belgium.

Observation of Thursday, March 21st:

Mme Demierbe, driving near Silly, observed red and green lights above trees. Initially thinking it was an aircraft, she slowed down. The lights formed a group that moved towards her route. She stopped and realized it was not a conventional aircraft. The object was described as larger than the full moon, bell-shaped, with red and green lights on top and a row of flashing white lights on the bottom. It moved slowly and horizontally without noise, describing a wide curve towards her car. Frightened, she accelerated and drove away. The object then crossed the road and moved towards the woods. The observation lasted about five to six minutes, and her car's performance was not affected.

Observation of Thursday, September 5th:

Later that evening, around 8:00 PM, a neighbor of Mme Demierbe observed flashing white and red lights high in the sky moving slowly towards the village of Horrues. Due to the distance, the shape was indistinguishable. The lights sometimes immobilized before continuing their progression. This observation lasted about five minutes.

The day after her observation, Mme Demierbe reported experiencing itching in various parts of her body, which persisted for about fifteen days, accompanied by a constant urge to sleep.

Observation of Thursday, September 5th (continued):

This part details the observation by Mme Demierbe's husband. While driving on the same route, he noticed green flashes from the trees bordering the road. He stopped, and his wife saw a rapidly ascending green light resembling a firework, emitting a whirring sound that masked the car's engine noise. The light illuminated the trees. They continued driving, then turned back. They observed a glow in the woods, comparable to a rotating police light forming a green circle. The intermittent light appeared in different locations, sometimes near the road, sometimes deeper in the woods or at the top of the trees. The source seemed stationary during the flashes.

Mr. Demierbe, accompanied by other witnesses, later drove into the woods. They observed a green flash that illuminated the road and landscape, making them briefly lose control of their vehicle. The car zigzagged, and the brake lights activated before it regained normal speed and drove away. The phenomenon intensified, creating a spectacle like a park illuminated by projectors, which then abruptly extinguished.

Supplementary Information:

Witnesses reported a humming sound independent of the flashes. Mme Wuilmus described it as a light whistling, while the Richez sisters compared it to a faint engine noise. Others heard a sound resembling distant thunder. Mme Vandercappellen, Mme Demierbe's mother, experienced insomnia and anxiety following the observation, along with a stiff neck. M. Wuilmus reported experiencing malaise, including respiratory problems and vomiting, in the days following the event. Tragically, M. Wuilmus later died in a car accident on the same road.

Most witnesses reported eye strain and a feeling of being observed.

The Gendarmerie in the Silly Woods:

The witnesses reported their observations to the gendarmerie in Ghislenghien. Gendarmes visited the site and noted that the upper branches of some trees were unusually dry for the season. Attempts to collect samples were hampered by bad weather. The investigation by the SOBEPS inquiry network, led by Mme Deramaix, gathered testimonies and consulted the gendarmerie. Despite difficulties, the interviews revealed a consistent and credible account from the witnesses.

Commentary:

The commentary highlights the differences between the March 21st and September 5th observations: the former involved a solid object seen by one witness for a short time, while the latter involved luminous phenomena observed by multiple witnesses over a longer period. The sincerity of the witnesses is deemed evident, especially given their report to the gendarmerie, which is considered unusual in Belgium. The author notes that these events occurred shortly before and after other significant UFO observations in Belgium in August and September 1954. The commentary suggests that the specific details of the phenomena and the witnesses' reactions warrant further investigation into this under-explored area of ufology.

Study and Research

Orthoteny: A Great Hope Dashed? (3)

This section continues the analysis of 'orthoteny,' focusing on the alignment of UFO observations, specifically the 'Bayonne-Vichy' alignment from September 24, 1954.

The author recalculates the probability of this alignment using two methods. The first method, based on Menzel's formula, considers the deviation of points from a central line. Initially, with 6 points, the probability of a fortuitous alignment is estimated at approximately 1 in 400,000,000. However, after considering the case of Ussel, which was initially part of the alignment but later excluded due to its location, the probability for 5 points increases significantly to about 1 in 575,000.

