Inforespace - No 35 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 35
Volume: 6th year
Date: September 1977
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial

The editorial by President Michel Bougard emphasizes the importance of active member participation in the non-profit association SOBEPS. He notes that only a small percentage of members contribute to the association's activities and urges readers to become more involved. Bougard stresses that the members of SOBEPS are amateurs driven by a common goal and limited resources, not professionals. He shares his personal journey into ufology, highlighting the revelations and ongoing learning involved. While acknowledging that some researchers, like Aimé Michel, may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of UFO phenomena, Bougard advocates for perseverance and the belief that the seemingly impossible can be understood. He suggests that engaging with 'something else' like ufology can be an effective way to escape daily stresses, especially if it aligns with one's interests. He clarifies that membership in SOBEPS is more than just a subscription to the magazine; it's a gesture to support a cause and a call to action to increase active membership.

Articles and Features

Les anciens numéros d'Inforespace (1972 à 1976) sont encore disponibles

This section announces that back issues of Inforespace from its first five years (issues 1 to 30) are still available. It highlights the content of these early issues, including a special issue on the "History of Unidentified Flying Objects," a "Photo Dossier" with Belgian cases and Brazilian series, "Our Investigations" featuring detailed observations, and "Study and Research" articles on topics like the 1908 Tunguska event, UFO propulsion, and interstellar travel. It also mentions articles on "Primhistory and Archaeology" such as the Nazca site, Tassili frescoes, and the Piri Reis map, as well as a SOBEPS study on "UFOs in the 19th Century" and various other significant UFO cases and analyses.

Nos enquêtes: Téléportation de voiture dans le Brabant

This article details a case of alleged car levitation that occurred in September 1965 in the Brabant region of Belgium. The witness, Mme A. V., was driving on a road near Malaise when her car suddenly lost steering control and seemed to levitate a few centimeters off the ground. During this event, a luminous, tube-like object appeared in front of her windshield. The phenomenon lasted for about 3-4 seconds, after which the car returned to the ground. Mme A. V. reported feeling as if she were driving on an "air cushion" and that the car's engine continued to function normally. She was significantly shaken by the experience. Several hours later, she noticed unusual marks on her wrists, described as a large line of small, closely spaced dots that caused itching and resembled a light burn. These marks reappeared two years later but have not recurred since. The article notes that the car was later sold and showed no signs of the incident. The investigation, initiated in 1973, found Mme A. V. to be a credible witness, though physical evidence was lacking. The conditions at the time of the event were normal, with clear skies and good visibility. The article explores possible explanations, ruling out simple reflections from public lighting due to the duration and nature of the phenomenon. It concludes that the event remains unexplained by conventional means and suggests the possibility of an OVNI (UFO) encounter, even contemplating a more direct link between the phenomenon and the witness's psychological state.

Suite de l'enquête

This section continues the investigation into Mme A. V.'s experiences. It describes a subsequent event that occurred several years after the car levitation incident. Mme A. V. experienced a vision of her daughter, who was absent, standing in her room, accompanied by a similar neon-like object. This vision coincided with a period when her daughter was experiencing a health issue that doctors could not diagnose. Mme A. V. interpreted the vision as a sign that helped her daughter's doctors identify a stomach or digestive problem, leading to her recovery. Since this event, Mme A. V. has become more interested in mysterious phenomena, particularly those with parapsychological aspects, and feels a need to develop her potential in this area.

Informations complémentaires

This section provides additional information and context for the car levitation case. It states that Mme A. V.'s experience is unique in Belgium but mentions two similar cases from Canada: one in 1969 in Craigmyle, Alberta, involving a witness named Mme Barbara Smythe, and another in 1971 in the Pieds-Noirs Indian reserve, Alberta, involving M. and Mme Raw Eater. Both Canadian cases also describe cars levitating or experiencing unusual floating sensations while a luminous object was present. The article notes that in these cases, the car's engine continued to function, and no physical traces were left behind.

