Inforespace - No 34 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 34
Volume: 6th year
Date: July 1977
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial

The editorial, dated June 1947 - June 1977, reflects on the 30th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting, questioning the progress and current state of ufology. The author notes that while the phenomenon has gained some acceptance, it seems to be in a lull, possibly due to public fatigue or a lack of new, significant cases. The editorial suggests that ambiguity in the study of UFOs might stem from the perception that solutions are far off, despite ongoing research. It highlights the emergence of younger researchers who are exploring new avenues, coining the term 'savanturiers' for them. The editorial also touches upon the 'recuperation' of ufology, moving from a period of ridicule ('soucoupistes') to one of public interest and even marginal protest, and warns against falling into indifference. The author expresses hope for a new phase of research and encourages reader participation.

The UMMO Affair: A Case Study

This section delves into the mysterious UMMO affair, building on previous discussions. It recounts the involvement of Spanish ufologist Antonio Ribera, who in 1967 was contacted by Julian Delgado regarding alleged communications from extraterrestrials. Enrique Villagrasa Novoa, an engineer, reportedly received a 16-page report from these beings, marked with a curious symbol. The UMMO affair gained further attention with the San José de Valderas landing on June 10, 1967. The article details how Fernando Sesma, president of the "Société des Amis de l'Espace," published works based on documentation sent by the 'Ummites.' These documents, including those on biogenetics, aircraft descriptions, social structures, and cosmology, claim UMMO orbits the star IUMMA (Wolf 424). The Ummites reportedly landed in the Basses-Alpes region of France in 1950. The article notes that while many facts are mundane, some aspects, like the 'machines' with singular properties, remain astonishing. Several hypotheses are presented to explain the UMMO case: a large-scale prank, a mystification by a powerful organization to discredit ufologists, an experiment to gauge reactions to alien announcements, or the reality of UMMO and the Ummites' mission to educate privileged individuals.

Investigations: A Quasi-Landing in the Pays de Herve

This article reports on a UFO sighting that occurred on the evening of June 22, 1974, in the Pays de Herve region of Belgium. Two witnesses, Jean-Claude Rogister (18.5 years old) and Lydia Deliège (16 years old), were returning home on their mopeds when they observed a bright blue, luminous glow in the distance. Initially mistaking it for a police signal, they soon realized it was something more significant. As they approached, they saw a luminous object rotating silently in a field.

Witness Accounts:

• J.C. Rogister: Described the object as round, flat, about 20 meters in diameter and 2.50 meters high, hovering a few meters above the ground. It rotated rapidly, emitting flashing blue lights and some yellow lights. He noted a strong wind generated by the object's rotation, which was not present otherwise. The object disappeared suddenly when he and his companion cut their engines.
• L. Deliège: Her account largely corroborated Rogister's but was less detailed, as she felt insecure and preferred to leave. She described the object as smaller than a car, a luminous blue globe with a halo, rotating and producing a powerful wind. She also perceived an intense, regular tinkling sound that amplified with the rotation speed. Like Rogister, she confirmed the object vanished instantly upon the engine cutoff.

The witnesses noted that other motorists had stopped to observe the phenomenon. The article includes a map of the location and references previous investigations into the case.

Other Sections

• Cotisations (Subscriptions): Details the subscription rates for Inforespace for various years (1972-1977) and countries (Belgium, France, other countries), including rates for ordinary members and students. It also mentions a 'soutien' (support) contribution and provides bank and postal account details for payments.
• Les anciens numéros d'Inforespace (Back Issues): Announces that back issues of Inforespace from 1972 to 1976 (issues 1 to 30) are still available for purchase, highlighting the content of these early issues, including historical series, photo dossiers, and specific articles on UFO cases and theories.
• On nous écrit (Letters to the Editor): This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.
• Chronique des OVNI (UFO Chronicle): This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader phenomenon of ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michel Bougard, is one of active research, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting collaboration among readers and researchers. There's an emphasis on the scientific study of UFOs, moving beyond mere speculation. The magazine also appears to be a platform for disseminating information about the SOBEPS organization, its activities, and its publications. The UMMO affair is presented as a complex case requiring careful analysis, with the magazine open to various interpretations while leaning towards a rational approach. The publication also serves as a historical record of UFO events and research, evident in the availability of back issues and the detailed reporting of cases like the one in Belgium.

This issue of Inforespace, Volume 2, Number 18, dated May 1977, is published by SOBEPS in Belgium and focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover headline announces the establishment of a UFO detection network in Belgium.

