Inforespace - No 47 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 47
Volume: 8th year
Date: September 1979
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a Belgian bimonthly review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena, presents a detailed study on the relationship between UFO activity and solar cycles. The cover prominently features the title "inforespace" and the main theme: "ufologie phénomènes spatiaux."

Article 1: UFOs and Solar Activity Between 1600 and 1976

This extensive article, authored by Philippe Nicolas, delves into the potential correlation between solar activity, measured by the Wolf number, and UFO sightings. The study utilizes spectral analysis (A.S.), also known as power spectrum analysis or Maximal Entropy Spectral Estimation (MESE), to identify periodicities in both phenomena.

Key Findings and Methodologies:

• Correlation with Solar Activity: The research posits that UFO activity may be correlated with solar activity. Figure 1 illustrates a comparison between the Wolf number and UFO sightings from 1800 to 1976, showing parallel fluctuations and occasional coincidences, particularly after 1830. Anomalies in the Wolf number's decline are noted, spaced by over 12 years.
• Spectral Analysis (A.S.): The article explains A.S. as a technique based on the Fourier transform of autocorrelation. It details the application of A.S. to simulated data files and then to UFO case files, including modifications to account for specific issues.
• Simulations: Figures 2, 3, and 4 demonstrate the effectiveness and limitations of spectral analysis. Simulations show how A.S. can identify periodicities (e.g., 11, 6, or 4 years) in data, but also how it can erroneously suggest a periodicity (13 years) when none exists, particularly if significant anomalies are introduced into a random series.
• Application to UFO Data: Analysis of 19th-century UFO data (Figure 5) reveals a periodicity. The article notes that spectral analysis can become unusable if multiple significant UFO waves occur close together, creating interfering signals.
• Overcoming Difficulties: To address the limitations of A.S., methods are proposed to minimize the impact of peaks relative to background noise. These include logarithmic representation and transformations like (N-1)/N, which aim to highlight underlying patterns.
• Observed Periodicities: The analysis suggests a primary periodicity of approximately 11.5 years for UFO activity, with variations. For the period 1800-1900, a periodicity of around 12.5 years is found, and between 1600-1800, an average of 11.1 years is indicated.
• Wolf Number Analysis: The study of the Wolf number's variations reveals an asymmetric profile, with average periods of 6.6 and 4.5 years. The asymmetry is inverted compared to UFO waves: solar maximum is followed by a longer decline, while UFO waves show a long induction period and a rapid decline.
• Event Method: This comparative technique plots solar maxima and UFO maxima against time. Figures 9a and 9b illustrate this for different centuries. It helps identify coincidences and periodicities, suggesting a 12.5-year periodicity between 1800-1930 and a shorter one (around 10 years) after 1930. The period 1600-1800 also suggests an 11-year periodicity.
• Unit Index Line: Figure 10 compares years of solar maxima with UFO maxima. Points clustering around a unit slope line indicate similar periodicities. Deviations from this line suggest coincidences with solar minima (e.g., 1800-1850, 1954).

Limitations and Planetary Theories:

The article acknowledges that planetary theories, such as the "Jupiter Effect" proposed by Gribbin and Plagemann, attempt to explain solar cycle periodicities (around 11.06 years) based on planetary conjunctions. However, it notes that these theories struggle to account for the observed anomalies and variations in the Wolf number's cycle, suggesting that planetary theories might be too rigid to explain the observed phenomena.

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS

• This section lists books available for purchase from SOBEPS, including:
• "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard (SOBEPS edition)
• "La Chronique des OVNI" by Michel Bougard (J-P Delarge edition)
• "A Identifier et le Cas Adamski" by Jean-Gérard Dohmen (Travox edition)
• "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" by Aimé Michel (Seghers edition)

Other Sections

• Cotisations: Details subscription fees for Inforespace in Belgian Francs (FB), French Francs (FF), and other countries for various years (1973-1979) and types of subscriptions (ordinary, student, support).
• Nouvelles internationales: International UFO news.
• On nous écrit...: Letters from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, specifically seeking correlations with natural cycles like solar activity. The SOBEPS, as an association dedicated to the "rational and objective observation and study of spatial phenomena," aims to disseminate information without prejudice. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader collaboration and the sharing of observations. The use of sophisticated analytical techniques like spectral analysis underscores a commitment to rigorous research within the field of ufology.

