Inforespace - No 56 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 56
Date: May 1981
Volume: 10th year
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Type: Quarterly review

Content Summary

This issue of "Inforespace" focuses heavily on the historical "airship wave" of 1897, presenting it as potentially the most significant UFO wave ever recorded. The magazine critically examines contemporary newspaper reports from the era, distinguishing between sensationalized accounts and those that appear more factual.

The 1897 Airship Wave: A Historical Reassessment

The lead article, "1897: The greatest OVNI wave of all time," argues that the 1897 sightings were not attributable to any known terrestrial technology, particularly airships, as none existed in the United States at that time. The author cites correspondence with Tom Crouch from the Smithsonian Institution, who confirms that powered, engine-driven dirigibles did not appear until after 1902, and early experimental airships were rudimentary and incapable of the reported performances.

The article meticulously analyzes various newspaper clippings from 1897, highlighting how different publications reported the same events with varying degrees of detail and sensationalism. Examples include reports from El Reno News, Rockford Republic, and the Chicago Tribune, which range from simple confirmations of sightings to more detailed descriptions.

One particularly striking account is from the St. Louis Star, describing a "mysterious wanderer" observed over Chicago, characterized by a powerful electric light or cluster of lights, moving rapidly, then hovering.

The author emphasizes the importance of relying on serious journalistic accounts that avoid exaggeration or minimization. A balanced narration from the "Quincy Whig" describes a cigar-shaped object made of shiny metal, with a white spotlight and green and red lights on its sides, moving with a visible propulsion system.

Eyewitness Accounts and Object Characteristics

Numerous eyewitness accounts are presented, detailing observations from various locations in the USA, including Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois. These accounts often describe objects with "powerful lights," sometimes "blinding," and occasionally "fixed lights." The article notes that while some sightings occurred at night, daytime observations were also reported.

A detailed account from Galveston, Texas, describes an object seen by an undertaker and his driver, moving along the coast and then inland, described as a "large bird" with beating wings. Another report from Cameron, Texas, by Colonel Peoples, describes a "dark shadow" resembling a "whale with wings" that moved low to the ground and emitted lights.

The magazine details the physical characteristics of the observed objects, noting they were often cigar-shaped, sometimes with four wings or none. They possessed moving lights, often described as green and red, and sometimes a "headlight" or "projector." Some accounts mention a "tail like a bird's" or a "rudder."

Explanations and Sociological Context

The article dismisses conventional explanations like Venus or Japanese lanterns, arguing that the described lights were far more powerful than any contemporary lighting technology. It also touches upon the sociological context, noting that the public's initial belief often attributed the sightings to a "brilliant American inventor" testing his machine at night to avoid competitors.

The magazine contrasts the 1897 wave with modern UFO phenomena, suggesting that while some characteristics are similar (e.g., turning at right angles, undulating movements, flashing lights, scaring animals), the overall context and public reaction were different.

Witness Demographics and Credibility

The issue highlights that witnesses came from diverse social backgrounds, including many rural individuals with a strong connection to nature, whose observational skills are considered by the author to be potentially more reliable than those of urban professionals. The article presents several credible testimonies, including those from engineers, doctors, and astronomers, who observed objects with distinct features and movements.

Journalistic Rigor and Data Collection

The author emphasizes the painstaking effort involved in collecting and verifying these historical accounts, noting that his personal file contains around 1100 entries, with 900 relating to observations and 200 to declarations. He stresses that the information is primarily sourced from original period documents, with a significant portion being photocopies of original texts in English.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is one of serious, rational investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena. It champions the historical study of UFOs, particularly the 1897 airship wave, as a crucial part of understanding the phenomenon. The editorial tone is critical of sensationalism and encourages a methodical approach to analyzing evidence. The SOBEPS, as described in the text, is a non-profit association dedicated to the rational study of unidentified aerial phenomena, relying on volunteer efforts and aiming to disseminate information through its quarterly review and other activities. The magazine also solicits collaboration from its members, encouraging them to share any relevant information or observations.

