Inforespace - No 43 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 43
Date: January 1979 (8th year)
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial Content

This issue of Inforespace, a bimonthly review from SOBEPS, focuses on ufology and space phenomena. The cover prominently features the title and a headline announcing articles on "ufology space phenomena." The issue details subscription rates for various countries (Belgium, France, Other countries) for different years, including ordinary and student rates, as well as a complete collection offer from 1973 to 1979. It also lists available books from the SOBEPS bookstore, such as works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Gérard Dohmen, and Aimé Michel, detailing their prices in Belgian Francs (FB).

The main article, "Trente ans après Kenneth Arnold: le point sur les OVNI" (Thirty Years After Kenneth Arnold: The Point on UFOs), critically examines the state of ufology. The author argues that the field is in an impasse, with conflicting interpretations. The article dismisses the classic extraterrestrial probe model due to the immense interstellar distances and the unsuitability of UFO shapes for such travel. It also refutes parapsychological explanations, highlighting the physical characteristics of UFOs (e.g., intense heat effects, structured forms, electromagnetic interference) that differ significantly from ectoplasmic manifestations. The author also debunks the spontaneous "waking hallucination" model, citing statistical studies by C. Poher that show a correlation between UFO sightings and optical factors like visibility and atmospheric transparency, which would not be the case with pure hallucinations. The article concludes that UFOs are not extraterrestrial spacecraft or parapsychological materializations but appear to be intelligently guided craft that can traverse space in ways not yet understood by current physics, possibly utilizing "hyper-physics" or space-time shortcuts.

Other articles listed in the table of contents include:

• "1937: Tintin, témoin du 3ème type" (Tintin, witness of the 3rd kind)
• "Le Système Saturne" (The Saturn System)
• "Les scieurs de branche" (Branch cutters)
• "Portrait d'un agitateur d'idées molles" (Portrait of a soft ideas agitator)
• "Phénomènes astronomiques importants en 1979" (Important astronomical phenomena in 1979)

The magazine emphasizes that signed articles represent the author's responsibility.

SOBEPS Organization and Mission

The issue provides details about the SOBEPS organization, identifying it as the "Organe de la SOBEPS asbl" (Organ of SOBEPS asbl), a Belgian Society for the Study of Spatial Phenomena. It lists the address in Brussels, telephone number, and key personnel: Michel Bougard (President, Editor-in-chief), Lucien Clerebaut (Secretary General, Responsible Editor), Christian Lonchay (Treasurer), and the editorial committee members Alice Ashton and Jean-Luc Vertongen. The printer is M. Cloet & C° in Brussels.

SOBEPS's mission is described as the rational and objective observation and study of spatial phenomena and related problems, free from any confessional, philosophical, or political bias. They aim to disseminate information through their bimonthly review and conferences, actively soliciting collaboration and information from their readers. They state that published submissions are the sole responsibility of their authors. Readers are encouraged to report any spatial phenomenon observations promptly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical and scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly rationalist and evidence-based, seeking to debunk unsubstantiated theories and promote a rigorous approach to ufology. The magazine actively engages with scientific principles, citing statistical studies and physics concepts to support its arguments. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and psychological or misinterpretational explanations. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting the work of SOBEPS and its associated literature, reinforcing its role as a dedicated research organization in the field of ufology.

Title: SCIENCES - FRONTIERES
Issue: 1
Date: November 1978
Publisher: Michel Picard
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Sciences-Frontières presents a collection of articles exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, paranormal manifestations, and the intersection of science fiction with reality. The publication aims to offer a different perspective, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and explore the unknown.

Article 1: The 'Saturn System' and UFO Mechanics

This section, attributed to Michel Picard, begins by discussing how anomalies can reveal hidden aspects of ordinary reality, extending this to the domain of UFOs. It highlights the significance of early UFO reports, such as the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Marius Dewilde pilot case, and introduces the concept of 'anomalies' in UFO accounts. The article focuses on the 'Saturn model,' a recurring description of UFOs composed of two main parts: a pivot and a rotating element, often resembling a sphere surrounded by a ring, like the planet Saturn.