Commentaire

The commentary section analyzes the similarities between the Belgian case and the two Canadian cases, highlighting the phenomenon of car levitation attributed to luminous objects. It points out that these cases differ from typical UFO reports involving engine stoppages or ground traces. A significant challenge discussed is the physics of a car maintaining its trajectory on a curve while levitating, considering the immense centrifugal force involved (estimated at 12,500 Newtons for a 1000 kg car on a 50m radius curve). The article suggests that these cases might involve a more direct interaction with the witness, potentially involving psychic catalysis or unconscious induction of the phenomenon.

Chronique des OVNI

This section appears to be a regular column providing updates on international UFO news and events. It mentions a case from the previous issue concerning the "Flying Cars or Hypnotized Drivers?" article, clarifying that the car in that case did not levitate but rather experienced a loss of control. It also references a report from the "Canadian Ufo Report" and the concept of centrifugal force.

On nous écrit

This section contains letters from readers. One letter from a reader in France discusses the case of a car that lost control and experienced a loss of steering, but without levitation. Another letter from a reader in Canada mentions a case involving a "brilliant light" that caused the car to lift off the ground. The section also includes a note about the SOBEPS address change and a reminder to use the new address for correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Inforespace revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and encounters. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative approach, aiming for rational and objective study of these phenomena, as stated by the SOBEPS association's mission. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the collection of detailed case studies, even those from the past. The editorial stance promotes active participation from members and encourages the sharing of information and ideas. The magazine also touches upon the potential parapsychological aspects of UFO encounters, suggesting that the phenomena might not always be purely external but could involve interactions with the witness's psyche. The publication aims to provide a platform for discussing these complex and often baffling events, encouraging readers to contribute to the ongoing research.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 27
Date: March 1977
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace delves into several intriguing topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features a detailed counter-enquiry into a well-known case, explores scientific advancements in understanding geological anomalies, and debunks a famous photographic piece of evidence.

The Aveyron 'Boules' Case: A Counter-Enquiry

The magazine presents an in-depth counter-enquiry into the Aveyron 'boules' case, conducted in 1975 by MM. Michel Pratx, Jean-Luc Vidal, and Maurice Couzinié. The authors emphasize the importance of the investigator's personality and the quality of the relationship with the witness in shaping the collected information. They highlight that an investigator is not a machine but a human being, prompting reflection on how testimonies are gathered.

The investigation was divided into two stages: a psychological study of the main witness (the son) and a search for external testimonies. The initial contact with the family in May 1975 yielded little new information. However, subsequent exchanges and a meeting on October 25th revealed surprising declarations from the son, including catastrophic and political predictions, which raised suspicions about his credibility.

Further declarations on December 28th included claims of out-of-body experiences and the ability to travel outside his body. The investigators found these claims fantastical and indicative of a vivid imagination. They also noted the son's claims about extraterrestrials arriving from billions of light-years away.

To corroborate or refute these claims, the investigators sought information from people who knew the family. This external input confirmed their doubts about the son's account. The counter-enquiry also involved a second part, focusing on external testimonies. This search yielded negative results, with neighbors stating they had seen nothing unusual.

A significant development occurred on April 17, 1976, when the father made a crucial statement. He revised his previous accounts, attributing the observations primarily to the evening of June 15, 1966, and stated he could no longer vouch for his son's more elaborate stories. He expressed doubts about the son's claims, particularly regarding the 'obus' (shell-like object) with a rotating light, stating he had not seen it and that his son might have exaggerated.

The father's revised testimony indicated that the 'obus' was visible from several neighboring farms and a village, contradicting the son's claim that it was hidden. He also mentioned seeing six 'boules' (spheres) that evening, which he described as luminous but not illuminating. The investigators concluded that while the father and grandmother appeared sincere, the son's account was likely embellished or fabricated. They suggested that the 'obus' might have been a misidentified object, possibly an airplane headlight, and the six 'boules' could have been illusions or misinterpretations.