Comparison of Two Testimonies: J.C. Rogister and L. Deliège

The magazine presents a comparative table of two witnesses' accounts of a UFO sighting in Henri-Chapelle. J.C. Rogister described the object as a saucer, about 80-100m away, 2m high, emitting blue and yellow lights, rotating, and making a slight whistling sound. L. Deliège's account was less precise, placing the object about 10m away, smaller than a car, with bluish luminosity and no flashing lights, rotating and balancing, with a tinkling sound. Rogister reported a sudden disappearance after about 7 minutes, while Deliège estimated 10 minutes.

Follow-up Investigation

An on-site inspection at the location of Rogister's sighting revealed calcined remains of a tree stump and a 3m diameter bare patch of ground, attributed to land clearing. The landowner recalled no unusual animal behavior. Local authorities reported nothing out of the ordinary. No other witnesses confirmed the event, and attempts to find the motorists mentioned by the witnesses were unsuccessful.

Additional Information

Another sighting in Andrimont involved a white, cylindrical object observed for fifteen minutes at less than 1000m. A 1974 sighting in Walhorn described a red, triangular object moving parallel to the highway for 20 seconds.

The Fazenda Velha Case

This section details an event in Nova Friburgo, Brazil, involving a 19-year-old witness, Edmond Cardoso de Oliveira. He described a sparkling, blue-tinged sphere, about 2m in diameter, with a vertical cylinder emerging from its top. The object hovered half a meter above the ground. The witness approached it and observed a humanoid figure emerge, described as about 1.20m tall, dressed in black, with rounded hands and smooth shoes. The figure moved towards the witness, who fled. The object and figure disappeared upon his return with another worker.

Book Review: "Chasseurs d'OVNI" by François Gardes

The magazine reviews François Gardes' book, highlighting its humor and engaging writing style, recommending it for those new to ufology.

The OVNI of the Niemeyer Towers

This case from Barra da Tijuca, Brazil, on April 30, 1974, involved two witnesses observing a silent, orange-red object with a pulsating red light. The object, described as two cones joined at their base or a flattened spool, had a diameter estimated to be around 30 meters. It moved silently, descending towards the beach and disappearing behind rooftops. A local shopkeeper reported seeing a fireball followed by a trail of flames around the same time.

Appreciation of the Case

The case is rated with a credibility index of 3 and strangeness index of 3, considered acceptable. The object's intelligent, controlled piloting is emphasized.

Complementary Information

The region around Rio de Janeiro has been the site of numerous UFO sightings since 1952. The area has a high population density and significant sunlight hours, with many active ufologists.

The OVNI of Jimmy Carter

This section recounts Jimmy Carter's 1969 UFO sighting in Georgia, USA. While governor, he reported observing a bright aerial phenomenon for twelve minutes that changed shape, brightness, and color, appearing to approach and recede. Carter estimated the distance between 300 and 1000 meters. He stated that if elected president, he would release all government documents on UFOs, convinced of their existence due to his own experience.

UFOs and Radar Networks

The article discusses the capabilities of radar observation networks in detecting unidentified aerial phenomena. It questions whether these sophisticated instruments, designed for meteorological applications, are truly effective in identifying UFOs. The NORAD system is described, detailing its mission to detect attacks, monitor satellites, and identify unknown aircraft. The system's vast network of radars and its role in tracking artificial objects and 'unknowns' are explained. The article notes that 'unknown' radar contacts are often dismissed as low military or astronomical interest due to the cost of analysis, with many listings being discarded.

The Cost of Analysis

Analyzing over 20 parameters for nearly 1000 cases daily is a significant undertaking. The cost of daily computer usage is estimated at 25,000 FB, leading to an annual budget of 7,500,000 FB, making it difficult to investigate every sighting.

A Wave of UFOs in Chile

This section reports on a series of UFO sightings in Chile in May 1977. One incident involved a patrol of six soldiers who witnessed a 3m oval object emitting a violet glow. One soldier, Corporal Armando Valdès, disappeared for 15 minutes, reappearing with a five-day beard and a date advanced by several days. Other sightings included luminous objects, a discoidal fire mass, and objects moving rapidly with zigzags.

A Detection Network in Belgium

Following a positive response to a previous call for participation, SOBEPS is launching a national UFO detection network in Belgium. The network will utilize electronic and mechanical devices to systematically record UFO phenomena. The advantages include continuous surveillance, increased observation probability, and the potential for scientific study. The goal is to establish automatic detection centers and to correlate electronic detection with visual sightings, providing more reliable evidence than human testimony alone.

