Inforespace - No 49 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: 49
Volume: 9
Date: January 1980
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Articles and Content

"Analyse du phénomène des « cheveux d'ange » (1)"

This article, authored by Auguste Meessen, Professor at U.C.L., begins an in-depth study of the 'angel hair' phenomenon. It defines 'angel hair' as a strange substance falling from the sky, resembling fine filaments, often compared to spider webs or fine threads. The phenomenon is characterized by its appearance in considerable quantities, covering large areas, and typically occurring for a limited time. Witnesses often report UFO sightings associated with these falls, suggesting a physical link between UFOs and 'angel hair'. The article posits that studying 'angel hair' could provide insights into the physical nature of UFOs.

It acknowledges the mystery surrounding the substance's composition and origin, noting that even skeptics must admit that something tangible has been observed and analyzed. The article outlines a three-part approach: presenting key observations, systematically analyzing all known cases chronologically, and finally proposing an explanation based on physical laws.

1.2. L'étonnement d'un biologiste:

This section recounts an observation by biologist C. Phillips in the summer of 1957. While on a boat off the coast of Florida, he observed what appeared to be a sky full of fine, tangled spider webs falling. He initially hypothesized a mass hatching and exodus of spiders. However, upon collecting samples in a vial, he found that the substance completely disintegrated, leaving no trace, which perplexed him.

1.3. Des « cheveux d'ange » entourant un OVNI:

This part details an observation from 1954 in Graulhet, France, reported by journalist Aimé Michel. A witness observed a white, circular object moving at high speed. The object then exploded, releasing a smaller silver object and numerous fragments that fell to the ground. These fragments, described as informe and resembling torn fabric or paper, were collected and found to be agglutinated, like spider webs, and crumbled easily. A chemist who analyzed the substance found that it sublimated when heated, leaving no trace, and disappeared almost instantly when exposed to a flame without producing fire or smoke.

1.4. Premières tentatives d'explication:

Several early explanations for 'angel hair' are discussed. Aimé Michel dismissed the idea of solidified water vapor. Plantier suggested that particles ejected from UFOs might react with air to form a complex compound. M. de San proposed that UFOs, possessing a strong static electric field, could stretch water droplets into fine filaments, which then freeze and attach to the UFO until dislodged by aerodynamic pressure. However, this theory faced challenges in explaining the filaments' stability at ambient temperatures.

1.5. Un ensemble de fibres très courtes de coton ou de laine ?

This section describes an incident on February 21, 1955, in Horseheads, New York, where a filamentous substance resembling cotton or wool fibers, or tangled spider webs, fell over a large area. Dr. Charles Rutenber, a chemistry professor, analyzed the substance and compared it to debris from a 'gigantic cocoon'. He noted the white fibers were short, damaged, and resembled cotton or wool, contaminated with soot and industrial grime, but not from local industries. Dr. Richmond from Elmira College also concluded they were short, weak fibers resembling cotton or wool. Technicians from Westinghouse identified them as cotton and wool fibers, also finding fine copper wire fragments. M. Diffenderfer reported the substance contained 30% carbon, various metals, and showed slight radioactivity. Unlike previous cases, sublimation was not observed, and the substance disintegrated rapidly, suggesting it was not a simple sublimation phenomenon.

"Monkey business"

This article, attributed to Auguste Meessen, Professor at U.C.L., discusses the challenges of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) for UFOs. It argues that dismissing the HET simply because we cannot explain interstellar travel is an error. The author emphasizes the need to analyze available facts, focusing on the behavior of UFOs within Earth's atmosphere rather than their potential interstellar journeys. The study of 'angel hair' is presented as an example of applying scientific methodology to understand UFO-related phenomena and their underlying physics.

"Un phénomène inaccessible"

This section addresses the common argument that UFOs are elusive and that evidence is suppressed by authorities. It discusses the 'St. Thomas' of ufology who demand physical proof, and the hope among some that a UFO might crash, providing undeniable evidence. The article counters that the elusive nature of UFOs is a fundamental characteristic, with evidence often disappearing. It also touches upon the USAF's denial of UFO existence and the rumors of crashed UFOs and alien pilots being stored in secret facilities.

