Inforespace - No 53 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 53
Volume: 9th year
Date: September 1980
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Type: Bimonthly review

Articles and Content

Cover Story: "Retour sur l'affaire de Valensole (1) - Le point de vue de l'enquêteur"

This extensive article delves into the famous Valensole UFO incident of July 1, 1965, presenting the perspective of an investigator. The author begins by critiquing a group of "new ufologists" who, seeking official recognition, have shifted towards debunking UFO cases. The article contrasts these approaches with the detailed investigation of the Valensole case, which involved a witness named Maurice M***.

The author highlights the initial confusion and varied reporting of the case. Maurice M*'s initial deposition to the gendarmerie was brief, but a later, more detailed deposition to Captain Valnet revealed more about the encounter, including the appearance of the occupants. The article emphasizes that M* confided details about the non-human nature of the beings to his father and Captain Oliva early on, even before officially reporting them, due to fear of being disbelieved or institutionalized.

The article details the events of July 1, 1965, starting with M*'s observation of an unidentified object resembling a Renault Dauphine from a distance. As he approached, he realized it was an ovoid craft with two small, humanoid occupants examining a lavandin plant. The author describes M*'s initial fear, followed by a strange sense of immobilization and lack of anxiety when facing the beings. He details how the beings entered their craft, which then took off vertically and obliquely at high speed.

Key details about the craft are provided: an ovoid shape, approximately 2.50m high and 3-4m long, with a transparent dome, a rectangular opening, and six oblique landing legs. A central metallic pivot was also noted. The beings are described as human-like in morphology but small, about the size of an 8-year-old child (though M*** sometimes estimated them as 1m to 1.10m tall). They had smooth, white skin, large craniums, no hair, no eyebrows, a small mouth, and an atrophied chin. They wore a grey-green, one-piece suit and carried cases on their sides.

Physical evidence at the landing site included a damp, muddy area that hardened, and a distinct circular depression (1.20m in diameter) with a perfectly regular, smooth, vertical cylindrical hole in the center, suggesting the craft's landing gear and pivot.

The article also discusses the psychological impact on M***, who experienced a period of immobility after the craft departed. It addresses the initial media frenzy and the skepticism of some journalists who suggested an army helicopter as an explanation, a theory later denied by the Army.

The author, Aimé Michel, recounts how he obtained crucial information about M***'s full account through his brother, who was a gendarme, and through conversations with Captain Oliva. Michel emphasizes that the Valensole case was not a result of post-sighting 'teaching' by ufologists but was inherently an extraordinary event from the start.

Other Sections:

• Cotisations (Subscriptions): A detailed price list for back issues of Inforespace from 1973 to 1980, with different rates for ordinary, student, and support subscriptions in Belgium (FB), France (FF), and other countries.
• Service Librairie de la SOBEPS: Information on available books for purchase, including "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" and "La Chronique des OVNI" by Michel Bougard.
• Sommaire (Table of Contents): Lists the articles in this issue, including "Retour sur l'affaire de Valensole (1)", "La morphologie humanoïde", "Etude de différents aspects du phénomène OVNI", "L'enlèvement d'Aveley", and "Le radar et les OVNI".
• Editorial Stance: The magazine is the official organ of SOBEPS, a Belgian association dedicated to the rational and objective study of spatial phenomena. They encourage reader collaboration and emphasize that signed articles represent the author's responsibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and objective approach to studying UFO phenomena. It aims to investigate cases thoroughly, present detailed accounts, and critically analyze different interpretations. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to share information while maintaining a skeptical yet open mind. The focus on the Valensole case exemplifies their commitment to in-depth analysis of significant historical UFO events.

This document is a detailed analysis of the Valensole UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) case, which occurred on July 1, 1965, in France. It delves into the witness testimony, physical evidence found at the scene, physiological and psychological effects on the witness, and attempts to refute conventional explanations.

The Valensole Case: The Landing and Its Immediate Aftermath The article begins by describing the physical characteristics of the landing site in a lavender field. A witness, identified only as M***, reported a cylindrical hole approximately 18 cm in diameter and 40 cm deep, with three smaller holes radiating outwards at a 120° angle. Gendarmes also noted four shallow furrows, 8 cm wide and 1 m long, forming a cross shape on the ground, originating from the central hole. This central hole corresponded to the location of a missing lavender plant.