Several specific cases are detailed to illustrate this model:

• Lufkin, Texas (April 22, 1950): Pharmacist Robertson observed a UFO described as rotating on its axis like a saucer.
• Amarillo, Texas (April 9, 1950): Young David Lightfoot reported touching a small flying saucer, composed of a rounded lower part and a flat upper part, which emitted a burning jet.
• Hasselbach, East Germany (July 1952): A larger prototype craft with a central cabin and a massive rotating ring was observed.
• Oloron, France (October 17, 1952): An object resembling Saturn, a sphere with a ring, was sighted.
• Trinidad, South Atlantic (January 18, 1958): A craft described as resembling the planet Saturn was observed by naval personnel.
• Pont-à-Mousson (June 27, 1975): A sphere at 50m altitude was seen with a visible ring, estimated to be 2 meters away.
• Medellin, Spain (June 14, 1973): Humanoids were seen in a saucer rotating on its axis.
• Casale, Piedmont, Italy (April 16, 1974): A detailed observation of a UFO with a round, transparent cabin and a lower disc with lights, which began to rotate and whistle before takeoff.

The article notes that many testimonies are lacunary regarding the relative movements of the pivot and peripheral parts, often due to distance, surprise, or lack of reference points. It concludes that the 'Saturn model' represents a specific invariant in observed UFO prototypes.

Article 2: The 'True Prediction' Thesis and the Limits of Science

This section, authored by Pierre Guérin, Maître de recherche au CNRS, critically examines the scientific community's approach to phenomena like UFOs. Guérin argues that science, in its pursuit of natural and logical explanations, has developed two core postulates: that nothing is inaccessible to the human intellect, and that any intervention of divine or transcendental entities is unnecessary. This has led to a reductionist view where science focuses on 'how' rather than 'why,' and tends to deny or reinterpret phenomena that do not fit its established framework.

Guérin posits that the scientific community's aggressive 'rationalism' and disdain for ufology stem from a fear of confronting the implications of UFOs, which challenge the dominant ideology. He suggests that a true understanding of UFOs would require a paradigm shift, potentially dismantling the current dominant worldview. The article touches upon the idea that extraterrestrials might be using 'parallel universes' or different space-times to travel, a concept that echoes older occult beliefs about supernatural entities.

The author discusses the argument that certain UFO descriptions might be 'predictions' of future technology, citing the example of Leonardo da Vinci. However, Guérin dismisses this, emphasizing the vast technological gap between different eras and the sheer number of brilliant minds that would be required for such widespread technological foresight.

He criticizes the 'combinatorics' argument, which suggests that coincidences in UFO reports are merely a result of the laws of large numbers. Guérin argues that the limited number of relevant French texts and cases makes this statistical explanation insufficient.

Guérin concludes that new criteria are needed to understand UFO phenomena, akin to how paleontology developed criteria for interpreting fossils. He highlights the difficulty in finding common ground, as both UFOs and the 'source' of myths are poorly understood.

Article 3: UFOs, SF, and the 'Dream' Hypothesis

This article, likely by Bertrand Méheust, explores the relationship between UFO sightings (SV) and science fiction (SF). It critiques interpretations that view UFOs as purely psychological phenomena or 'waking dreams.' Méheust distinguishes between 'viéroudistes' (who see UFOs as manifestations of collective consciousness) and 'monneristes' (who focus on the 'waking dream' aspect).

Méheust uses an analogy of an Indian hunter and bison to illustrate that even if a scene is 'mounted' for the bison (the witness), it doesn't mean the bison itself is the creator. He argues that the 'second phenomenon' described by Monnerie – the psychological and sociological reactions to UFOs – should not be confused with the primary phenomenon itself.

The author suggests that the similarity between UFO reports and dreamlike schemas, which have been widespread for over 50 years, inevitably leads to a 'second phenomenon' generated from the 'scories' (residue) of the first. This phenomenon is triggered by mythical 'analogons.' Méheust acknowledges that while the psycho-sociological approach has merit, it must be understood in the context of the symbiotic relationship between SF and SV.