"Y a-t-il de la fumée sans feu ?"

This part explores the existence of rumors surrounding UFOs. It mentions a rumor about a Russian flying saucer found in Spitzberg and a more prominent one about extraterrestrial UFOs crashing near US military bases, with their pilots' bodies allegedly stored at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The article notes the USAF's systematic denial of such claims, labeling them as ridiculous rumors, while simultaneously denying the existence of UFOs altogether.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a scientific and analytical approach to ufology, encouraging rigorous investigation of phenomena. It critiques the limitations of conventional scientific skepticism towards UFOs, advocating for a more open-minded yet evidence-based examination of the data. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring the physical and scientific aspects of UFOs, including phenomena like 'angel hair', and challenges simplistic explanations, whether they are dismissive or overly reliant on unsubstantiated theories like the extraterrestrial hypothesis without sufficient evidence. The publication aims to bridge the gap between unexplained phenomena and scientific inquiry, encouraging further research and discussion.

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (Lights in the Night), issue number 187, focuses on the persistent rumors and alleged incidents of UFO crashes and the recovery of alien bodies, primarily from the 1940s and 1950s in the USA. It critically examines these stories, tracing their origins and evolution, and often debunking them through logical analysis and cross-referencing.

Des histoires sidérantes (Staggering Stories)

The article begins by referencing the "Nut and bolt" era of UFOlogy, where sightings were considered material craft. It recounts the story, popularized by writer Frank Scully in "Variety" in late 1949, about a Dr. G. who allegedly inspected a crashed flying saucer near Aztec, New Mexico. According to this account, 16 humanoid bodies, approximately 90 cm to 1 meter tall and dressed in 1890s fashion, were discovered. Dr. G. reportedly kept metal fragments from the craft, which he claimed could withstand 10,000 degrees, though later analysis suggested it was aluminum alloy melting at 637 degrees. Scully's report also mentioned two other crashes and a total of 34 bodies.

Another incident from January 1950 reported a saucer crash in Hamlet, North Carolina, yielding the bodies of two 40 cm humanoids, which were autopsied. Journalist Flechter Pratt also allegedly reported on a crash where 90 cm humanoid bodies were recovered. On March 8, 1950, Silas Mason Newton lectured at the University of Denver, expanding on Dr. G.'s story and claiming four saucers had landed, with one sighted near an official test base. A group of specialists reportedly saw another saucer near a test base, but several small beings quickly entered it, and it disappeared.

Further reports included Roy Dimmick announcing a saucer crash near Mexico on March 9, 1950. He later admitted the story came from two strangers, one of whom gave him a metal fragment. The Denver lecture by Newton generated significant interest, with journalists like Major Keyhoe attempting to find the source. They reportedly found Georges T. Koehler, who had brought Newton, but Koehler could not substantiate the claims. A journalist accused Newton of mystification, and the Associated Press followed suit, with Keyhoe eventually adopting this version. The rumor, however, continued to spread.

Des canards boîteux (Lame Ducks)

In 1950, numerous saucer crashes were reported across the USA. A French newspaper in May 1950 mentioned a rumor about a 92 cm human corpse with a beast-like face recovered from a crashed vessel near the Mexican border. A journalist claimed to have witnessed police brutally interrogating a similar gnome-like being. In June 1950, "Talk of the Times" published a story with a photograph claiming a certain Mc Kennick saw a flying saucer explode after being hit by a rocket near Hamilton Field, California. Amidst the debris, a small being covered in shiny aluminum-like material reportedly emerged.

Joseph Roher allegedly claimed before the Pueblo, Colorado, Chamber of Commerce that he had seen a flying saucer land and a small, hairy, ape-like pilot emerge. The pilot reportedly paralyzed the witnesses before re-entering a cigar-shaped craft that then took off, leaving the saucer behind. The craft was difficult to cut, made of an unknown alloy.