The second method focuses on the temporal aspect, suggesting that the singularity of the BAVIC (Bayonne-Vichy-Gelles) alignment might lie in its occurrence within a short time frame rather than its spatial arrangement. The author estimates the total number of UFO observations in the autumn of 1954 to be around 500. The probability of 6 points aligning within an 8-hour window is calculated to be approximately 1 in 680,000. The author notes that Dr. David Saunders offers a different perspective, focusing on the 'information level' of the alignment rather than its probability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace strongly emphasizes detailed, evidence-based investigation of UFO phenomena, as exemplified by the SOBEPS's work in Silly. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious ufological research, differentiating itself from more sensationalist publications. There's a clear commitment to presenting factual accounts, statistical analyses, and critical reviews of UFO-related literature. The editorial stance supports open dissemination of information while maintaining a rigorous approach to the subject matter. The recurring theme is the scientific pursuit of understanding UFOs, exploring both new sightings and historical cases, and analyzing patterns like 'orthoteny'.

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (Lights in the Night), specifically issue number 128 from October 1973, focuses on two major topics: a detailed statistical analysis of a purported UFO alignment phenomenon known as BAVIC, and a remarkable case of a UFO landing and repair in New Berlin, USA, involving humanoids.

BAVIC: Statistical Analysis and Orthoteny Hypothesis

The article begins by critically examining the work of Saunders, who developed a mathematical formulation to assess the statistical significance of UFO alignments, suggesting that the BAVIC phenomenon (an alignment of five UFO sightings on September 24, 1954, in France) was highly unlikely to be due to chance. Saunders' calculations, using different coordinate systems, indicated a very low probability of such an alignment occurring randomly.

However, the author raises several important reservations about Saunders' methodology. Firstly, the use of the least squares method to establish the mean line is questioned, as it minimizes deviations but may lead to misleadingly good results by aligning terrestrial points rather than the UFOs themselves. The author also points out that some of the observed deviations are very small (e.g., 305 meters), suggesting they might be within the margin of error for mathematical games rather than physical evidence.

A second point of critique concerns the precision of the coordinates used. While Saunders' third method (using centigrades) yielded the narrowest corridor (0.589 km), the author notes that the increase in precision from method I to III is not as dramatic as it might seem, with units changing rather than a significant increase in accuracy. The precision of Vallée's coordinates (millièmes of a degree) is highlighted as potentially more significant.

The article then delves into the statistical interpretation of low probabilities. It argues that an extremely low probability does not equate to impossibility, citing Toulet's adage that "even the improbable happens." The author suggests that Saunders' judgment might be subjective, as the concept of "confidence intervals" in science is pragmatic and doesn't provide absolute certainty.

A key argument is that a randomly occurring event with a low probability (e.g., 1 in 600,000) can occur at any time, and its frequency cannot be experimentally determined unless the number of observations is significantly larger than the probability itself. The author emphasizes that two occurrences do not establish a fixed interval, and the phenomenon might appear multiple times in one sample and zero times in another of the same size.

The article extends the analysis of BAVIC in space and time, considering observations from other days in the autumn of 1954 and beyond. Aimé Michel's work is referenced, noting additional points that could be part of the alignment. The author recalculates deviations using Michelin maps and finds them often smaller than those reported by Saunders, reinforcing the idea that certain points, like Ussel-Lachassagne, might have been erroneously included.

The statistical implications are further explored by considering a larger sample of observations and a wider geographical area, including Spain and Portugal. The author calculates probabilities for alignments of 30 points and finds them significantly higher than for the initial BAVIC case, suggesting that larger alignments might be statistically more probable if they exist.

The article also touches upon the "miracle of the three lights of Thann" from 1161 as a potential ancient precursor to UAP phenomena, calculating the distance between Thann and BAVIC. The author concludes that the proponents of orthoteny may not have used the most appropriate methods for their analysis.

The New Berlin Incident: A UFO Landing and Repair

The second major section of the magazine details a significant UFO incident that occurred on November 25, 1964, near New Berlin, New York. The account is based on the testimony of Marianne H., her husband Richard, and her mother-in-law.

Marianne H. observed a luminous object descending rapidly, not flying horizontally but directly towards a road. The object, described as exceptionally bright and luminous, emitted a low humming sound. It hovered and then moved towards Marianne, causing her to retreat indoors. Two cars on the road reacted by speeding away.

The UFO then stopped and hovered, giving Marianne the sensation of being observed. Her mother-in-law attempted to let their dog out, but the dog was terrified and refused to move.

Subsequently, a second UFO appeared and landed near the first one. Several figures, described as "men" or "humanoids," emerged from the objects. These beings were approximately 6.5 to 8 feet tall, wore dark, possibly diving suit-like attire, and had pale skin. They carried toolboxes and appeared to be working on the first UFO, which was described as having a conical base and a round top.