He notes that some ufologists have reacted negatively to this realization, but ultimately finds Monnerie's book to be salutary for its contribution to understanding this complex interplay.

Article 4: The Île Maury Incident and Early UFO Reports

This section, possibly by Michel Picard, revisits the Île Maury incident of June 21, 1947, where Harold Dahl reported seeing a group of UFOs. The article notes the proximity of this event to the Kenneth Arnold sighting and discusses the sensational claims made by Dahl, including possessing UFO fragments and photographs, which he ultimately failed to produce. Despite the questionable nature of Dahl's evidence, the article suggests that the core of his narrative might still hold interest, given the broader context of early UFO reports.

It references the work of Ruppelt and Heard, who, despite differing intentions, provided complementary analyses of the incident. The article details Dahl's account of six silver discs descending, with one appearing stationary while others orbited it. It also mentions the description of the objects as resembling 'pets de nonne' (doughnuts) or large rings.

The article touches upon the idea that the central disc might have been in difficulty, a notion supported by Heard's interpretation of falling 'fragments.' It concludes by suggesting that the 'Saturn ensemble' might not have been a maneuver but rather an indication of a craft in distress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFOs and their potential origins. The magazine questions whether UFOs are physical extraterrestrial craft, manifestations of collective consciousness, or products of advanced technology. There's a strong emphasis on the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO sightings, exploring how human beliefs, cultural narratives, and science fiction influence interpretations. The publication appears to advocate for a more open-minded, interdisciplinary approach to understanding these phenomena, challenging the limitations of conventional scientific paradigms and embracing the 'fruit défendu' of the unknown.

The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional hypotheses while grounding discussions in available evidence and historical accounts. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between scientific investigation, psychological interpretation, and speculative exploration.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated October 1976, delves into a critical examination of various UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) cases, with a strong emphasis on analyzing witness testimonies, investigative methodologies, and skeptical critiques. The magazine adopts a rigorous approach, dissecting claims and seeking to differentiate between genuine phenomena and potential misinterpretations, hoaxes, or natural explanations.

Analysis of UFO Cases

The Oloron and Île Maury Incidents

The issue begins by analyzing the "second maneuver" described by witnesses Heard and Ruppelt concerning a UFO incident. Heard describes a "sauvage operation" where a central disk, described as being in difficulty, dropped metallic fragments into the sea, creating steam. Ruppelt's version is more complex, detailing a second disk approaching the central one, followed by the detachment of light metallic fragments from the central disk's opening.

The article then draws parallels with the well-known testimony of M. Prigent in Oloron (October 17, 1952). Prigent described "flying saucers" composed of a sphere and a ring, moving in zig-zags, and emitting a white trail described as an "electric arc" or "cotton flakes" that disintegrated slowly. The fragments from the Île Maury incident are compared to these descriptions, noting their metallic appearance and unusual lightness.

The "Saturn Operation" and "Oloron Operation"

Based on the testimony of Dahl, the magazine outlines two types of UFO operations: the "Saturn Operation," involving a complex, multi-part object with fixed and rotating elements, and the "Oloron Operation," characterized by the close proximity and subsequent separation of two autonomous objects, emitting a light, disintegrating matter.

Comparative Analysis of UFO Phenomena

The article highlights four invariants observed across different cases: extreme fragility or inconsistency of the material, disintegration into filaments or fragments, slow descent, and extraordinary lightness. These invariants suggest a common underlying phenomenon, distinct from conventional aircraft.

Skeptical Scrutiny of UFO Cases

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to dissecting cases that are often cited as evidence for UFOs, employing a "saw" metaphor for debunking efforts. The magazine categorizes these critiques into "good" and "bad" saws, implying that some skeptical analyses are more rigorous than others.