The Photo Dossier: Hallam, Australia, March 5, 1967

This section describes a series of six black and white photographs taken in Hallam, Australia, by a 15-year-old named John Coyle. The object in the photos was described as silver, slightly domed at the top, very dark underneath, disc-shaped, and approximately the size of a five-cent coin held at arm's length. The object pursued a rectilinear trajectory and then described a slow circle around the observers for two and a half minutes before moving west. No sound was heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena. It highlights the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications and the need for systematic data collection. The establishment of a detection network underscores a proactive approach to ufology. The magazine appears to maintain an open but critical stance, presenting various cases and analyses while acknowledging the difficulties and costs associated with thorough research. The review of Gardes' book suggests an appreciation for accessible and engaging accounts of ufology, while the discussion of radar networks points to the technical aspects of detection. The editorial stance seems to be one of dedicated pursuit of understanding UFOs, encouraging reader participation and scientific rigor.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 27
Date: August 1975
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: Amérique du Sud : continent de prédilection des OVNI (6) (South America: Continent of Predilection for UFOs (6))

This issue of Inforespace focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly in South America, and includes reader feedback on previous articles.

UFO Cases and Investigations

Hallam, Australia Case

The issue details an incident where a young boy, John, and his sister witnessed and photographed a UFO. John, excited, rushed home to get his camera. His mother, Mrs. Coyle, initially thought an accident had occurred. After calming John, she understood the situation. He asked his mother to develop the film at "McKeon's Pharmacy" in Dandenong, fearing he might have damaged the camera. The V.U.F.O.R.S. organization received a letter about this and sent investigators who interviewed the family. They found the young witnesses to be credible. Around the same time, Dr. James McDonald of the US Navy was on the Australian coast, conducting atmospheric physics research and giving lectures on UFOs. He became aware of the Hallam photographs, found them interesting, met the young witnesses, and was convinced of their honesty.

"The "Balls" of the Aveyron" Case (Part 3)

This section, written by F. Dupin de la Guérivière and J. Chasseigne, discusses the third part of the Aveyron case, which presents the most problems. The report is considered comprehensive, but the single witness is noted as potentially weakening the testimony. Divergences and omissions are highlighted. A new element is the description of the trembling of a "road indicator plate," described as a significant physical effect similar to one observed in Vins-sur-Caramy. The witness's failure to mention this earlier is questioned. The description of the saucer with two domes is considered atypical, not matching other reported UFO shapes. The commentators emphasize that comments are from M. Chasseigne and suggest a potentially harsh line in one comment should be removed.

J. Chasseigne's commentary highlights the son as the primary witness in this episode. He notes that many events are difficult to place chronologically during the observation period, which may have lasted from Friday, January 13th, to Saturday, January 14th, with a peak on Wednesday, January 11th. He recounts an event around 9 PM on a Wednesday when the witness decided to pursue a mysterious "ball" with his car, an idea that came to him almost instinctively. The witness described the ball as moving at a speed comparable to a fast walker, and it remained about 20-30 cm above the ground. The witness also reported seeing the "obus" (shell-shaped object) and a ball that merged into it. The object then took off vertically and obliquely. Chasseigne suggests that the incoherence of the described takeoff is a sign of credibility, as a fabricated story would likely be more logical.

South America: UFO Hotspot (Part 6)

This section presents several close encounter cases from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on the work of Pr. Felipe Machado Carrion and the GGIOANI.

The Case of Pinhal Beach:

M. Cavalheiro Mendes, a retired police officer from Pôrto Alegre, reported an experience on October 19, 1959. While sitting outside his vacation chalet on a warm night, he felt an inexplicable sensation of fear, followed by heat and his hair standing on end. He felt compelled to move towards a nearby path. He realized he was in a "second state" where his actions didn't match his normal behavior. His will was dominated by an unknown force. He walked barefoot without feeling the ground's roughness. The fear subsided, but he felt a strong heat. He then saw a luminous object descend slowly towards a field. He approached it, and it stopped about 3 meters above the ground. The sphere, about the size of his car (4 meters in diameter), was not dazzling and had a green color. It illuminated the ground weakly. The observation was interrupted when a gendarmerie patrol car arrived, its headlights illuminating the area. The sphere then disappeared as if switched off. The phenomenon reappeared the next night with a similar scenario, again disappearing when a patrol car approached. Mendes does not believe the car's headlights caused the cessation but rather that the phenomenon did not wish to be observed.