Commentaries from Michel Pratx and Jean-Luc Vidal reinforce these conclusions. Pratx notes that the parapsychological elements of the son's story are unrelated to the observed phenomena and are linked to his psychological profile. Vidal concludes that the father and grandmother were truthful, but the son's observation and statements are rejected, attributing the event to a possible misidentification on the evening of June 13, 1966.

Maurice Couzinié, however, expresses stronger reservations about the son's entire account, citing his extravagant declarations, the lack of external witnesses for the 'obus' sighting, the neighbor's denial, the refusal of hypnosis, the father's retraction, and the addition of known elements to the story. He suggests that the 'obus' and six 'boules' seen by the father might have been misinterpretations, possibly due to the context of a nearby festival.

The Tektites: An Enigma Solved?

This section addresses the long-standing mystery surrounding tektites, small glassy stones found in specific locations on Earth. The article explains that their origin was once a puzzle, with various hypotheses ranging from interstellar origins to volcanic activity or meteorite impacts.

Recent scientific analysis, including isotopic composition studies and data from lunar missions, has largely resolved the enigma. Tektites are confirmed to belong to the solar system. Their chemical composition excludes terrestrial or lunar volcanic origins. The hypothesis of a meteorite or cometary impact on the Moon was also deemed unlikely to explain their geographical distribution.

The prevailing theory now points to impact events on Earth. Specific craters have been linked to tektite fields: the Bosumtwi crater in Ghana for those in Côte d'Ivoire, and the Ries crater in Bavaria for Czechoslovakian tektites. For American and Australian tektites, a large impact crater in Wilkes Land, Antarctica, has been identified. This massive crater, 850 meters deep and 240 km in diameter, is believed to be the source of the extensive Australian and Southeast Asian tektite fields.

The article concludes that tektites are a variety of impactites, formed by the intense heat and pressure of meteorite impacts. Their transport over considerable distances is attributed to the high energy of the impacts, likely caused by exceptionally large meteorites.

Dogon Mythology and Extraterrestrial Contact

Another intriguing section explores the mythology of the Dogon people of Mali, focusing on their traditions concerning the origin of the Bosumtwi crater. The Dogon legend speaks of a fiery celestial body falling to earth, serving as an anvil for the first blacksmith. This legend is interpreted as a reference to meteoric iron, which was likely the first metal worked by humans.

The mystery deepens when considering the Dogon's knowledge of Sirius, specifically mentioning its exact revolution period, a fact only known to astronomers for about 100 years. This advanced knowledge, coupled with their traditions, leads the author to ponder the possibility of extraterrestrial initiators, as suggested by researcher Eric Guerrier.

Other Reports and Activities

The issue also includes announcements for upcoming events, such as a meeting organized by SOBEPS in Liège for information and recruitment of volunteers for data entry. There is also a brief mention of a case involving luminous spheres in Aveyron, referencing previous publications.

Dossier Ufaux: Mosborough, UK, February-March 1962

This section debunks a famous UFO photograph taken in Mosborough, Great Britain, in 1962. The photograph, attributed to Alexander Birch, a 14-year-old schoolboy, showed five unusual objects in the sky. Initially deemed authentic after rigorous examination by British authorities, the hoax was revealed by Birch himself ten years later.

Birch admitted to using a glass pane on which he drew five objects of different sizes. He then photographed this montage against a landscape, carefully framing the image to hide the glass. The simple trick successfully fooled investigators and led to the photograph's widespread diffusion. The article notes that following the publication of this hoax, numerous UFO sightings were reported in the region, raising the question of whether Birch's deception inadvertently triggered a wave of similar reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, the importance of rigorous investigation methodologies, and the potential interplay between physical phenomena and psychological factors. Inforespace appears committed to presenting both established scientific findings (like the resolution of the tektite enigma) and detailed, often skeptical, analyses of UFO cases. The magazine emphasizes the need for careful scrutiny of witness testimonies and investigator approaches, highlighting that the credibility of a case often hinges on the quality of the investigation itself. There is a clear editorial stance favoring evidence-based conclusions and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, while also acknowledging the complexities and mysteries that still surround the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of 'Amérique du Sud : continent de prédilection des OVNI' (South America: Preferred Continent for UFOs), issue number 7, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from South America but also including cases from the United States and Portugal. The content explores witness testimonies, object characteristics, and potential psychological implications of these encounters.