This issue of "Phénomènes Spatiaux" (Spatial Phenomena) from September 1978, titled "Le cadavre bouge encore, mais c'est bientôt la fin" (The corpse still moves, but it's almost over), delves into the complex and often controversial world of Unidentified Flying Objects (OVNIs).

Article 1: Analysis of OVNI Periodicity and Solar Activity by Eric Gregor

Eric Gregor's article examines the periodicity of OVNI sightings, suggesting a cycle of approximately 11 years, with variations between 10 and 12.5 years, observed over the last four centuries. He notes a close proximity to the periodicity of solar spots but concludes that there is no direct correlation between OVNI activity and solar activity. Gregor highlights the work of Philippe Nicolas in raising the issue of coincidences in OVNI research and suggests that the accumulation of such coincidences drives research progress. He acknowledges that this perspective might challenge some scientists and ufologists, particularly if OVNIs are found to obey mathematical laws, which would lend weight to the 'effect on the witness' hypothesis, potentially leading to misperceptions or confusion.

Gregor also touches upon the presence of humanoid figures and traces, stating that while not the focus of this article, the study suggests OVNIs have existed for at least four centuries, possibly longer. He posits that many aspects of ufology are captured in the observation that people have been seeing, or believing they see, unusual things periodically for centuries.

Article 2: Response to Jacques Scornaux by Bertrand Méheust

Bertrand Méheust responds to criticisms from Jacques Scornaux regarding his book "SF-SV" (Science Fiction-Soucoupes Volantes). Méheust defends his research, clarifying his involvement in various investigations and refuting Scornaux's claims of errors and misinterpretations. He addresses specific points raised by Scornaux, such as the mention of a welder's helmet, the name 'Min Laiz,' and the omission of Oloron. Méheust argues that Scornaux selectively interprets his work, ignoring details that support his own arguments.

Méheust explains that the SF-SV correlation was developed independently and that his book aims to analyze the phenomenon's potential connection to our collective consciousness and cultural representations. He acknowledges making errors but attributes many of Scornaux's criticisms to misinterpretations or a selective reading of his work. He discusses the challenges of publishing on the topic of OVNIs and the need to balance scientific rigor with accessibility for a broader audience, including SF readers.

Méheust further elaborates on the SF-SV correlation, stating that it is not an attempt to reduce OVNIs to mere psychological projections but rather to understand how the phenomenon might be 'modeled' by our representations while also transcending them. He highlights unique physical phenomena associated with OVNIs that go beyond typical SF tropes, such as ground heating and eye problems. He also defends the inclusion of speculative SF elements in his book as a strategy to engage SF readers and introduce them to the OVNI question.

Article 3: America South - A Preferred Continent for OVNIs

This section reports on an OVNI sighting in Brazil on August 3, 1967, involving Dr. Jonil Feydit Vieira, a lawyer, and his chauffeur, Amauri Barbosa da Silva. While driving near Rio de Janeiro, they encountered luminous objects that later resolved into a large, illuminated object with a dome. The object seemed to follow their vehicle, causing fear and disorientation. Vieira reported experiencing a 'mental message' from the object, which resulted in headaches for both him and the chauffeur. Vieira also noted a temporary yellowing of his complexion and slower reflexes.

The article also mentions a similar incident involving pilots flying between Lima and Pisco, Peru, six days before the Brazilian encounter. The report includes a diagram reconstructing the OVNI's appearance and lights as observed by Dr. Vieira.