The humanoids were observed to be working with tools, including what appeared to be wrenches and screwdrivers, to repair a component described as a "motor" or "energy source." This component was removed from the UFO and placed on the ground. The process involved cutting what seemed to be cables and adjusting the component. The operation was meticulous, with the beings moving around the object in a semi-circular fashion.

After approximately 5 to 7 minutes, the second UFO departed, followed shortly by the first one. The departure was described as a rapid ascent, disappearing almost instantaneously.

Physical Traces and Witness Testimony

Following the incident, Marianne and her mother-in-law investigated the landing site. They discovered triangular landing traces on the hilltop and at the base of the slope, measuring between 4.5 and 6.1 meters on each side. These traces indicated that something very heavy had landed, with one foot impression crushing a rock and penetrating the soil. The impressions in the soil were approximately 35 cm in diameter and up to 46 cm deep, with smaller holes measuring about 10 cm deep. Two series of these marks were found, separated by about 12.2 to 15.2 meters.

Near the landing traces, a fragment of a "cable" was found, approximately 7.5 cm long. The description of this fragment suggests it was tubular on the outside, with a band of aluminum-like material inside, but it did not behave like typical aluminum.

An interview with Marianne H. provides further details about the object's size (comparable to a caravan, about 4.60 m), the humming sound (softer than a helicopter), and the appearance of the humanoids (five fingers, pale skin, human-like structure but taller, with large round eyes and short hair).

Her mother-in-law also provided testimony, confirming the events and expressing fear. She described the humanoids as moving with urgency, as if trying to complete their task and leave. She also noted that the objects departed directly into space, not by ascending to the hilltop first.

Bloecher's Commentary and Related Cases

Ted Bloecher, commenting on the New Berlin case, notes that encounters with humanoids are not unique. He references a similar case from Hemmingford, Quebec, in 1954, where two boys witnessed a spherical UFO land and a pilot emerge. This pilot was described as being 7 to 8 feet tall, wearing a black suit, and having large round eyes.

Bloecher refutes the idea that the New Berlin witnesses might have fabricated details by borrowing from other cases, emphasizing that the Hemmingford case was not widely reported at the time and that Marianne H. was unlikely to have had access to such information. He vouches for Marianne's integrity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. While presenting detailed accounts of sightings and landings, the magazine also rigorously examines the statistical methodologies used to interpret these events. The articles question the validity of certain hypotheses, such as orthoteny, by applying statistical rigor and highlighting potential flaws in data collection and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, seeking to separate genuine anomalies from statistical artifacts or misinterpretations, while also acknowledging the profound nature of some reported encounters, like the New Berlin incident.

This issue of Inforespace, dated July 3, 1967, focuses on photographic evidence of UFOs and related investigations. The main cover story, "Le dossier photo d'inforespace," highlights photographs taken in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which were subsequently analyzed by notable figures in the field, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Edward U. Condon.

Calgary UFO Photo Case

The article details an observation on July 3, 1967, by M. Warren Smith and two companions near Highwood Ranger Station in Alberta, Canada. While prospecting for minerals, they observed an object descending at high speed. Initially thought to be a distressed aircraft, its lack of wings and silent descent soon indicated it was something else. Smith managed to photograph the object with his Olympus PEN EE camera. The photos were later studied by Dr. Hynek and Dr. Condon as part of the Condon Report. The analysis involved several tests, including examining the photographic characteristics and comparing them to known phenomena. While some analyses suggested the images could be consistent with a real object at a distance, others concluded they could not be differentiated from those obtained with a model or maquette.

Dr. Hynek's own analysis, based on microscopic examination of the negatives, suggested the photos were of real objects. He noted that the "softness" effect in the images was consistent with atmospheric conditions when photographing a distant object. However, the Condon Committee, through expert M. Hartmann, concluded that the rapid rotation, blur, and inclination seen in the second photo were typical of a model launched from the ground. The committee maintained that the images could not be distinguished from those of a maquette and lacked sufficient evidence to prove the reality of 'flying saucers.'

Further details emerge regarding the debris found by Smith's friend, who had gone missing during the observation. The debris consisted of metallic flakes identified as an aluminum and magnesium compound. Dr. Hynek informed the Condon Committee of this finding. An attempt to conduct a lie detector test on the witnesses with Dr. Hynek present was thwarted by a misunderstanding that led to Hynek's premature departure.