The Case of the Três Cerros Farm

In late 1959, the foreman of the Três Cerros farm, owned by M. Sesefredo Silveira Gomes, reported seeing a circular object without wheels stopped on a marshy island known to local gauchos. The foreman claimed to have witnessed small beings emerging from the craft. When M. Gomes and some workers investigated, they found only a circular area where the vegetation was flattened.

Strange Encounter on the Guaiba Bridge Road

Around the same time, near the Guaiba bridge road in Porto Alegre, witnesses reported seeing what appeared to be a burning airplane enveloped in a fog-like shroud flying at a low altitude. The object reportedly extinguished itself abruptly by the roadside, about 8 meters above their car. They then observed a rounded object, approximately 5 meters in diameter, topped with a copper-like dome and appearing dented. It had a rim made of three concentric rings. The outer rings shone like white metal, while the central ring was darker. A white luminosity dissipated from beneath the craft. The object tilted 45 degrees, revealing its dome, and then accelerated rapidly towards the horizon. During this encounter, the sound volume of the witnesses' car radio increased significantly for a few seconds.

This case is referenced in Pr. Felipe Machado Garrion's work and detailed in the review 'Phénomènes Spatiaux' n° 38, based on a communication from M. Jader Pereira.

The Hugo Barth Case

On November 2, 1959, Hugo Barth, a merchant from Porto Alegre, was traveling with his wife and friends when a brightly lit, circular object with a dome approached their car rapidly from the left. The object illuminated everything as it passed overhead, then returned in the direction it came from. The event was so quick that the witnesses could only get a brief look. Some trees on the right side of the road were shaken as if by wind. Later, a large, vertical cigar-shaped object, about 200 meters away and 50 meters high, was observed. This object was orange and appeared to be composed of a cylinder with two orange lights at the top and bottom, and red lights in the middle, with a greenish-lit turret on top. The object moved slowly and gracefully, with its length estimated between 18 and 24 meters. It emitted whitish beams from its base and summit, which swept the surroundings as if searching for a landing spot. After eight minutes, the object's luminosity gradually faded and reappeared briefly before it moved slowly and disappeared into the darkness. It was sighted a third time later, about 80 meters behind some treetops.

Dr. X and Brain Manipulation

This section discusses a case involving a Dr. X who witnessed two saucer-shaped UFOs merge into one. The merged craft then emitted a ray that struck the witness. Following this, Dr. X experienced a disturbed sleep, during which he spoke of a future contact. Upon waking, he had no memory of the event but found a recent hematoma on his leg had disappeared. Later, he experienced a fall down the stairs, which triggered a memory of the event, aligning with his dream. Subsequently, Dr. X reportedly became a generator of psychokinetic phenomena like poltergeists and levitation. His son also recounted a childhood experience of traveling in a 'flying saucer'.

Another anecdote describes a young child telling his mother to watch the window for a 'flying saucer'. The mother later saw a luminous object approaching the house. The child claimed to have been inside the saucer and would later go to another one forever.

UFOs and Brain Manipulation

The article explores the hypothesis that UFOs might be manipulating humanity. It references Jacques Vallée's work on automatic writing, where individuals receive impressions or are guided by an external force without conscious visual input. A case is described of a woman in the USA who, under a sudden impulse, wrote messages dictated by a mysterious entity. This led to the formation of a sect hoping to establish contact with 'entities'. During a gathering, a strange creature appeared and then vanished.

The text then draws parallels between UFO phenomena and 'clean torture' techniques used on political prisoners, specifically sensory deprivation. It notes that neurophysiologists are studying ways to influence the psyche, including hypnotic suggestion without the subject's awareness. The article also mentions the use of neurophysiological and biochemical techniques in psychiatry to alter the behavior of recalcitrant patients, citing lobotomy and prefrontal leucotomy as examples.