#### The RB 47 Incident

The RB 47 incident of July 17, 1957, where a US Air Force jet tracked a UFO for 1300 km, is thoroughly examined. Philip Klass's explanation, which attributes the sighting to radar interference, known radar signals, and misidentification of celestial bodies and aircraft, is presented and critically analyzed. The article points out Klass's selective use of evidence and his reliance on official summaries rather than direct witness interviews. It highlights discrepancies in Klass's explanation, such as the radar signal appearing before entering the known radar zone and the simultaneous visual and radar tracking of the object.

#### The Valensole Landing

The famous Valensole landing case of July 1, 1965, is also subjected to scrutiny. The article addresses alleged contradictions in the witness testimony of M. Masse, particularly regarding the number of "legs" on the object and the distance of observation. It defends Masse's account, suggesting that initial omissions or apparent contradictions were due to the psychological shock of the experience and journalistic reporting. The high calcium content found in the landing traces is presented as a significant piece of evidence.

#### Other Cases Under Scrutiny

Other cases examined include:

• The Papyrus Tulli: Christiane Piens, an Egyptologist, investigated this text and found that the hieroglyphs were distorted and did not match known Egyptian texts, suggesting it was not an authentic ancient document.
• The Alençon Humanoid (1790): Piens also cast doubt on this case, tracing its origin to an unreferenced article in an Italian magazine and finding no corroborating evidence in local archives.
• The Le Roy, Kansas Abduction (1897): Jerome Clark suggested this case was a hoax concocted by the witnesses and the local newspaper editor.
• The Joao Prestes Filho Incident: This case, where a body allegedly disintegrated after exposure to a bright light, is compared to historical accounts of atmospheric electricity phenomena.
• The Salem, Massachusetts Photo (1952): J. Allen Hynek, following the Blue Book committee's conclusion, suggested that the luminous objects in the photo were reflections on a windowpane.
• The San José de Valderas Landing (1967): The article debunks claims about the purity of nickel casings and the non-commercial availability of polyvinyl fluoride, citing chemical analysis and historical product data.

Ufology Methodology and Debates

The magazine criticizes the tendency among some ufologists to engage in "demolition work," arbitrarily discrediting well-known cases to elevate their own standing or discredit rivals. It argues that this selective skepticism, driven by passion rather than rigorous methodology, ultimately harms the field of ufology itself.

"On demande des codeurs" (Coders Wanted)

This section is a call for volunteers to become "coders" for SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Études des Phénomènes Spatiaux). Volunteers are asked to read and extract information from UFO-related journals and books, with foreign language skills being particularly useful. The aim is to contribute to research by cataloging and analyzing cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO evidence, the importance of rigorous investigative methods, and the challenges posed by both overly credulous believers and overly dismissive skeptics. The magazine's stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from fiction through detailed analysis and comparison of different accounts and scientific data. It champions a methodical approach, questioning assumptions and scrutinizing the evidence presented in various UFO cases, while also acknowledging the psychological impact of extraordinary experiences on witnesses.

This issue of 'Phénomènes astronomiques importants en 1979' focuses on astronomical events occurring between January and March 1979, with a particular emphasis on celestial observations visible from Belgium and France. The magazine also delves into UFO phenomena, scientific research, and philosophical reflections.

Astronomical Events (January - March 1979)

The issue provides detailed ephemerides for the first quarter of 1979. Key astronomical highlights include:

• Mercury: Visible in the morning sky in January and in the evening sky in March. Specific dates and times for its visibility, distance from Earth, magnitude, and declination are provided.
• Venus: A prominent morning object, reaching its greatest brilliance in January and remaining observable in daylight. Its position, distance, and magnitude are detailed.
• Mars: Generally invisible during this period as it is close to the Sun.
• Jupiter: Visible throughout the night in January and February, moving into the evening sky in March. Its large size and brightness are noted, along with its position and distance.
• Saturn: Observable in the latter part of the night, its rings becoming less inclined. Details on its distance and magnitude are given.
• Meteor Showers: The Quadrantids are noted from January 1st to 6th, with a maximum on the 4th. The Virginides and Lyrides are mentioned for February and March, respectively.
• Lunar Eclipse: A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for the night of March 13th-14th, 1979, described as a rare and spectacular event visible in Belgium. The phases of the eclipse are detailed, and advice is given for photographing it.
• Stars and Constellations: The issue lists prominent constellations visible during the winter months, such as Orion, Gemini, Leo, and Ursa Major.