UFO Sighting in Montana

A report from "Canadian UFO Report" details an incident in February 1970, near Glacier Park, Montana. Léona Nielson and another witness observed a long, dome-shaped object emitting sparks. Two figures, described as 'men,' were seen running around the object. The observation lasted about 30 minutes. The object was described as being about 15 meters in circumference. The report notes that the area was covered in 1.85 meters of snow.

International UFO Sightings

The issue also covers several international sightings:

Hergies, France (September 1974)

Several observations were reported near Hergies, close to the Belgian border. In March 1974, M. and Mme T. encountered a blue, shimmering light hovering over a road intersection. Their car experienced electrical failures (headlights, engine, radio) while passing through a localized, dense fog. Later, in August 1974, a circular area of flattened wheat, 5-8 meters in diameter, was found in a field near their farm. On September 4, 1974, the same witnesses observed a dark, metallic disk with a dome and luminous 'windows' that emitted flashes and ascended rapidly. The object was estimated to be 15 meters in diameter.

Carcès, France (February 1975)

M. Fraisse, driving near Carcès, observed a bizarre, black object, about 15 meters long and 2 meters high, hovering silently about 6 meters above a field. It had several luminous ports and a cone-shaped light underneath. The object remained stationary for several minutes before disappearing. Investigations at the site revealed unusual magnetic remanence and a localized fungal disease (rust) affecting the wheat crop. The object's emission of a faint glow was compared to that of a color television.

New Jersey and Maryland, USA (July 1975)

On July 4, 1975, two students, M. Cahill and Mlle Tiger, observed a UFO estimated to be about 20 meters in diameter, moving slowly at an altitude of less than 25 meters. The object emitted a bright, non-directional light. Later that day, a private pilot, M. Jim Quodomine, observed a similar object. Another witness, an anonymous Navy employee, reported seeing two similar objects on July 27, 1975, one of which ascended rapidly in a zig-zag pattern.

Iceland (January-March 1975)

Several sightings of 'fireballs' were reported in Iceland. On January 9, 1975, a fireball the size of the sun was seen over Vopnafjord. Similar phenomena were observed in Akureyri and Husavik, with witnesses describing multiple lights connected by a 'thread' that moved slowly.

Analysis of Physical Effects

The article discusses the investigation into the Carcès sighting, including measurements of soil resistivity, negative ionization, and infrared radiation, all of which yielded normal results. However, magnetic remanence was detected at the site, and the wheat crop showed signs of a fungal disease. The issue also mentions the possibility of confusion with satellite re-entries, as several were scheduled around the time of the French sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and the search for physical traces of UFO activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of detailed reporting and investigation, presenting different viewpoints and analyses, particularly concerning the Calgary photo case, where scientific opinions diverged significantly. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena by collating information from various sources and investigations.

This issue of Inforespace magazine, dated September 1975 and identified as issue number 29, focuses on two primary themes: a contemporary UFO sighting in Brazil and a historical exploration of aerial phenomena from the 17th century. The publication also includes astronomical information for the year 1976 and a section for reader correspondence.

Brazil: A Minibus Lifted by a UFO

The lead article details an incident that occurred on May 17, 1968, involving four men – José Da Silva, Manuel Gonzalez, Flavio, and Moïses – traveling in a VW minibus near Florianopolis, Brazil. They witnessed a bright light and heard a loud, rumbling noise, described as similar to an electric drill. Their minibus was suddenly lifted about 50 cm off the ground for a brief moment, then lowered gently. After this, the vehicle was lifted again for a shorter period. Following the incident, they observed a luminous, circular object about 100 meters away, which accelerated rapidly and moved to a distance of 500 meters before disappearing. The vehicle's lights and radio, which had turned off during the event, reactivated. A burnt smell, like that of a burnt coil, was also detected. The witnesses estimated the object's diameter to be no more than 2 meters from their vantage point, noting several openings resembling portholes from which movements could be seen. A reddish light constantly circled the upper part of the object. The OVNI remained suspended for a few minutes, oscillated, and then sped off towards the sea. A truck driver also witnessed the event. The witnesses later experienced physical after-effects: Moïses suffered from violent vomiting, Manuel Gonzalez lost his eyebrow hairs and experienced itching, and José Da Silva became completely bald within a year. The minibus itself bore a circular burn mark on its roof, with the paint blistered.

An investigation by the Air Force was conducted, during which a major reportedly admitted to having seen OVNIs himself. The investigation also noted a significant drop in voltage at the Tubarao Electric Power Plant at the time of the incident.