This issue of "Le Monde Inexpliqué" (The Unexplained World), published in 1997, focuses on the historical "great world cases" with a significant section dedicated to the 1897 airship wave in the United States. The cover headline, "Les grands cas mondiaux" (The great world cases), and the specific article title, "Une rencontre rapprochée au Minnesota : L'affaire Val Johnson (2)" (A close encounter in Minnesota: The Val Johnson affair (2)), indicate a focus on UFO and unexplained phenomena investigations.

The 1897 Airship Wave: A Media Frenzy

The article delves into the widespread reports of airship sightings across the United States in 1897, a phenomenon that captivated the public and baffled authorities. It presents a compilation of newspaper clippings and expert opinions from the time, highlighting the diverse reactions and explanations.

Astronomical Explanations and Skepticism

Numerous astronomers and scientists offered explanations, often attributing the sightings to celestial bodies like Venus or Alpha Orionis. For instance, Professor Miller of the University of Kansas dismissed them as "hoaxes invented by journalists," while Professor Hough of the Dearborn Observatory suggested it was "the star Alpha of Orion." Other astronomers, like Professor Stratton of the University of Chicago, were reportedly outraged by the "savagery and incoherence" of the reports. Professor Garriott suggested a mix of "moon, stars, and clouds." Despite these attempts to rationalize the sightings, many witnesses insisted they had seen something tangible and extraordinary.

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

The press played a crucial role in amplifying the airship phenomenon. Articles from various newspapers like the "Capital of Topeka," "Chicago Evening Post," "Chicago Times Herald," "Galesburg Evening Mail," and "Moline Mail" are cited, showcasing the public's fascination and the range of theories being discussed. Some reports suggested the objects were balloons, comets, or even extraterrestrial craft. The article notes that while some populations reacted with excitement, others experienced fear or "panic."

The Role of Alcohol and Prohibition

Interestingly, the article points out that alcohol was frequently cited in editorials as a cause for the sightings, particularly in states where Prohibition was in effect. Journalists suggested that people in dry areas might hallucinate airships, while those in wet areas saw them more clearly. However, this theory was challenged by reports of sightings in areas where Prohibition was not enforced.

Sociological and Psychological Explanations

As the wave continued, explanations shifted towards sociological and psychological factors, including mass hysteria and optical illusions. However, the article suggests these explanations were often offered timidly and failed to convince many.

The "Fake Inventors" and Hoaxes

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the "fake inventors" and potential hoaxes surrounding the airship wave. The author notes the existence of numerous reports about individuals claiming to have invented airships, yet none could produce their apparatus. This led to speculation about whether these were journalistic fabrications to boost sales or a deliberate "intox" campaign by authorities to mystify the public. The article mentions fifty-two files related to "bogus inventors," suggesting a coordinated effort to exploit public interest.

One particular case involves the "National Airship Company" in San Francisco, which allegedly sold shares to fund a massive airship project, a venture that likely never materialized and was possibly a scam.

The Val Johnson Affair (Minnesota)

The second part of the article focuses on the "Val Johnson affair" in Marshall County, Minnesota, which occurred on August 27th of an unspecified year (implied to be around the time of the 1897 wave). Sheriff's deputy Val Johnson reported his car being struck by a mysterious, blinding light. His eyes were temporarily injured, his watch and car clock were set back, and his car was damaged. The article details the medical examinations of Johnson's eyes, initially diagnosed as "slight welder's burns." However, further investigation cast doubt on this diagnosis due to the nature of the light, the lack of UV radiation exposure through the car's windshield, and the rapid healing process.

Dr. Warren Lamb, Johnson's optometrist, proposed an alternative theory involving the removal of the cornea's outer cell layer, exposing nerve endings. He also suggested that heat, possibly from infrared rays, could have caused the damage. The article discusses experiments involving Johnson's special "Photogrey Extra" Corning lenses to test for heat exposure.

Errors in Transcription and Translation

The author highlights the challenges of researching historical UFO cases, particularly the errors that can arise from transcription and translation. Using the example of the Linn Grove, Iowa, case from April 15, 1897, the article contrasts how different sources (Jacques Vallée vs. Michel Bougard) described the occupants' features – one mentioning long hair, the other long beards. The original source, however, referred to "whiskers," demonstrating how misinterpretations can significantly alter the details of an event.