Article 4: Photo Dossier - Bellaria, Italy, December 20, 1978

This section presents a photo dossier on "nocturnal lights" observed in Bellaria, Italy, in 1978. The region experienced an exceptional wave of OVNI sightings. On December 20, photographer Elia Faccin was alerted to an OVNI over the sea. He observed a large, luminous object, described as a 'ship in flames,' which fascinated onlookers. During the observation, Faccin's advanced camera shutter inexplicably blocked, suggesting a possible electromagnetic influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and cultural analysis of OVNI phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on exploring potential correlations between OVNIs and science fiction, as well as investigating the physical and psychological effects on witnesses. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that acknowledges the reality of the phenomenon while critically examining different hypotheses, including those that lean towards psychological explanations and those that propose a more transcendent or physical nature for OVNIs. The articles engage in debate and critique, particularly evident in the exchange between Méheust and Scornaux, highlighting the ongoing intellectual discourse within ufology.

This issue of "Vagues d'OVNI et inquiétudes" (OVNI Waves and Anxieties) delves into the complex relationship between reported Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings and socio-economic conditions, particularly periods of public anxiety and economic downturns. The magazine presents a critical analysis of existing research, alongside detailed accounts of specific UFO incidents.

Thematic Exploration: OVNI Waves and Economic Cycles

The central theme of the magazine is the purported correlation between waves of UFO sightings and economic fluctuations. The article critically examines the work of researcher Pierre Viéroudy, who posits that UFO phenomena are manifestations of the human psyche, often appearing during times of public distress. Viéroudy's theory suggests that UFO appearances are linked to periods of population anxiety, and he attempts to correlate these with economic indicators such as stock market performance and state bond yields.

The magazine's authors challenge Viéroudy's methodology, pointing out several inconsistencies and selective interpretations. They question his exclusion of factors like industrial production indices, price fluctuations, and even suicides as indicators of public anxiety. The article argues that Viéroudy's focus on stock market indices is arbitrary, as these do not necessarily reflect the economic reality for the majority of the population. The authors highlight that economic crises, such as the one in 1929, were global and deeply affected all sectors, making a geographically selective analysis of UFO waves problematic.

• Specific periods are analyzed:
• 1800-1900: Viéroudy identifies waves in 1883 and 1897. The 1883 wave is linked to an economic recession in North America, while the 1897 wave is associated with a crisis in the US, despite Viéroudy's attempt to link it to French price drops. The authors argue that the timing does not align with the proposed economic causes.
• 1900-1940: Three waves are noted: 1905 (Wales), 1909 (England and Scandinavia), and 1933-1934 (Scandinavia). Viéroudy's use of 'short-term stock interest variations' is questioned. The article points out that the 1905 and 1909 waves occurred during a general economic decline but questions why only specific regions were affected. The 1933-1934 wave is examined in the context of the Great Depression, the most severe economic crisis known, which profoundly impacted global society. The authors find it illogical that only Scandinavia reported significant UFO activity during this period, while other heavily affected regions did not.

Case Study: The Adriatic Sea Incident

The magazine presents a detailed account of a mysterious sighting in the Adriatic Sea, captured by photographer E. Faccin. The photos show an object resembling a ship or a methane extraction platform. However, the port authorities stated that no ships were in the area that night due to rough seas, and no platforms were illuminated. Faccin's equipment, including Leica M 2 and Olympus OM 2 cameras with a 400mm Novoflex telephoto lens and Kodakcolor/Ektachrome 400 ASA film, is detailed. Witnesses like Roberto Mantovani described greenish lights around a turret and yellowish-orange beams.