The article notes that many of these stories share common elements, such as the recovery of humanoid bodies, often described as small with beast-like faces or hairy bodies. The location of Wright Patterson AFB is frequently cited as where these bodies are kept. The text questions the reliability of these accounts, noting that many details are inconsistent or seem to be inspired by previous stories.

Le canard était toujours vivant (The Hoax Was Still Alive)

The rumor persisted. Around 1968, Pedro Romaniuk claimed that US authorities had discovered a flying saucer in New Mexico made of an indestructible material, containing six small humanoid bodies.

Le bruit et la rumeur (The Noise and the Rumor)

By the 1970s, the rumor persisted that 12 humanoid bodies were stored at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, with Senator Barry Goldwater allegedly writing to the USAF about it. Leonard Stringfield, in his book "Situation Red," compiled several second-hand accounts to confirm this rumor, including testimony from a pastor, a woman who claimed to have autopsy reports, and a former Wright Patterson employee. He also reported on the case of Fritz Werner, who claimed to have examined the wreckage of a secret Air Force craft in 1953 and found the body of a 1.20 m humanoid.

Stringfield's narrative transforms these accounts into credible reports of flying saucer crashes, attracting more witnesses. The article highlights the indirect nature of many testimonies, often originating from "a friend of a friend," making verification difficult. It points out inconsistencies and the potential for misremembering or fabrication, citing examples like the woman who described a crescent shape initially and later a classic saucer shape.

La soupe au canard (The Duck Soup)

Leonard Stringfield presented his compilation of 18 reports at a MUFON symposium in 1978. These reports largely echoed the rumors from the 1950s, mentioning locations like Edwards AFB and Wright Patterson AFB, and cases from the 1950s. One report mentioned an OVNI being spotted by the Palomar Observatory. Another claimed a humanoid was alive during a crash, similar to the Joseph Roher story.

Stringfield's analysis of these reports suggests a pattern: a UFO tracked by radar crashes near a military base, humanoid bodies are recovered and stored at Wright Patterson AFB. However, the article questions the logistics of these bodies being "classified beyond top secret" yet allegedly paraded around the base on forklifts. It also questions why extraterrestrials would consistently crash near USAF bases.

Le bruit et la rumeur (The Noise and the Rumor) - Continued

The article emphasizes the similarity in how these stories are transmitted, often through indirect sources and hearsay. It notes that many testimonies are second or third-hand, and some are vague about crashes without establishing a clear source. The author questions the reliability of information from unknown or indirectly known sources, citing Pierre Viéroudy's account of two young men who picked up a hitchhiker who later died, a story similar to one reported near Saint-Brieuc.

The Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin also reported cases where the initial source could not be traced. The article suggests that cited sources are often indirect or false. It draws parallels to earlier claims by Raymond Veillith about "mysterious beings announcing a close return," which consisted of six rumors identical to the Tarbes case but occurring in different locations worldwide.

The "friend of a friend" trope is highlighted as a common way these stories propagate, often leading back to newspaper articles or radio broadcasts rather than direct eyewitness accounts. The author concludes that relying on indirect information is like trusting the shadow of smoke.

Stringfield's reliance on Robert Barry, who also claimed Israel's invincibility was due to UFOs piloted by angels, is noted. Despite this, Stringfield considered Barry's 1962 case to be the most solid.

Des témoins « dignes de foi » (Witnesses "Worthy of Faith")

The article presents five "first-hand" cases, dating from 1973, 1966, 1964, and 1953, though one involves watching a film. Four of the witnesses are former military personnel, described as "worthy of faith." The author, however, argues that no witness is inherently "worthy of faith" and that competence and memory accuracy should be measured. Military personnel, gendarmes, engineers, and astronomers are considered potentially more reliable witnesses.

Témoins compétents ? Tiens donc ! (Competent Witnesses? Indeed!)

This section discusses specific sightings. On October 3, 1954, near Tingry, Pas-de-Calais, an engineer witnessed two flying saucers. On the same evening, in Marcoing, Nord, a gendarmerie brigade observed a saucer changing shape. In both cases, the investigation concluded the phenomena were simply the moon.