Chemical analysis of the soil from the landing zone revealed a significant excess of calcium (18%) compared to control soil. The article speculates this could be ionized calcium or calcium in soluble salts, noting that clayey soil typically contains bound calcium within humus and small stones.

In the days following the incident, the site was trampled by curious visitors, damaging the marks. The owner, M***, attempted to replant lavender twice in the following years (1965), but the plants failed to grow, leading to a popular belief among ufologists that the lavender refused to grow in that spot for years. However, the article clarifies that by 1966 or 1967, the soil had become fertile again, with grass growing in clumps where lavender had been absent.

Aimé Michel, investigating the case a month later, noted that lavender plants, appearing calcified but not burned, were crumbling over about fifty meters from the landing zone. The author suggests this distance might correspond to the estimated disappearance of the craft in flight, rather than the landing itself.

Physiological and Psychological Effects on the Witness Following the landing, M*** experienced intense somnolence, sleeping up to 24 hours a day for several months, which he described as profound and pleasant, giving him a sense of well-being. He also developed a slight tremor in his hands. Despite these effects, he was generally considered a sober, balanced, and jovial man with no history of mental health issues. He refused a neurological examination by Professor Jouvet, fearing further stigmatization by the press.

Psychologically, M*** reportedly became more withdrawn after the event. He expressed a belief that the beings from the craft meant no harm and could destroy the entire Valensole plateau if they wished. He also reportedly claimed to have received advance warnings (possibly telepathic) of further extraterrestrial activity in the area, a trait common among "contactees."

Refuting Reductionist Explanations The article systematically addresses and refutes various conventional explanations for the Valensole incident, primarily those proposed by ufologist D. Caudron.

• Tourist Activity/Bad Weather: Caudron initially suggested tourists or a 'malaise' induced by the sun could explain the sighting. This is dismissed due to the early morning hour, the remote location, and the lack of tourist activity. The idea of a 'malaise' is also questioned as the sun at 6 AM in July at 600m altitude is not intense enough to cause such an effect.
• Military Aircraft/Helicopter: The possibility of a military helicopter is rejected, as the Army denied any maneuvers in the area, and the witness would have heard it approach long before it landed.
• Lightning: Caudron later proposed that lightning created the holes. While acknowledging that lightning can create holes, the article points out that Arago's accounts of lightning-induced holes do not describe smooth, cylindrical walls or geometric furrows. Furthermore, meteorological records for Valensole showed no thunderstorms in the days preceding the event; the last storms were on June 6-8, and the weather was clear until July.
• Fabrication/Simulation: The possibility that M*** fabricated the story, possibly with his father, is considered. This would involve him using pre-existing ground traces (possibly from lightning) and embellishing them. However, the article argues against this, citing the witness's consistent behavior, his reluctance to exploit the story commercially, and his apparent genuine respect for the extraterrestrial beings. The physiological effects (somnolence, tremors) are also presented as difficult to simulate convincingly over a long period.

The Nature of the Encounter and Evidence The author argues that the Valensole case is difficult to dismiss because it involves elements that cannot be easily explained by conventional means, such as astronomical objects, balloons, or meteorological phenomena. The article emphasizes the need to analyze all elements of the case cohesively, rather than dissecting them, as reductionist approaches tend to do.

It highlights the description of the humanoids as particularly significant, noting that M***'s description (large skull, lipless mouth, atrophied chin, lack of body hair) was not readily available in popular literature at the time, suggesting it was not a product of imagination influenced by existing UFO reports.

The article also discusses the physical traces, particularly the soil's high calcium content. It proposes that intense heating of the soil by the UAP's electromagnetic field (similar to induction heating) could explain the infertility and blanching of the soil, and even the ground being damp after the craft's departure due to steam release from the heated soil. This explanation is presented as beyond the witness's likely knowledge, supporting the authenticity of his observation.

The Significance of the Humanoid Morphology Discussion A significant portion of the document is dedicated to exploring the concept of humanoid morphology in the context of UAP encounters, referencing the work of Professor B.L. Umminger. Umminger's theories on convergent evolution, ecological equivalence, and cultural evolution are discussed as potential frameworks for understanding why extraterrestrial entities might share a humanoid form.