Case Study: The Socorro Incident and Related Events (1964)

• A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico, UFO landing case.
• The Socorro Landing: The initial report focuses on police officer Lonnie Zamora's encounter with a landed object and two small humanoid figures. The object was described as egg-shaped, metallic, and emitting bluish fire jets.
• Ray Stanford's Observations: Investigator Ray Stanford, who arrived shortly after the incident, also reported seeing a UFO on April 30, 1964, described as metallic with a blue-dark blue glow. He photographed it, though the images were not considered definitive.
• Metallic Particles: Stanford discovered a rock with alleged metallic particles near the landing site. Metallurgist Dr. Henry Frankel of NASA initially suggested it might be an extraterrestrial alloy of iron and zinc, but later, NASA officially stated the particles were mica, a common mineral. Richard Hall disputes Frankel's initial statement.
• Gary Wilcox Incident: The article recounts the experience of Gary Wilcox, a dairy farmer in Tioga City, New York, who encountered an egg-shaped object (6m long, 4.5m wide) and two small humanoid beings (1.20m tall) who seemed interested in agriculture. They requested fertilizer before departing.
• Other Related Sightings: The issue also mentions an incident at Canyon Ferry, Montana, involving an egg-shaped object landing near children, leaving behind circular traces. Additionally, a B-57 aircraft pilot reported seeing a similar egg-shaped object near Stallion Site, New Mexico, which communications suggest was possibly recovered by the Holloman Air Force Base.
• Radar Tracking: The magazine details how radar systems at Stallion Site tracked two unknown objects that responded to recognition signals, further fueling the mystery surrounding the Socorro events.

Critiques of UFO Investigations

The article expresses skepticism towards certain aspects of UFO research, particularly the tendency to see conspiracies and the potential for witness manipulation. Stanford's own background as a 'contactee' is brought up, casting a shadow on his interpretations. The authors question the official explanations for the Socorro incident, suggesting a possible cover-up by NASA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the methodology and conclusions of prominent UFO researchers, particularly Pierre Viéroudy, highlighting what it perceives as selective data analysis and a tendency towards sensationalism. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to debunk unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena. The issue emphasizes the need for rigorous, objective investigation and warns against the pitfalls of confirmation bias and paranoia within the ufology community. The recurring theme is the potential link between societal anxieties and the reporting of unusual aerial phenomena, suggesting that psychological and economic factors play a significant role in how such events are perceived and interpreted.

This issue of INFORESPACE, number 47, dated January 1979, is a French-language publication from Belgium, focusing on ufology. The cover story, "L'ufologie devant l'ONU" (Ufology before the UN), highlights the international efforts to address the UFO phenomenon.

The Socorro Incident: A Deep Dive

The issue dedicates significant space to the 1964 Socorro incident, featuring detailed analysis and differing perspectives. It begins by examining the observed insignia, comparing the initial description by policeman Zamora with a later version revealed to the public and a drawing by Captain Holder. The text notes a curious similarity between Zamora's initial description and Holder's representation, but a difference in the drawing provided by Zamora on April 30th.

Further investigation into the insignia's origin suggests it was drawn on a piece of technical magazine paper, possibly from "Scientific American," rather than a paper bag as initially stated. This raises questions about the involvement of technically-minded individuals like Captain Holder.

Stanford's conclusion that Holder asked Zamora to present a "patriotic duty" by not revealing the true insignia is discussed, suggesting Zamora believed he had witnessed a highly secret craft. The article questions the motives behind such a charade by U.S. Air Force officers, pondering if it's another of Stanford's "illusions" or something more substantial.

Additional confirmations of the Socorro events are presented, including testimonies from two citizens of Dubuque, Iowa: Paul Kies and Larry Kratzer. Their account, shared in the "Telegraph Herald," describes an egg-shaped object with four windows, initially hovering at 300 meters before landing, emitting black smoke, and taking off vertically. Kratzer's description of the insignia differs from Zamora's, though a direct comparison is not possible due to the lack of Kratzer's drawing.

Philip J. Klass is presented as a skeptic who visited Socorro to investigate. He noted discrepancies, such as the lack of burn marks at the landing site despite Zamora's report of intense flame. Klass also highlights the asymmetry of the landing gear "paws," questioning why Zamora only saw two when he should have seen three or four. Klass's primary argument is that the entire event was staged for publicity, with the town's authorities exploiting the incident to attract tourists. He points out that the land where the UFO allegedly landed belonged to the mayor of Socorro, Bursum, who was also Zamora's employer and the local banker, thus having a vested interest in increased tourism.