On August 12, 1883, astronomer José A. Y Bonilla in Zacatecas observed hundreds of corpuscles on the solar disk, which ufologists later interpreted as an "escadrille of flying saucers." The article explains that optical calculations show these were likely migrating birds.

Other astronomers mistook celestial bodies, asteroids, or telescope reflections for planets or Venus's satellite. Gruithuisen claimed to see fortifications on the moon, and Pickering thought he saw insect migrations. Lowell described the moon as having a network of canals.

La mémoire des témoins ? (Witnesses' Memory?)

On October 5, 1954, Mme Nelly Mansart described being pursued by a flying saucer, which she initially described as a luminous crescent changing shape – identified as the moon. However, 24 years later, she drew a classic saucer with a dome. The article questions how Stringfield's cases, some only five years old, could be so different.

La soupe au canard (The Duck Soup) - Continued

Michel Granger's book "La Face Cachée du Ciel" recounts a professor's experience in October 1969, where he and a student saw a fighter jet emerge silently from a lake. Two years later, the professor described a similar event where a saucer-shaped craft emerged from the water and sped away. The article notes that the professor appeared sincere but questions the memory's accuracy.

Singeries (Monkey Business)

Jacques Vallée had previously explained on air that the rumors about alien bodies were related to space experiments. The article states that the core of the rumor, involving a humanoid crash in New Mexico in 1949, was essentially true, but distorted. It mentions Dello Strologo's book, which recounts an unbelievable story about a 30m diameter disk landing near secret atomic bases in March 1949, with the discovery of sixteen 1.30m tall corpses dressed as naval officers. The report allegedly led to the defense minister Forrestal's suicide.

The article expresses astonishment at Stringfield's conclusion that humans might be extraterrestrial if they belong to different types, suggesting he equates human-like descriptions with alien origins. The final sentence sarcastically states, "In other words, monkeys are of extraterrestrial origin. What a fundamental discovery!"

Chronologie des lancements d'« humanoïdes » dans l'espace (Chronology of "Humanoid" Launches into Space)

This section details the US space program's use of primates in rocket tests from 1948 to 1960. It lists launches of rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees in V2, Aerobee, and Jupiter rockets, often with parachute failures. The purpose was to test the effects of spaceflight on living organisms, with the primates being described as "humanoids" in the context of the article's critique of UFO lore.

Key events include:

• 1948-06-18: Rhesus monkey "Albert" prepared for a V2 capsule launch, which was canceled.
• 1949-06-14: "Albert II" reached 134 km, but the return parachute failed.
• 1949: "Albert III" launch ended with parachute non-function.
• 1949-12-12: "Albert IV" was the last monkey launched by a V2; the parachute failed.
• 1951-04-18: First Aerobee rocket launch with a monkey; parachute failed.
• 1951-09-20: A monkey and eleven mice were launched in the second Aerobee, reaching 72 km and returning safely.
• 1952-05-21: Monkeys "Michael" and "Patricia," with two mice, reached 58 km in the third Aerobee and returned normally.
• 1952-07-26: Two monkeys and two mice reached 60 km in an Aerobee and were recovered.
• c. 1954: Rhesus monkey "Mike" (anesthetized) was launched in an Aerobee 3, reaching 135 km and being recovered.
• 1958-12-13: Monkey "Gordo" launched in a Jupiter rocket, reaching 550 km, but the capsule was lost.
• 1959-05-28: Female monkeys "Able" and "Baker" reached 500 km in a Jupiter rocket and returned safely.
• 1959-12-04: Rhesus monkey "Sam" reached 85 km in a Little Joe rocket.
• 1960-01-21: Monkey "Miss Sam" launched.
• 1961-01-31: Chimpanzee "Ham" reached 252 km in a Redstone rocket, capsule recovered after 18 minutes.
• 1961-11-29: Male chimpanzee "Enos" orbited Earth twice in an Atlas rocket.

The article connects these documented primate space flights to the UFO crash narratives, suggesting that the "humanoid" bodies reported in crashes were likely misinterpretations or fabrications based on these real scientific endeavors. The image accompanying this section shows a primate in a space suit, labeled as a "Martian crew member" in a secret recovery operation from an Ohio desert by Wright-Patterson.