UFOs or Submarine UFOs?

This section reports on events in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in June 1974, involving sightings of strange objects in the sea. Journalists, police, and ufologists were drawn to the area. The first sighting occurred on June 13, 1974, near Prainha Sao Miguel, witnessed by six adults and nine children, including fisherman Francisco Ubelino. They initially thought it was an airplane preparing to land, but Ubelino, concerned, went out in his boat and realized it was not an airplane. He saw the object sink into the sea, leaving only foam. His wife, Carmélia, described the object as circular and flat, with a bright white point and a metallic tip, which was the last part to disappear. Another witness, the father of Ubelino, noted the object descended against the wind.

Approximately 3 km away, on Gravata beach, fisherman Alfredo Leopoldo da Costa also observed a strange white object coming from the north. He described it as making a curve, flying low, and then landing in the water, where it floated for five minutes. He made a sketch of the object. A second sighting occurred on the night of July 2, 1974, also in Gravata, witnessed by five tourists. Joao Manuel Barreto described seeing a "flying saucer" emerge from the clouds, noting its powerful luminosity and soft humming sound. His wife, Sentil Barreto, explained that the object stopped over the sea. Norma Barreto added that the object blinked like a danger light and slowly moved towards the sea. During this sighting, the television's sound decreased and then stopped.

Fragments of Metallic Material

In late August 1974, fishermen in Sao Miguel collected metallic fragments from the site of the earlier incident. Professor Flavio A. Pereira, president of the Brazilian Commission for the Research of Unidentified Aerial Objects (CBPOANI), believes these fragments could be the second known material evidence of extraterrestrial craft, following the Ubatuba case in 1957. He notes that while UFO sightings are common, physical evidence is rare.

Recall of the Ubatuba Case

The Ubatuba case, from September 1957, involved fishermen observing a luminous, saucer-shaped object descending into the sea, where it exploded with a loud crash. Small metallic debris was collected from the explosion site. Metallographic, mineralogical, and crystallographic analyses revealed the material to be pure magnesium of a quality that Brazilian metallurgy could not produce. Subsequent analysis in the USA yielded identical results, which is considered a significant finding in the search for UFO evidence. These fragments are kept by the CBPOANI.

Astronomical Phenomena in 1976

This section provides a detailed monthly forecast of astronomical events for 1976, including the visibility of planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), their magnitudes, and declination. It aims to help readers distinguish astronomical events from potential UFO sightings. For example, in January, Mercury is visible as an evening star, and Venus is visible in the morning. Mars is visible throughout the night in February, and Jupiter is visible in the morning. The section also notes specific events like eclipses and conjunctions.

Public Meeting in Liege

A public meeting organized by SOBEPS is announced for Friday, February 20, in Liege. Jacques Bonabot will give a conference on "OVNI in the Flemish Country," focusing on observations in northern Belgium, with a slide projection. The entry fee is 30 FB.

Reader Correspondence: "On nous écrit..."

This section features letters from readers. One letter is from André Dufour, an architect, responding to an article by Brinsley Le Poer Trench concerning "Oloron and Gaillac: Mirror Effects?". Dufour argues that the "angel hair" (cheveux d'ange) phenomenon, cited as an objection to Trench's hypothesis of projections, could actually support it, suggesting it might be reflective material used for "heliograms." He proposes that these phenomena might be a form of communication or observation by intelligent beings.

Chronicle of UFOs: From the Renaissance to the Sun King (2)

This historical segment continues the chronicle of unusual aerial phenomena. It details reports from the 17th century, including:

• 1623: A "noisy meteor" observed over Germany and Austria.
• 1628 & 1642: Strange "cannonades" heard in the sky over Berkshire, England, and France/Great Britain.
• 1640: Soldiers at the Fort of Kenoque (Ypres, Belgium) reported seeing a complete army marching in the sky, followed by two more armies, engaging in a battle.
• 1643: English chronicler John Evelyn described a luminous cloud in the air, resembling a sword, seen in the southern sky.
• 1646: Reports from La Haye (Netherlands) of strange people and animals appearing, and a fleet of "airships" with many sailors.
• 1653: The appearance of "men dressed in white, brandishing flashing swords" on the ramparts of Thuin, Belgium, during a siege, which was interpreted as a divine intervention.
• 1663: A detailed account from Russia describes a large, fiery object over Lake Robozero, emitting intense heat and light, with two luminous beams, disappearing and reappearing several times over an hour.
• 1672: Captain Izaac Guiton reported seeing a star-like object that transformed into a large, dark, ship-like form with masts and rigging, moving without sails.
• 1676: Italian professor Montanori described a luminous object flying over Italy at high altitude, emitting a whistling sound, and estimated to be moving at over 15,000 km/h.
• 1677: Astronomer Edmund Halley observed a "great light in the sky" over southern England. Pierre Bouchet also reported a similar phenomenon.
• 1697: Observations from northwest Germany described an "ovoïde body" followed by a trail of light, suggesting a modern OVNI phenomenon.