However, Umminger himself is presented as skeptical about extraterrestrial visits to Earth. The article acknowledges his reservations but proceeds to examine his ideas as a basis for studying the humanoid aspect of UAP phenomena. The author notes that while the existence of extraterrestrial life is not a certainty, scientific conceptions have evolved, making it reasonable to consider that humanity is not alone in the universe.

The article raises questions about whether our understanding of humanoid morphology is complete, given the variety of UAP reports. It also questions the symmetry between humanoid forms and the often spherical or cylindrical shapes of UAP craft.

Conclusion and Future Directions The author concludes that it is premature to draw definitive explanations for the specific aspects of UAP phenomena. However, the article strongly advocates for a scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing rigorous data collection, compilation of existing research, and hypothesis testing. It suggests that interdisciplinary cooperation between ufology and other scientific fields, such as biology, is crucial for advancing understanding.

The testimony of M*** is presented as a key piece of evidence, particularly the independent corroboration of the whistling sound heard before the sighting by other witnesses (MM. Aimé Magnan and André Neuvières). This sound, described as strident and unlike any known noise, lasted 15-20 seconds and was not attributed to any helicopter.

Ultimately, the article argues that the Valensole case, when analyzed critically and holistically, provides strong indirect evidence for the reality of unknown craft and non-human entities, moving beyond simple sightings to a genuine "contact" experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of a specific UAP landing case (Valensole), the analysis of physical evidence (ground traces, soil composition), the impact of UAP encounters on witnesses (physiological and psychological effects), the refutation of skeptical or reductionist explanations, and the theoretical exploration of humanoid extraterrestrial morphology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of treating ufology as a serious field of study requiring scientific rigor and critical analysis, rather than dismissing it as mere credulity or fantasy. The document champions the idea that UAP phenomena represent a real, intelligent, and original occurrence that warrants in-depth investigation.

This issue, titled "Etude de différents aspects du phénomène OVNI (2)" (Study of Different Aspects of the UFO Phenomenon (2)), delves into the physical effects of UFOs on the environment, focusing on traces left behind. The content is primarily in French, with a confidence score of 4, indicating good legibility.

Physical Effects and Traces

The article emphasizes the importance of studying durable environmental effects of UFOs, such as traces, as they offer objective, scientific data independent of human testimony. These traces are often left by UFOs that have landed or hovered close to the ground.

Statistical Analysis of Traces

David Saunders' 1975 estimate indicated that landings represented 6% of his global file of 45,000 observations. Ted Phillips' file of 837 landings with traces suggested that less than 2% of UFO observations leave traces, making them significant. A remarkable trend noted is the increase in landings with traces starting from 1964. Prior to this, annual averages were low (4-5, then 7-8). From 1964 onwards, the average rose to 50-60 per year, with a peak of 97 in 1973. This increase is observed to follow the 1963 Moscow treaty banning atmospheric nuclear explosions.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution

Landings are unevenly distributed throughout the year, with peaks in February-March and September-October. They also show a diurnal pattern, with a significant maximum of observations around 9 PM (40% between 7 PM and 11 PM, with 12% around 9 PM). Minima occur at 8 AM and 1 PM, being ten times lower than the evening maximum.

Trace Characteristics

Principal traces, often circular, have diameters between 1.50m and 4.50m in 60% of cases. The issue notes a correlation between the increase in landings and a decrease in male Catholic congregations with over 1000 members after 1964, posing it as a question of coincidence or correlation.

Case Studies of Traces

Case 1: La Possonière, France (February 9, 1974)

A retired farmer, Monsieur Saulnier, discovered traces in his field near a railway line. The traces covered a 5m x 5m area with two irregular zones of flattened grass, approximately 1.50m in diameter. Four groups of traces, resembling heavy skate marks, were also present. Each group consisted of two parallel bands, 10cm wide and 30cm apart, with varying lengths. No frost formed on the traces during a subsequent white frost, suggesting they were less exposed to the air.

Case 2: Ngatea, New Zealand (Date unspecified)

A farmer, Bert G. O'Neil, observed dead, silvery manuka plants in a 17m diameter circle, while surrounding vegetation was lush. Three impressions, forming a triangle, were found in the center, with an average depth of 10-15cm. The interior of the plant stems was carbonized, but the exterior was merely dried. Investigations by horticulturists suggested dehydration by ultra-short waves, while an official explanation pointed to the herbicide 245T, which O'Neil refuted. The article favors the ultra-short wave hypothesis, estimating the object's weight at 75-100 tons based on the impressions.