Conclusions and Recurring Themes

The article concludes that the 1897 airship wave, despite being fueled by hoaxes and scams, likely represents the largest wave of UFO sightings in history. The author emphasizes the importance of working with original documents and warns against relying on secondary sources that may contain errors or omissions. The recurring themes throughout the issue are the public's fascination with the unexplained, the media's role in shaping narratives, and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and the acceptance of extraordinary phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and alleged encounters with non-human intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial explanations while rigorously examining evidence, identifying potential hoaxes, and highlighting the importance of accurate research methods. There's a clear emphasis on historical cases and the evolution of UFOlogy, with a particular interest in debunking fabricated accounts and uncovering the truth behind genuine mysteries.

This issue of the International UFO Reporter, Volume 4, Number 5, dated November 1977, delves into two significant UFO-related incidents: a mysterious cracking of a car windshield and a sighting near a military base. The magazine features detailed scientific analysis, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.

The Cracked Windshield Incident

The issue extensively covers the case of deputy Val Johnson, whose car windshield developed numerous cracks. Meridan French, a windshield expert from Ford Motor Company's Glass Division, was brought in to examine the damage. French's conclusions, detailed on pages 1 and 2, are that the four distinct crack origins were likely independent events, resulting from mechanical stress rather than thermal stress. He noted that the object that caused the impact was likely firm and hard, possibly like a soft ball, baseball, or golf ball, or even a clenched fist, but not metallic or stony, as there was no apparent damage to the exterior surface. The cracks originated from both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass layers.

French's analysis suggests a sequence of events: the first crack originated on the interior surface, likely from an impact on the exterior. The second crack was horizontal, originating from the exterior surface due to a low-level flexural stress. The third fracture also originated externally, with a small, circular area of grinding, indicating impact by a hard object insufficient to break the interior glass. The fourth fracture was also horizontal and likely secondary. A band of fine cracks running vertically was also observed, attributed to normal flexing of the already broken windshield.

Despite the extensive analysis, French stated, "I can only repeat my fourth conclusion: all the cracks result from mechanical efforts of unknown origin."

Investigation of Other Aspects

Further investigations explored other potential factors. Optical examination of bent antennas from a car involved in a previous incident revealed a covering of insect debris and road materials, with the bent area being cleaner. The report from Honeywell, Inc., which conducted these tests, concluded that the antennas were not bent by stones but by an unknown force, possibly electrical or aerial.

Analysis of debris from a broken headlight revealed mineral components including silicon, aluminum, iron, and calcium, consistent with stony material. Tests for radioactivity on various samples, including the car's components and headlight glass, yielded no abnormal results, only normal background radiation.

Magnetic tests on the car's antennas showed residual magnetism within normal limits. Hardness tests on the bent antennas indicated the metal had not softened and was comparable to spring steel.

The Talavera de la Reina Military Base Sighting

Pages 9-10 describe a significant UFO sighting that occurred around 1:50 AM on December 29, 1976, near a military zone 3 km south of Talavera de la Reina, Spain. Multiple witnesses reported a luminous object moving at enormous speed with a long green trail. The object was described as having characteristics similar to previous cases, including being silent, capable of maneuvering, changing speed, and hovering. Some witnesses reported electromagnetic effects on car ignitions and generator malfunctions.

One witness, D. Pedro Luis Blasquez, reported that the UFO hovered motionless for several minutes before maneuvering. The investigation by the International UFO Reporter revealed that the object's trajectory led it directly over a military zone known for its surveillance. The object was described as having an approximate shape of two superimposed saucers with a dome, a circular black zone at its base, and a yellow horizontal luminous line.

During the night of the sighting, a military alarm was triggered, lights went out, and a generator malfunctioned. A bright light was observed near tunnel entrance number 5 within the military zone.