Witness's Father's Observation:

Mendes' father had previously seen similar green balls in August, one moving up a valley towards Villefranche near the ground, around 10 PM. The recurrence of the phenomenon in the same locations is noted. The witness attributes intelligence to the phenomenon and believes he might have sought contact.

The Case of the Shrimp Bridge (Le Pont de la Crevette):

Colonel Waldemar Carlos Bastide Schneider, a professor at the Military College of Pôrto Alegre and a respected member of the GGIOANI, reported an experience on the evening of October 30, 1959. While driving with his wife, child, and friends (Mr. and Mrs. Beitel) towards Imbe beach, they observed two diamond-shaped lights stationary in the sky about 2 km away. The objects were about 50 meters apart. Using the car's headlights, the Colonel signaled to the objects, which responded by flashing brightly. Orange spots, about 20 cm in size, appeared as the lights dimmed. The apparent size of the objects was estimated at 60 and 45 cm. The Colonel theorized that the fainter luminosities came from within the objects. When the phenomenon intensified, it emitted a white fluorescent light that did not blind the witnesses. The objects illuminated the treetops of a nearby wood. The Colonel and his wife performed further signaling with flashlights, and the objects responded in kind. The Colonel then swept his flashlight horizontally, and one object mirrored the movement, moving towards the other and merging. When the flashlight was directed towards the ground and then in a circle, the objects repeated the movements. The objects then moved away, separating and progressing above the lagoon. The objects disappeared suddenly. The account was corroborated by a 60-year-old couple living nearby.

Note on Paranormal Action:

A note explains that paranormal actions by occupants can manifest as telepathy or other phenomena, leading to "tele-commanded" movements or altered perceptions.

Reader Correspondence

This section features letters from readers responding to a series on "The Cosmic Adventure of Humanity" (1).

Letter from M. Michel Dufourny (Montluçon, France):

Dufourny questions the sources used by M. F. Boitte for a table in Inforespace No. 26, pointing out discrepancies in dates for the Ranger VII, VIII, and IX missions. He cites Cosmos Encyclopedia, Tome V, p. 156, as his source. He notes that multiple spacecraft seem to have been launched with the same number on different dates.

Response: The table was compiled from press clippings and Dr. I. Verheyden's documentation. The date discrepancies are attributed to different dating methods used by the cited work, focusing on launch dates versus other event dates. The response questions the significance of these few-day differences.

Dufourny also points out imprecise dates for the Luna IX landing, the first steps on the moon, and the Apollo XIV launch.

Response: The response defends the date of Luna IX's impact and clarifies that the moon landing dates (July 20 or 21, 1969) depend on whether the LEM's arrival or the astronauts' exit is considered. The Apollo XIV launch date is confirmed as January 31, 1971.

Letter from M. X... (Signature illegible, France):

This reader comments on the Green Bank equation (Inforespace No. 28).

1. On the assumption of a constant number of stars: The reader argues that the assumption of a constant number of stars being born in the galaxy is unlikely.
Response: The R value in the equation is defined as the ratio of the total number of stars in a galaxy to its age, which is constant by definition.

2. On 'fp = 1': The reader states this is incorrect, citing the existence of double or triple stars and the uninhabitability of the galactic center.
Response: The response cites astronomers like Chlovski and notes that recent reconsiderations suggest planets in multiple star systems can maintain habitable temperatures if their orbits are nearly circular. Regarding the galactic center, it's estimated to contain 50% of the Milky Way's stars, with stars being much closer than in the solar neighborhood. While collisions or supernovae might be more frequent, the reader questions what prevents planetary systems from existing there. The response clarifies that the 'fp' estimation is about the probability of a planetary system forming around a star and the probability of life, not about habitability in the galactic center.

3. On 'L = 10^7': The reader disagrees, stating that the average lifespan of a civilization is likely between 1 to 5 million years and calls the 'fi' and 'fl' values "vogelpik" (bird droppings, implying nonsense).
Response: The Green Bank equation estimations are based on Von Hoerner's work. The response expresses interest in the reader's upcoming article and emphasizes that the equation is meant to address the probability of evolved civilizations in the Milky Way, not to be taken as absolute fact.

4. On the number of evolved civilizations: The reader questions the assumption of 10 evolved civilizations in our galaxy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and close encounters, presenting detailed witness testimonies and investigative findings. There's a focus on cases from South America, suggesting it as a significant region for UFO activity. The magazine also engages with scientific and astronomical concepts, using them to frame discussions on extraterrestrial life and the possibility of other civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and analysis without definitive conclusions, while also engaging with reader feedback and scientific debate. The recurring theme of intelligent control or purpose behind UFO phenomena is evident in several accounts.