Regarding UFOs, while direct surgical manipulation hasn't been documented, witnesses have reported being made to ingest unknown substances with unknown effects. The case of José Antonio, who drank a green liquid from a cubic vial and experienced a 'mystical' vision, is presented. He was offered a role as an intelligence agent by the entity. Another case involves a motorcyclist who was given a small, soft, chocolate-colored cube by humanoid beings and told to swallow it. The witness became agitated afterward.

Infraliminal Suggestion and UFOs

The article posits that UFOs might influence witnesses through 'infraliminality,' where stimuli are not consciously perceived but affect the subconscious. This can occur through sounds or visual stimuli presented at frequencies below conscious perception, such as subliminal advertising techniques used in television. The authors suggest that UFOs, with their advanced technology, could implant images of extraordinary craft or grotesque humanoids into human minds using holographic techniques combined with stroboscopic effects.

Examples include the 'OURANOS n° 12' affair and an investigation in Aveyron where luminous spheres followed a family. The case of Betty and Barney Hill is mentioned as an example of voluntary amnesia induced by entities, and Herbert Schirmer, a Nebraska police officer, was allegedly hypnotized by humanoids to forget his observation. The article questions whether these accounts, revealed through hypnotic regression, represent genuine manipulation.

Sensory deprivation, used as a form of torture, involves isolating a prisoner in a monotonous environment, leading to disorientation, loss of concentration, and hallucinations. The article draws a parallel between these effects and those reported by UFO witnesses, such as hallucinations, loss of spatio-temporal awareness, and astral doubling.

While some UFO stimuli, like colorful displays, might seem to counteract isolation, the article argues that excessive stimulation can lead to 'sensory aberration.' The authors speculate that UFOs might be conducting psychological experiments on humans, similar to their documented investigations of animals and other beings.

UFOs in New Jersey

On July 4, 1974, Tom Cahill and Jane Tiger, students in New Jersey, USA, observed red, green, and white lights about 100 meters above the ground. Cahill described the object as oval with bluish-green lights at the ends and red lights closer to the center, topped by a green, illuminated cylindrical turret. The object, estimated to be 18 to 24 meters long, moved gracefully and emitted whitish beams before disappearing. Police reported radio interference during the time of the sighting.

Portuguese Fishermen Frightened by UFOs

On October 19, 1976, two fishermen, José Jorge Lavareda Pinto and José António da Silva Mascarenhas, observed a UFO near Praia das Ratas in Setúbal, Portugal. Pinto described the object as dark and oval with a reddish light, moving slowly at first, then increasing speed and changing colors from blue, orange, and yellow to a pronounced orange and finally reddish. The object was estimated to be about 10 meters in size and flew at a low altitude, approximately 30 meters above the water. The encounter lasted a little over a minute. The fishermen reported no sound from the object. Later, a sailor, Manuel de Almeida Rocha, corroborated the sighting, describing a luminous, round object with red, green, and yellow lights that moved silently for about an hour.

Summary of the Portuguese Case

José António Pinto described the object as having a dark, matte, chestnut-brown color, like someone who had been long exposed to the sun. He noted six distinct orange lights, two at the top, two at the bottom, and one at each end, with a reddish light on the upper part. The object moved slowly, appearing almost stationary before accelerating. He saw jets of sparks, like those from a grinding wheel. The object changed from a clear light to orange and then reddish. The distance was estimated at about 200 meters, with a height of less than 30 meters, flying close to the water. The object appeared to grow larger as it moved away, possibly due to its luminosity. Neither witness experienced any physical discomfort.

Sailor's Confirmation

Manuel de Almeida Rocha, a sailor, reported seeing a luminous, round object about 15 km from where the fishermen observed theirs. He watched it for nearly an hour. He described the object as presenting red, green, and yellow colors, noting that when one color was visible, another disappeared. He heard no sound from the object and estimated it passed a few hundred meters away. His attention was drawn to the object by its movement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, their physical characteristics, and the psychological impact on witnesses. The magazine presents detailed accounts of encounters, often emphasizing the lack of sound and the unusual movements and lights of the observed objects. A significant portion of the content is dedicated to exploring the possibility of UFOs influencing or manipulating human minds through psychological means, including infraliminal suggestion and techniques akin to sensory deprivation or hypnosis. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and expert analysis while posing questions about the nature and intent of UFO occupants. The magazine aims to document these events and stimulate discussion on the more complex aspects of ufology, such as potential manipulation and the psychological effects on individuals.