Case 3: Jabreille-les-Bordes, France (July 25, 1970)

A 16-year-old boy witnessed a metallic dome-shaped object with a turret and antennas. The object emitted an intense yellow-orange light. After a few minutes, it ascended and disappeared. The incident left a circular area of damaged vegetation and four deep impressions in the hard soil, each 33x53cm and 40cm deep. The charge required to make these impressions was estimated at several dozen tons. The object's dimensions were estimated at 6m diameter and 3m height, with a volume of 30-35 m³.

Case 4: Montréal, Canada (January 6, 1977)

Madame Malbœuf observed an ellipsoidal object land on a flat roof. Two figures, about two meters tall, emerged, examined the ground, and re-entered the object, which then departed. The next day, traces were found in hardened snow: an oval area of melted and refrozen snow (approx. 6m diameter) and two smaller ovals. Four footprints were also discovered, two on hardened snow and two in relief on ice. The footprints were about 16cm long. Investigators from UFO-Québec considered the case potentially a mystification but found the official explanation of a hoax difficult to accept due to the effort required.

The Aveley Abduction: A Third Kind Encounter (2)

This section details a case involving John and Elaine, focusing on their experiences and subsequent hypnosis sessions. John recounts childhood encounters with a spectral child. Later, during a theater setup, he saw a small boy who vanished, later learning a boy had died in a nearby well.

Dreams and Hypnosis

John and Elaine reported strange dreams. John recalled being "operated on" by "gnomes" or "little things" and experiencing "tests." Elaine remembered lying on an operating table, unable to move, with a small figure in white beside her. These accounts led to regression hypnosis sessions conducted by Dr. Leonard Wilder.

First Hypnosis Session (September 25, 1977)

John, initially anxious, underwent three hypnosis sessions. While no regression occurred, he reported seeing a large circular blue object with two arms, and an impression of an "Arab" man with a red light. He also recalled details of a car journey, a green fog, and a white light, followed by an abrupt end.

Second Hypnosis Session (October 2, 1977)

John was more relaxed. He was regressed to ages 13, 11, 5, and 3, speaking with the intonation of a child. He was also guided to relive a past life as "Jim Dayliss" in 1640, speaking an old rural dialect. The session then returned to the green fog incident, with John describing a white light and a subsequent experience in a large room where he was examined. He recalled "large beings" who were "peaceful" and wore one-piece suits without distinct colors. They had no visible hair due to hoods, and their skin was "very, very trans... hollow air." Their eyes were "rose."

Interview with John (Post-Hypnosis)

In a subsequent interview, John described the beings' communication as "crackling, noise," not a language. He recalled a "horrible, but very restful" large, grey, oval room with no doors, only openings. He described a "barre plate" (flat bar) about 30 feet long and 10 inches wide, with a honeycomb structure, moved above him, causing vibrations. He could not recall breathing or seeing windows. He mentioned being shown a map with curved lines and shapes, and that the beings came from Phobos, or possibly Saturn. He stated they needed "hosts" and that "they are us."

Third Hypnosis Session (October 16, 1977)

Elaine attended as an observer. John was regressed to ages 10, 6, 3, and 1. He then relived the 1640 past life as Jim Dayliss. Returning to the present, he recounted the green fog adventure, describing a white light and finding himself in a large room for examination. He mentioned an "examiner" who was smaller than him, with unclear clothing and an "unpleasant" face. He could not recall if the examiner had hair or a mouth like ours. John stated he had no memory of anything being taken from him (skin, blood, hair, etc.).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the scientific approach to ufology, prioritizing physical evidence like traces over anecdotal testimony. The detailed case studies and statistical analyses aim to provide objective data. The use of hypnosis suggests an exploration of the psychological and experiential aspects of alleged encounters, seeking to corroborate or clarify witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations, such as ultra-short waves, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the possibility of extraordinary phenomena. The recurring theme is the meticulous investigation of UFO-related physical evidence and witness experiences.