UFO Phenomena and Research

Several articles address UFO sightings and related research:

• Ubatuba Case: The magazine discusses the 1957 Ubatuba, Brazil, case. Michel Bourron suggests that the phenomenon might have been an experimental rocket with a magnesium and strontium charge, rather than an alien craft. The article critiques the superficiality of the Condon Report in its handling of this and the Tulli papyrus case.
• Astronaut Observations: The issue examines observations made by astronauts on Gemini and Apollo missions. Jean-Marie Gantois's interpretations are presented, suggesting that limited visibility, dirty windows, space debris, and the contrast between the sunlit object and the dark sky could explain many sightings. The article criticizes the way some UFOlogists manipulated astronaut statements, citing the Apollo 12 case where astronaut Conrad's words were allegedly altered.
• Book Reviews: A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a list of books on UFOs and related topics, including works by Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Jimmy Guieu, Henry Durrant, Charles Garreau, Jacques Vallée, Patrice Gaston, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, Frank Edwards, Donald E. Keyhoe, Claude McDuff, Julien Weverbergh, and Ion Hobana. These reviews cover various aspects of ufology, from historical cases to scientific analysis and extraterrestrial humanoid encounters.

Profile of an 'Idea Agitator'

The magazine features a profile of an individual described as an 'agitator of soft ideas' ('agitateur d'idées molles'). This person, who values privacy and lives in a secluded mountain setting, engages in profound reflection on complex scientific and philosophical topics. The concept of 'soft ideas' is defined as concepts that are initially unformed but can develop into solid theories over time. The profile highlights his membership in the 'Collège Invisible' and his engagement with ideas from cosmology, theoretical physics, biology, and psychophysics, which are considered non-vulgarizable for the general public.

Philosophical and Scientific Reflections

• The Future of Humanity: The profiled individual expresses a belief in the existence of higher intelligences and suggests that humanity is on the cusp of significant metamorphosis, moving beyond its current limitations. He posits that the drive for conquest of space might require a complete transformation of human nature, shedding its predatory instincts.
• Rationalism vs. Obscurantism: The article critiques French rationalism, suggesting it has become a form of obscurantism that prevents true understanding. It argues that genuine scientific progress is being made by looking beyond purely materialistic explanations and embracing a broader perspective that includes the spiritual.
• The Role of UFOs: The individual believes that UFOs, by presenting a problem that challenges human understanding, are pushing humanity to transcend its current limitations and overcome its 'scientism' and rigid systems of thought.
• The Royal Path of Scientific Research: The article suggests that physics is on the verge of a breakthrough, potentially integrating the observer's consciousness into the understanding of matter and phenomena. This could lead to a new understanding of the 'cosmic self' and universal consciousness.

Other Sections

• 'Kadath' Magazine: An advertisement for 'Kadath', a review focusing on archaeological enigmas.
• Real Estate Services: An advertisement for A. Renier, a real estate expert.
• Back Issues of 'Inforéspace': An announcement offering back issues of the magazine 'Inforéspace' from 1973 to 1978.
• Cutty Sark Competition: An announcement for a competition offering a prize for the best study contributing to the knowledge of the OVNI phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, the unexplained, and philosophical inquiry. There's a critical stance towards overly simplistic or dismissive scientific explanations (as seen in the critique of the Condon Report) and an openness to exploring unconventional hypotheses, particularly concerning UFOs and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation, critical thinking, and a broad, interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex phenomena, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms. The emphasis on detailed astronomical data alongside UFO reports suggests a desire to ground the extraordinary within a framework of observable reality, while also leaving room for the truly mysterious.