This issue of Inforespace, Volume 9, Issue 33, published in the second quarter of 1977 by SOBEPS, delves into recent Brazilian UFO cases and revisits historical sightings. The cover headline, 'De nouveaux cas Brésiliens,' highlights the focus on contemporary Brazilian encounters, complemented by a photograph of a luminous object.

New Brazilian Cases

The issue presents several detailed investigations from January 1977, primarily centered around Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Case ICCS n° 255 (January 10, 1977, 22:00-22:15)

This report details an observation by two reporters from Caldas Junior, Damião Ribas and Afonso Abraham, who were alerted by numerous phone calls about a luminous object in the sky. They drove to the 'volta do gazometro' area and observed a luminous, sometimes stationary, sometimes fast-moving object. Ribas described it as having a strong white light, an oval shape, and a size comparable to a basketball. He also reported a buzzing sound, confirmed by another witness. The object was photographed by Ribas, Abraham, and others. Ribas noted the object's light changed color in a sequence: red, then green, then yellow, repeating. Abraham's photos showed the object making evolutions, though it's suggested this might be due to his camera's movement as he didn't use a tripod like Ribas. The lens used was 300mm with an aperture of 4.5. The observation occurred during heavy rain, with the object flying at low altitude under dense clouds. Ribas also mentioned a light source on the object's underside emitting rays downwards, a detail corroborated by reporter Waldomiro Costa Soares. The object was estimated to be 10 to 20 meters in diameter and was observed for about 20 minutes.

Case ICCS n° 256 (January 10, 1977, 22:00-22:15)

In another part of Porto Alegre, reporters Waldomiro Costa Soares and a colleague observed a luminous point in the sky, initially mistaken for a signal light from an aircraft due to its location near the airport's flight path. The object was stationary and intensely luminous, resembling aircraft landing lights. Its shape reportedly changed. The object was described as rounded, inclined, and silvery, with a beam of light emanating from its lower part. The witnesses estimated its distance at about 400 meters and altitude at 300 meters. Its apparent size was 'larger than the full moon.' When the object moved into the clouds, it produced a moon-like reflection. Soares, a UFO enthusiast, was initially too captivated to photograph it, but when he did, the object had already entered the clouds and disappeared towards the southwest. The observation lasted about 5 minutes.

Case ICCS n° 257 (January 22, 1977, 21:15)

This report concerns an incident in Itapuâ, Viamão, where Felizberto A. Martins, owner of SOPAMA, along with Acclino Disconzzi and Armindo B. Jacobsen, witnessed a luminous object. Martins described it as a 'flying saucer' and noted its apparent size was about three times that of the full moon. The object had a red upper part and a lower part displaying colors of the rainbow, with green and pink predominating. After 30 seconds of immobility, it moved west in spiral patterns. The object reappeared five minutes later, growing in apparent size to match the previous observation. It moved horizontally and then vertically, appearing to be about 100 meters away. The observation lasted nearly 7 minutes.

Case ICCS n° 258 (January 28, 1977, 21:15)

Felizberto A. Martins and his brother-in-law, A. Disconzzi, again observed a UFO at the SOPAMA facilities. This object was described as rounded, with an apparent size close to half the full moon, and red in color. It moved away after a short observation.

Case ICCS n° 259 (January 29, 1977, 21:00)

Witness A. Disconzzi observed a blue object of 'very pretty' color, with an apparent size comparable to the full moon, moving at about 50° elevation. The observation was brief.

Other Brazilian Reports

The issue also mentions a report from January 14, 1977, where the newspaper 'Correio do Povo' published an article and photos of a UFO taken by reporter M. Baru Derkin. Many other witnesses came forward with similar testimonies.