Despite Klass's skeptical interpretation, the article acknowledges that the Socorro case was significant, influencing Allen Hynek's views on UFOs. Hynek, in a 1964 letter to Donald Menzel, expressed his conviction in the reality of the phenomenon observed by Zamora and its unidentified nature.

Official and Unofficial Opinions

An FBI agent present at the police station during Zamora's call confirmed Zamora's credibility in a report. The official report from Major M.M. Jacks mentioned an "unidentified vehicle" but omitted details about humanoid observations. Major Quintanilla of Project Blue Book suggested it was a secret experimental craft, an interpretation frequently cited.

A letter addressed to Colonel Eric T. de Jonchekre of the USAF discusses the possibility of a research vehicle being involved. Investigations with the Foreign Technology Division, Bell Aircraft Co., and NASA yielded no information about such a vehicle being tested or operational, though a lunar landing module was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base but not yet tested.

Charles Garreau, a French researcher, suggests the Socorro incident might have been an experimental prototype of future lunar landing modules (L.E.M.), citing the "retro" rockets, unusual sounds, and evidence of calcination at the site. He notes Socorro's proximity to a military base used for L.E.M. testing.

International Ufology and the UN

The article "L'ufologie devant l'ONU" details the intervention of Jacques Vallée, J. Allen Hynek, and Lieutenant-Colonel Coyne at the United Nations General Assembly on November 27, 1978. They presented information on UFOs and phenomena related to them.

A resolution was passed on December 8, 1978, recommending that the UN establish and coordinate research into unidentified flying objects. The resolution called for member states and specialized agencies to submit information and proposals by May 31, 1979, and for a committee of experts to be formed to develop research protocols.

Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, is credited with championing this initiative. However, the article notes that Grenada, a small agricultural island with limited media, might not be the ideal representative for global ufology. The article also mentions the political instability in Grenada, with a coup occurring shortly after the UN resolution.

Scientific Explanations and Skeptical Views

Another section, "Un mythe, des mites" (A myth, some moths), presents a theory from researchers Philip S. Callahan and R.W. Mankins, published in the American Journal of Optics, suggesting that UFOs could be explained as swarms of moths releasing electrical charges. This hypothesis, which gained traction in popular science magazines, posits that these electrical discharges could create luminous effects resembling UFOs.

Similarly, an interpretation of UFOs observed in New Zealand in December 1978 is attributed to agricultural meteorology expert M. Neil Cherry, who suggested they might be reflections from fishing boats illuminated by strong northwest winds and cold, humid air.

Correspondence and Book Reviews

The "On nous écrit" (We are written to) section features a response from Henry Durrant to Mlle Ashton regarding the Lucci brothers' photos. Durrant defends the authenticity of the photos, arguing that Dr. Hartmann's analysis of imitation does not prove the originals are fake and that the documents remain to be examined.

The issue also includes a bibliography of ufology-related books, listing titles by authors such as Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Jimmy Guieu, Henry Durrant, Charles Garreau, Jacques Vallée, Patrice Gaston, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and Major Donald E. Keyhoe, along with their prices.

Events and Announcements

An announcement for "Le premier forum de la recherche parallèle" (The first forum of parallel research) organized by SOBEPS and KADATH in Brussels on November 30 and December 1, 1979, is included. The event features conferences, films, debates, and exhibitions with notable participants like Jean-Claude Bourret, Francis Mazières, and Simone Waisbard.

A section titled "Surveillance du ciel" (Sky surveillance) invites members to participate in monthly sky observation evenings, providing dates for September, October, November, and December 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of specific UFO cases (Socorro), the official and scientific responses to the phenomenon, and the exploration of alternative explanations, both skeptical and those seeking to confirm extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, while also highlighting the growing international interest in ufology, as evidenced by the UN initiative. The magazine seems to favor detailed analysis and documented evidence, as seen in the extensive bibliography and the in-depth examination of the Socorro case.