Nos enquêtes (Our Investigations)

This section shifts to UFO sightings, specifically triangular formations. It corrects a previous report about a sighting in Berchem-Ste-Agathe, clarifying the date and its position in a chronological list.

Case 14: January 13, 1973, 8:00 PM, Arendonk (Antwerp Province)

A young witness observed three white, slightly orange, oval-shaped lights forming a triangle. The lights moved towards each other, then merged into a single orange point that suddenly disappeared. The observation lasted less than five minutes.

Case 15: May 16, 1973, 10:30 PM, Koekelberg (Brussels)

A witness observed two triangular formations of three red lights, each group appearing simultaneously below the other. The formations moved slowly in opposite directions (one west, one east), leaving faint white trails before disappearing after five to six minutes.

Case 16: July 9, 1973, 9:30 PM, Roosdaal (Brabant)

Witnesses observed three very bright white luminous balls, smaller than the full moon, stationary in the sky. They then moved east at high speed, ascending at a 45-degree angle and leaving a luminous trail. The entire event lasted about 45 seconds.

Case 17: September 16, 1973, around 11:00 PM, Couillet (Hainaut)

This case, previously detailed in "Nos enquêtes," describes a ballet of six, then three, luminous discs appearing and disappearing behind clouds. The three discs formed a triangle, were very luminous, and yellowish like the moon. They moved slowly, rose, stopped, descended, reappeared, and repeated maneuvers for about half an hour. The final appearance was a single, much larger luminous disc that ascended vertically at high speed and disappeared.

Case 18: February 14, 1974, 3:15 AM, Soignies (Hainaut)

A witness observed a small, very white luminous point moving rapidly from west-northwest towards the zenith, then stopping at an elevation of 85 degrees east. A second point appeared to the west-southwest, moving similarly and stopping south of the first. A third point appeared east of the others, and all three moved east in a triangle formation, increasing in speed and luminosity before disappearing. An inquiry confirmed no satellites or rockets were observable at that time.

Case 19: April 14, 1974, around 10:00 PM, Rivière (Province of Namur)

An elderly witness observed three lights in a triangular formation to the east, about 10 degrees elevation. They moved in a rectilinear trajectory towards Namur (south-south-east, north-north-west) at a slow, constant speed. The formation consisted of two points in front and one slightly behind. The lights did not pulsate or blink. The duration was estimated at over a minute.

Case 20: September 9, 1974, around 1:00 AM, Marcinelle (Hainaut)

This case revisits the Dumonts' earlier observation of discs playing with clouds. This time, M. Jean Wattiaux observed from his apartment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO crash narratives and alleged alien body discoveries. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk sensationalist claims by tracing their origins, highlighting inconsistencies, and providing alternative, often mundane, explanations. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry, contrasting the often fanciful accounts of ufologists with documented scientific endeavors (like primate space flights) and logical analysis. The magazine appears to be arguing that many UFO phenomena, particularly those involving crashes and bodies, are either misinterpretations, hoaxes, or exaggerated retellings of real events, such as the primate experiments. The later sections on triangular lights suggest a shift towards reporting more contemporary, albeit still unexplained, sightings, but the underlying critical approach remains.

This issue of Inforespace, dated September 1979 (issue 48), features a cover story titled "Peut-être le 'cadavre' n'en a-t-il effectivement plus pour longtemps ... mais qui sera l'héritier ?", which appears to be a critical response to Bertrand Méheust's work. The magazine includes detailed reports and analyses of UFO sightings, particularly focusing on triangular formations and the controversial Kelly incident.

Case Study: The Kelly Incident

The issue dedicates significant space to the Kelly incident, presenting witness testimonies and dissecting the event from multiple angles. The narrative begins with the initial fear of the Sutton family, who reported encounters with "little men" and a UFO. The report details the arrival of police and investigators, the search for evidence, and the various theories proposed by skeptics.