The article emphasizes the recurring characteristics of these phenomena across different eras and locations, suggesting they are indeed UFO-related. It also mentions observations by astronomer Edmund Halley.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, drawing on witness testimonies, historical records, and scientific analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to share their observations and insights. There is a clear effort to distinguish between known astronomical events and unexplained aerial phenomena. The historical section highlights the long-standing nature of these sightings, suggesting they are not a recent invention. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of physical evidence and the potential for intelligent extraterrestrial visitation, while cautioning against hasty conclusions, as noted in the quote by Archimède Daner. The publication aims to educate its readers about both contemporary and historical UFO cases, as well as related astronomical events.

This issue of "UFO Informations" (Volume 8, May-June 1975) is published by the Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin and focuses on historical UFO sightings and related organizations. The content is primarily in French.

Historical Sightings from the 17th Century

The main article, authored by Michel Bougard, delves into early accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena, starting with a detailed description of a sighting near Leipzig, Germany, on an unspecified date. The observer noted an object at a high altitude (around 60 degrees, estimated 50 km) that gradually descended and emitted two visible globules. Similar events were reported in Leipzig on March 22, 1680, and in Hamburg around 03:00 on the same date, with the object estimated at 65 km altitude.

The article questions whether these were natural phenomena like comets or planetary risings, suggesting it's unlikely astronomers would be so mistaken. It cites an entry from December 20, 1689, by Jacob Bee, who described a 'comet' that transformed from a half-moon shape into a shining sword, noting that the term 'comet' might have been misused by a layman.

Further historical accounts include:

• May 6, 1692: Three objects in formation were observed in broad daylight over Edo (now Tokyo), Japan.
• January 1694: The parish priest of Dolgelley, Wales, reported that sixteen haystacks and two barns were burned by a fiery vapor originating from the sea. The article notes that similar 'sea fires' were observed along the Welsh coast as early as the 15th and 16th centuries.
• November 4, 1697: A large, luminous sphere, bright at its center, was observed flying slowly over Hamburg and other towns in northwest Germany.

The last observation found for the 17th century is dated 1699, extracted from "L'histoire du Diocèse d'Avignon" by Abbé Granget. The account describes an event near St-Didier-Vaucluse, France, where the sky appeared to open, revealing a great light and three globes of fire. The central globe was higher than the others. Two more lights appeared, and then the globes united and disappeared. The observer noted that the chapel of Notre Dame De Ste-Garde was extraordinarily illuminated, even though there was no lamp inside.

Context of the 17th Century

The article places these events within the historical context of Louis XIV's reign in France and the burgeoning scientific revolution in Europe, with contributions from figures like Bacon, Descartes, Galileo, and Newton. It anticipates the 18th century, the "Age of Enlightenment," a period of significant philosophical, literary, and scientific development, where new ideas promoted progress and human rights. The author posits that the term "Age of Enlightenment" might also be interpreted literally concerning UFOs, given the numerous observations during that era.

Directory of UFO Organizations

The second page of the document provides a list of UFO research groups worldwide, including:

• Argentina: AAA-DIOVNI, CIFEX, CIOVNI, EDOVNI, CDC.
• Brazil: ABECE, CEOANI, CICOANI, GEPA2, OEC.
• Australia: TUFOIC.
• New Zealand: SATCU.
• Denmark: SUFOI.

Contact information, including presidents, directors, addresses, and sometimes associated publications (like the review "Xenolog" from SATCU and "UFO-NYT" from SUFOI), is provided for each organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the historical documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing that such observations are not a recent invention but have occurred for centuries. The magazine appears to present these historical accounts factually, encouraging readers to consider the evidence. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, evidenced by the detailed historical accounts and the listing of international research organizations. The article suggests a potential literal interpretation of the "Age of Enlightenment" in relation to the prevalence of UFO sightings during that period.