This issue of 'Le radar et les OVNI' (Radar and UFOs) focuses on the challenges of detecting Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) using radar technology and the implications for national air defense. It explores how UFOs might exploit radar gaps and presents various case studies and expert opinions.

The Radar Detection Problem

The articles highlight the inherent difficulties in detecting UFOs via radar. Several factors contribute to this:

• Low Altitude Flight: UFOs are often observed flying at very low altitudes, sometimes just meters above the ground, making them difficult to detect by radar systems designed for higher-flying aircraft.
• Terrain Masking: Mountains and other geographical features can create radar shadows, allowing objects to pass undetected.
• Radar Selectivity: Radar systems are often programmed to identify specific types of objects based on their characteristics. Objects that deviate from these parameters, such as those flying too slowly, too fast, or at unusual altitudes, may not be registered or may be ignored.
• Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): Advanced technology, potentially used by UFO occupants, can jam or spoof radar signals, creating false images or rendering the object invisible to radar.
• Limited Coverage: Radar coverage is not uniform. Gaps exist, particularly in remote or less strategically important areas, which UFOs can exploit.

US Air Defense Vulnerabilities

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the perceived weaknesses in the United States' air defense system, particularly concerning UFOs.

• Budget Cuts: The issue points to budget cuts in the 1960s and 1970s that led to the reduction of radar installations and interceptor squadrons, especially in the southern US.
• NORAD and FAA Roles: The roles of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) are discussed. While NORAD is tasked with continental surveillance, its effectiveness against low-flying, unidentified objects is questioned. The FAA's radar systems are also described as having limitations.
• Southern Gap: A specific '2400 km gap' in the US air defense system along the southern border (between Florida and California) is highlighted, making this region particularly vulnerable to intrusions.
• Cuban Incidents: Two incidents involving Cuban aircraft entering US airspace in 1969 are presented as evidence of how foreign craft could potentially violate US airspace undetected, drawing parallels to UFO incursions.

Witness Testimony and Hypnosis

The issue includes a detailed account of a hypnosis session with a witness named John. Under hypnosis, John described encounters with tall, non-human beings and their craft. Key details from his testimony include:

• Beings' Appearance: Described as taller than him, around 6'6", with no visible mouth.
• Propulsion: Mentioned as 'ion magnetic' and 'vortex' propulsion.
• Craft: Described as complex, with a rotating, directed vortex.
• Occupants: John interacted with three beings, but only one communicated directly with him.
• Purpose: The beings stated they were 'here always' and their purpose was 'to observe and to conduct... through observations'.
• Bases: When asked about their bases, John became evasive, stating they had 'more than one base'.
• Post-Hypnosis: John reported feeling 'blocked' from saying more after being asked about the bases.

Another witness, Elaine, felt compelled to paint a scene described by John, and her drawing was remarkably similar to John's recollections.

Case Studies and Analysis

Several specific UFO incidents and related research are discussed:

• Quarouble, France: The article revisits the UFO landings in Quarouble in 1954, referencing the work of Michel Carrouges. It addresses a debate about the interpretation of witness testimony, particularly regarding the actions of the beings and the sounds they made ('Boukak'). The author argues that the witness did not intend to 'catch' the beings but was surprised by their appearance and behavior.
• Socorro, New Mexico (1964): A police officer reported seeing an ovoid object and two humanoids near Socorro. The object then ascended and flew towards nearby mountains, suggesting an attempt to evade detection.
• General Patterns: The issue suggests that UFO activity often centers around military installations, industrial complexes, and nuclear or hydroelectric power plants.

Ufological Research and Books

The latter part of the magazine features a section titled 'On nous écrit...' (We are written to...), which includes reader contributions and critiques of ufological research. It also includes a substantial bibliography of books on UFOs, covering various aspects from identification and historical cases to extraterrestrial encounters and the scientific study of the phenomenon. Titles by authors like Jean-Claude Bourret, Jacques Vallée, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek are listed, along with their prices and brief descriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the limitations of current detection technologies (especially radar), and the perceived inadequatenesses of official responses or explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging serious investigation into UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges posed by the nature of the sightings and the potential for misinterpretation or deliberate obfuscation. The articles advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, urging researchers to avoid superficial analysis and to consider all aspects of witness testimony and physical evidence.