Physiological Effects of UFO Encounters

Pages 7-8 explore the phenomenon of "physiological akinesthesia" potentially associated with close UFO encounters. The article, by Daniel Mavrakis, discusses how this condition, characterized by difficulty or impossibility of movement, might be linked to UFO sightings and the presence of "ufonauts." The author suggests that this akinesthesia likely originates in the central nervous system, affecting voluntary striated muscles but sparing intelligence and posture. The most plausible hypothesis points to an alteration in the basal ganglia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the International UFO Reporter continues its commitment to rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, employing scientific analysis, expert testimony, and detailed reporting. The magazine presents a balanced approach, exploring both the physical evidence and potential physiological effects of encounters. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, evidence-based inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging further research and open-mindedness while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of the magazine 'OVNI' (UFO) focuses on extraordinary events, particularly in South America, with a significant portion dedicated to sightings in Itaperuna, Brazil, and an encounter at the Talavera de la Reina military base in Spain.

The Extraordinary Events of Itaperuna

This section highlights a wave of UFO sightings in Brazil during 1968-69, with Itaperuna becoming a focal point in 1970-71. Several sensational newspaper headlines are cited, including reports of 'dwarfs flying in a luminous saucer,' 'dwarfs stopping a car,' and a 'saucer shaped like a duck.'

Rapport n° 1: The Itaperuna Encounter (November 1970)

Madame Alzina, a student in Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, was a passenger in a 'Kombi' vehicle returning from Itaperuna. Around 11 PM, near Igrejinha, the group observed a luminous source. The driver, Epedito Xavier, stopped the vehicle, and the object, initially round, changed shape and luminosity. Xavier approached the object on foot, observing it modify its form to an oval shape. The luminosity increased, illuminating the surrounding hills. The object then elongated and became ovoïde.

Rapport n° 2: The Italva Bus Sighting (October 1971)

Monsieur Omar Salera Armond reported an incident on October 11, 1971, near Italva. While on a bus, he noticed a luminous object with a red-vivid to orange-yellow coloration, approximately 2 meters in diameter, at an estimated altitude of 700 to 1,000 meters. The bus driver stopped the vehicle, and the 39 passengers exited to observe the stationary object. The object remained for some time before disappearing.

Rapport n° 3: Itaperuna Police Report (October 1971)

This report details a deposition taken at the Itaperuna police station from M. Laerte de Campos Hosken, who observed an object on the night of October 20-21, 1971, on the Tombes-Faria Lemos road. The object was similar to one seen by Paulo Caetano Silveira and also observed by Monsieur José Brandão de Kezendo and Ruz Figueire do Neves.

Other Cases

The magazine notes that the study is incomplete due to various factors, including witness reluctance to have their photos reproduced, inconsistencies in testimonies, psychological reactions like amnesia after close encounters, and the logistical challenges of investigating cases over long distances.

The Talavera de la Reina Military Base Encounter (December 1976)

This is a detailed account of an incident at the Talavera de la Reina military camp. A patrol of four soldiers, accompanied by dogs, investigated an unusual light. The dogs became agitated, barking and howling. The soldiers heard a whistling sound similar to an aircraft turbine. A witness, identified as 'T,' described the light as being like multiple white Bengal flares, but lasting longer.

The Patrol's Investigation

The patrol moved towards the source of the light and reached guard post n° 4. The sentinel there reported seeing a luminous object enter the zone from the valley, following a firebreak line. The object then crossed the piste (track) at about 10 meters altitude, passing over a stream and guard post n° 5. The sentinel at post n° 4 attempted to contact post n° 5 via interphone but received no response. He then tried shouting, also without success.

Post n° 5 Observation

The patrol approached guard post n° 5. The sentinel there was found in a state of shock, described as being like a statue with tense muscles, fixed gaze, and altered breathing. He appeared hypnotized. Despite being slapped, he did not react. Cold water eventually roused him. He reported seeing a bright light approach from his right and then remembered nothing else. The air was filled with a sulfurous odor, and the object's whistling was clearly audible.

The OVNI's Movement and Characteristics

The OVNI, after passing post n° 5 at about 25 meters distance and 10 meters altitude, positioned itself over a firebreak near tunnel entrance n° 5. It moved north-south, then chose another firebreak to stop. It was located south of the witnesses, about 2 meters above the ground and 150 meters from post n° 5. The object was described as a white mass with a dome, like an upside-down soup plate topped with a dome. It emitted a blue-green light from its lower part, appearing suspended. The illumination extended significantly, lighting up more than half the path to tunnel exit n° 5. The light was powerful, fluctuating in intensity but never extinguishing. The object's shape became clearer when the light diminished, appearing as a nebulous mass when it intensified.