Witness Accounts and Evidence

Witnesses, including the Sutton family and Billy Taylor, provided accounts of encounters with alien beings described as glabrous, without tails, silent, and invulnerable to gunfire. The report notes the absence of physical evidence such as footprints, blood, or clear landing traces, but argues that the lack of such evidence does not automatically invalidate the testimonies, citing the hard ground and the beings' invulnerability.

Skeptical Theories and Rebuttals

Several skeptical theories are examined:

• Error: Suggestions that metal pieces or even escaped circus monkeys could have been mistaken for aliens are discussed. The magazine argues that these explanations are insufficient, as monkeys are hairy, have tails, and would bleed if shot, unlike the described beings.
• Hallucination: Both internal (alcohol, drugs) and external (sensory deprivation) causes for hallucination are considered. The report finds no evidence of drug or alcohol use among the Suttons and questions the possibility of widespread, consistent hallucination among multiple individuals.
• Mystification/Hoax: Theories suggesting the incident was staged for protection (to explain gunfire), publicity, or profit are explored. The magazine finds these motives unlikely, pointing to the family's lack of prior notoriety, their subsequent desire for privacy, and Mme Lankford's character as obstacles to a successful hoax.

Analysis of Skepticism

The magazine critiques the methods and conclusions of skeptics, arguing that their arguments are often based on a lack of understanding of the phenomena or a preconceived bias against the witnesses. The report highlights the consistency of the witnesses' accounts despite intense public scrutiny and ridicule, suggesting sincerity.

Triangular UFO Formations in Belgium

Another significant section of the magazine presents a detailed table (Tableau I) and analysis of triangular UFO formations observed in Belgium. This section includes 23 documented cases with dates, times, locations, durations, orientations, formations, speeds, colors, and sounds.

Key Observations from the Data

• Timing: Most observations occurred between 8 PM and 11 PM.
• Duration: Sightings were typically brief, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Formation: The objects consistently maintained a triangular formation, often with the point facing the direction of travel.
• Movement: Objects exhibited rapid acceleration, deceleration, and sharp changes in direction, often silently.
• Color: Common colors reported include white, egg-shell, blue, pink, grey, and orange.
• Sound: Most sightings were completely silent, with only a few reporting faint sounds.

Specific Case Examples

• Charleroi (Date not specified, likely around Sept 1974): M. Wattlaux observed three perfect, immobile discs in a triangular formation, which gradually faded.
• Etterbeek (Sept 20, 1975): M. R.V. reported three luminous balls moving at high speed, changing direction, and then regrouping silently.
• Vilvorde (Feb 18, 1976): M. Henri Drago observed three lenticular objects in a triangle emitting a pale pink light.
• Heusy (Feb 26, 1976): A 17-year-old witness observed three luminous objects in a triangular formation moving at high speed.

Critique of Bertrand Méheust's Work

The issue includes a lengthy discussion and critique of Bertrand Méheust's book on UFOs and science fiction. The authors acknowledge the importance of Méheust's work in ufology but take issue with several factual errors and what they perceive as misinterpretations or oversimplifications in his arguments.

Points of Contention

• Length and Scope: Méheust apparently felt the article was too long, but the authors justify the length by the significance of his work and the need for detailed discussion.
• Factual Errors: The authors point out specific errors, such as the description of a welder's mask being used during an excursion and the unverified identity of a Brazilian woman allegedly cured by extraterrestrials. They also question Méheust's interpretation of predictions related to rockets and submarines.
• SF-OVNI Coincidences: The debate centers on the extent and significance of coincidences between science fiction narratives and UFO reports. Méheust suggests there are twenty "perfect" cases, while the authors argue that the number alone is not sufficient to dismiss the role of chance and that the relative proportion is more important.
• Orthoteny: The authors revisit the orthoteny case, noting that initial reports have been reduced and that the remaining points can be explained by chance. They also correct dating errors in previous accounts.

Méheust's Response

The article notes that Méheust seems to have taken the critique personally and is eager for his thesis to be discussed. The authors maintain that their critique is constructive and aims to clarify factual inaccuracies.