Historical UFO Cases (1930s)

The magazine dedicates a significant section to historical UFO sightings, predating the common use of the term 'OVNI'.

Everest Expedition (May 1933)

Frank S. Smythe, an alpinist on the Everest expedition, reported seeing two black, 'sausage-shaped' objects floating in the blue sky. One appeared to have short ailerons. They seemed to inflate and deflate, as if breathing. Smythe attributed this to oxygen deprivation and fatigue, but the author suggests it was a genuine UFO sighting.

Pennsylvania Sighting (Summer 1933)

A man observed a faint violet glow in a field, which turned out to be an ovoïde object approximately 3 meters in diameter and 2 meters high. It had an opening resembling a 'safe door,' leading to a cavity filled with violet light and instruments. The air smelled of ammonia.

Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada (Summer 1933)

Three witnesses observed an oval object with a dome, supported by stilts, with a central door. Inside, about a dozen small, silver-clad figures were seen moving. The object emitted an orange light. After observing for half an hour, the witnesses attempted to approach but were hindered by marshy terrain and low fuel. Later, they found six square traces, each 45 cm wide and spaced 2.5-3 meters apart, 5-7 cm deep, forming a rectangle with a burnt circle in the center. The grass was flattened, and some traces were deep. Photographs of these traces were taken but are now lost.

'Phantom Planes' Wave (Late 1933)

The issue describes a wave of 'phantom planes' observed across Scandinavia and the United States from late December 1933. These were described as grey 'planes' emitting powerful beams of light. Authorities in Norway, Finland, and Sweden attempted to identify them without success. The phenomenon was reported simultaneously in Scandinavia and the US, with sightings in Kalix (Sweden) and Manhattan (New York), where an unknown 'plane' circled the city before disappearing mysteriously. Other sightings occurred in Tarnaby, Langmo Vefn (Norway), and near Gällivare (Sweden). In Sorsele, Sweden, a large grey 'plane' was seen stopping its engine mid-air. Swedish air force pilots were ordered to intercept these unidentified aircraft.

Analysis and Commentary

Claude Bourtembourg, in his commentary, suggests that the numerous sightings in the Porto Alegre region point to a 'mini-wave' of UFO activity. He notes that while radar systems like the ASR 5 at Salgado Filho Airport are operational, they often fail to detect UFOs reported by witnesses, questioning if UFOs possess advanced means to evade radar.

Reader Contributions

Jean-Luc Jorion, a member of Detector SIDIP, offers personal considerations on recent articles. He references a similar case to the 'Delphos' landing trace incident, involving an unknown female witness in Saint-Basile, Quebec, Canada, on August 28, 1970. This case involved an object resembling an electric bulb and three circular traces (1.50m and 7m diameter). A white substance found at the site was described as crystalline, hydrophobic, and insoluble in water. It caused skin irritation and persistent nerve disorders, including tactile insensitivity and motor difficulties. Jorion hypothesizes that this substance might act as a local inhibitor of nerve impulses.

He also comments on an article about 'Paralysis, the tree that hid the forest,' acknowledging the difficulty of establishing statistical proof with a small number of cases but suggesting that even a small percentage of cases can reveal significant trends.

Book and Magazine Reviews

The issue includes a 'Service Librairie de la SOBEPS' section, listing various UFO-related books available for purchase, including works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Gérard Dohmen, Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Jimmy Guieu, Henry Durrant, Charles Garreau, Paul Misraki, Jacques Vallée, Patrice Gaston, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, Frank Edwards, Donald E. Keyhoe, Julien Weverbergh, Ion Hobana, and Charles Fort. It also promotes the magazine 'KADATH' and 'Le guide de l'enquêteur' (The Investigator's Guide).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and investigative reports of UFO phenomena. It adopts a serious, analytical approach, presenting cases from both contemporary and historical periods. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, treating them as genuine phenomena worthy of investigation, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and critical analysis, as evidenced by the inclusion of reader contributions and discussions on methodology. The recurring theme is the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena across different eras and geographical locations.