This issue of "Chronique des OVNI" is dedicated to exceptional documents concerning UFOs from the 17th century, featuring a reprint of a 1621 monograph titled "Les Signes Effroyables Nouvellement Apparus en l'Air sur les Villes de Lyon, Nismes, Montpellier et Autres Lieux Circonvoisins". The magazine aims to provide a historical perspective on UFO phenomena, challenging the notion that they are a recent occurrence.

Historical UFO Accounts from 1621

The core of the issue is the detailed account from 1621, which describes various aerial phenomena observed over several French cities. On the night of October 12th, the sky over Lyon became unusually clear, revealing strange sights. Over the Place de Bellecourt, a mountain-like formation was seen with a castle figure emitting lightning. Other reports from Lyon include a "battalion of armed men" in the air led by a bright star, and fiery lances of light observed over the Guillotiere suburb. Similar phenomena were reported in Nîmes, where a large, sun-like object surrounded by flames appeared, and in Montpellier, with sightings of fiery torches and fire lances.

The text emphasizes that these are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of "effroyable signs" that have appeared throughout history, causing astonishment among the populace. The author of the 1621 text suggests that such events are beyond human comprehension and should be left to divine judgment.

Discussion on Project Ozma and Censorship

The issue includes a letter from M. M. Landais of Le Mans concerning the alleged failure of Project Ozma. He references an excerpt from Maurice Châtelain's book "Nos Ancêtres du Cosmos," which claims that Ozma received powerful, irregularly spaced signals two minutes after orienting its antenna towards Tau Ceti. Landais suggests that the message content was deemed dangerous by the White House, the Vatican, and the Churches, leading to censorship and the Pentagon entering a state of "trance." The response to this letter questions Châtelain's credibility, noting his absence from "Who is Who in Science," and suggests his work mixes politics and fiction. The response finds the idea of censorship for extraterrestrial signals, especially compared to the open announcement of the CTA-102 signals by N. Kardachev, to be almost comically irresistible, implying a potential cover-up.

Scientific Perspectives and Debates

Physicist Stanton T. Friedman contributes a letter clarifying his stance, disagreeing with a previous statement that his tone was sarcastic when discussing Sagan's ideas at a MUFON congress. He asserts his comments were no more sarcastic than Sagan's remarks about UFOs.

Professor J. Jedwab of ULB's Geochemistry Service forwards an article by T. Kuiper and M. Morris titled "In Search of Extraterrestrial Civilizations." This article, published in "Science," discusses the probability of interstellar travel and contrasts it with the "Cyclops" report's skepticism. Kuiper and Morris argue that if extraterrestrial civilizations exist, they are either not yet colonizing or not seeking contact. They propose that contact would be selective, possibly through tests or actions to prevent human self-destruction, or by implanting information to guide evolution. The article also considers the possibility of aliens collecting rare chemical elements or genetic samples. The magazine highlights this article for its quality authors and its escape from typical "philosophical disturbance" censorship.

Historical Context and Book Reviews

The "Chronique des OVNI" section, authored by Michel Bougard, introduces a book by Jean-Pierre Delarge that compiles information on historical UFO cases. The book, "LA CHRONIQUE DES OVNI," aims to demonstrate that UFOs are not a modern myth but a recurring phenomenon across civilizations. Its table of contents covers UFOs from prehistory through the 20th century, including specific periods like the Renaissance and the Belle Époque, as well as the 1896-1897 global wave.

The magazine also includes a list of books available for purchase through SOBEPS, covering a wide range of UFO literature, from historical accounts to scientific investigations and personal testimonies. Notable titles include works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Jimmy Guieu, Henry Durrant, Charles Garreau, Paul Misraki, Jacques Vallée, Patrice Gaston, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Frank Edwards, Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Julien Weverbergh, Ion Hobana, and Charles Fort.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the historical depth of the UFO phenomenon, arguing that it predates modern technology and scientific observation. The magazine appears to be critical of mainstream scientific dismissal of UFOs and suggests that official or religious authorities may have suppressed information. The editorial stance leans towards validating UFO reports as genuine historical occurrences and encourages critical examination of evidence, even from centuries past. The inclusion of scientific articles and debates, alongside historical accounts, suggests an effort to bridge the gap between historical mystery and contemporary scientific inquiry into the UFO subject. The magazine promotes the idea that understanding past events is crucial for comprehending the ongoing UFO mystery.