Erratum

An erratum corrects inaccuracies in a previous article (issue 48) regarding an illustration of Lucky Sutton and the description of a humanoid figure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While presenting witness testimonies and detailed case reports, it also engages rigorously with skeptical explanations and academic theories. The editorial stance appears to favor a thorough investigation of evidence and a balanced consideration of all possibilities, while remaining open to the reality of unexplained phenomena. The critique of Méheust's work suggests a commitment to factual accuracy and a desire to advance the field of ufology through reasoned debate.

This issue of 'Phénomènes astronomiques importants en 1980' (Important Astronomical Phenomena in 1980) focuses on two main areas: the ongoing debates and methodologies within ufology, and a detailed astronomical calendar for January to March 1980.

Ufology Debates and Methodologies

The articles delve into the competitive landscape of UFO explanatory models, with authors like Méheust, Monnerie, and Scornaux presenting their hypotheses. The text critiques the tendency towards 'system thinking' in ufology, where the goal is to fit all phenomena into a pre-existing model, rather than developing theories based on evidence. It argues that this approach, exemplified by the 'old school' ufology, needs to be surpassed in favor of a more objective and analytical method.

The Problem of Modeling

A central theme is the critique of 'modeling' UFO phenomena without sufficient analytical support. The authors suggest that while there are strong indications of a physical component to UFOs (e.g., reactions of animals, correlations with geomagnetic perturbations, radar echoes), there are also significant socio-psychological aspects at play. The issue highlights the 'absurdity' of many UFO reports, which paradoxically serve as a camouflage, making them difficult for the scientific elite to address.

The text emphasizes that UFO phenomena betray a desire to influence humanity and human consciousness. It points out that the 'pattern' of UFOs seems to evolve and stylize itself to anticipate our reasoning, akin to a 'reinforcement program' designed to influence us.

Critique of Hypotheses and the Need for a New Approach

The authors express skepticism towards certain hypotheses, particularly those that are overly speculative or lack empirical grounding. They call for a shift in thinking, moving away from the 'ufology of the past' and embracing new approaches. The issue references various researchers and their contributions, including those who have studied animal reactions, geomagnetic correlations, and the psychological impact of UFO reports.

The critique extends to the 'spirit of system' in science, which can lead to doctrines rather than testable theories. The article uses examples from psychoanalysis and biology to illustrate how rigid adherence to a system can stifle progress. It suggests that UFO phenomena, by their strange and elusive nature, challenge our conventional understanding of reality and require a more open-minded and interdisciplinary approach.

The Nature of UFO Phenomena

It is argued that UFOs are not easily categorized and that attempts to define them strictly are problematic. The phenomena are described as having a cognitive and projective origin, with a particular emotional significance for witnesses. The influence of media and government attitudes is also noted as contributing to the 'psychosis' surrounding UFOs.

The issue concludes that while many observations may be difficult to explain, this does not mean they should be dismissed. Instead, it calls for continued research and a willingness to abandon outdated hypotheses when evidence warrants it, much like a scientist discards a tool that has outlived its usefulness.

Astronomical Calendar: January - March 1980

The second major part of the issue provides a detailed astronomical guide for the first three months of 1980. It covers:

• Planetary Visibility: Detailed information on the visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, including their rising and setting times, distances from Earth, elongations, declinations, and magnitudes.
• Lunar Phases: Dates and times for the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.
• Meteor Showers: Information on notable meteor showers such as the Quadrantides, Virginides, and Lyrides, including their peak dates and radiant points.
• Stellar Observations: Guidance on identifying constellations visible at specific times.
• Special Events: Mentions of a total solar eclipse on February 16th (visible mainly in Kenya and India) and a penumbral lunar eclipse on March 1st.

The astronomical section aims to help observers familiarize themselves with the night sky and identify celestial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry within ufology, advocating for a move away from speculative 'system thinking' towards more rigorous, evidence-based research. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the authors emphasize the need for careful analysis and the potential for both physical and psychological explanations. The inclusion of a detailed astronomical calendar suggests an interest in grounding discussions in observable facts and encouraging public engagement with science. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for serious discussion and research in both ufology and astronomy.