Departure and Aftermath

The object remained stationary for about five minutes after the sentinel recovered. It then began to move, increasing its light intensity. It ascended like a person climbing a hill, placing itself sideways and moving upwards. The light became fixed, and the whistling intensified. The object flew over the firebreak, revealing its base, described as wider than a rugby ball, with a black circle from which a light trail deployed. The object moved slowly at first, then gained speed, following the firebreaks up the slope and disappearing behind the hilltop towards the south. As the OVNI departed, the normal military zone lights suddenly came back on, as the generator restarted. The dogs calmed down.

Witness Accounts and Electrical Effects

Witness 'T' estimated the OVNI's presence at 15-20 minutes. He stated that approximately 27-30 people, including guards and those in the upper areas (poudrières), saw the object. The electrical system experienced an energy surge, activating the alarm siren and cameras. The transformer then failed, and the normal lights went out. The auxiliary generator started, but it also failed shortly after, causing another power outage. Once the OVNI left, the generator resumed normal operation.

Camera Footage

Ten cameras in the zone, one at each tunnel entrance and exit, filmed the event. They were triggered by the photoelectric cell. The cameras had an automatic system that took pictures every two to three minutes. It is believed they were loaded with infra-red film. The two cameras facing the object (at tunnel exits n° 4 and entrance n° 5) had overexposed films, while the other cameras captured images of the piste and trees, as they were not directly facing the OVNI.

Epilogue

After the observation, the sentinel at post n° 5 was relieved, being very nervous and frightened. The patrol reconvened and concluded they had all seen the same thing. A report was filed and sent to higher authorities.

The Contact of M. Benito Miranda with Humanoids

This section details an encounter reported by Benito Miranda, a truck driver, on September 25, 1971. He reported seeing a round object on the road and two small beings, about 30 cm tall, emerging from it. These beings used a device resembling a flashlight to emit a luminous ray that levitated Miranda to an altitude of about fifty meters. He felt paralyzed. After five minutes, a car appeared, and the beings directed the ray towards the ground, returning Miranda to his vehicle before the OVNI ascended rapidly. Miranda experienced fear and a delayed recovery.

Miranda's Deposition and Subsequent Events

Miranda's deposition was taken at the Itaperuna police station. He later recounted driving towards Cataguazes on September 24-25, 1971, and falling asleep at the Rio Carangola bridge. He awoke at 6:30 AM with bloodshot eyes and soiled clothes, with no memory of how he got there. He experienced body pain and noticed pinkish spots on his left arm and hand. He also suffered from a slight tremor in his left hand. Hypnosis sessions to recover his memory yielded no concrete results.

Similar Cases from Literature

Two analogous cases are cited: one from Australia (Eilen Buckle) involving a human-like creature and levitation, and another from John G. Fuller's book 'The Interrupted Journey' concerning ascents and descents via luminous beams. Other SBDEV bulletins mention humanoid descents and ascents using light beams from OVNIs.

Paulo Caetano Silveira and the Extraterrestrials

This section details the investigation into Paulo Caetano Silveira's claims by SBDEV investigators. He was examined by Dr. Munir Budard, who noted his agitated state and physical dustiness. Caetano reported seeing 'something' that he couldn't explain, stating he couldn't control himself and had no reason to see what he saw. His deposition at the Itaperuna police station is transcribed, describing an encounter with a 'flying saucer' on the road to Natividade, which caused his car engine to stop. He saw a white being and a luminous object. The report mentions that the object caused his car engine to stop. The report mentions that the object caused his car engine to stop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed accounts of UFO sightings, often with witness testimonies, descriptions of the objects, and their alleged effects. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, acknowledging the difficulties and inconsistencies that often arise in such cases. The recurring themes include: the presence of luminous objects, unusual sounds, interactions with vehicles and military personnel, the appearance of humanoid figures, and the potential for physical traces and electromagnetic disturbances. The magazine also highlights the psychological impact on witnesses, such as fear and amnesia, suggesting that these encounters can be deeply unsettling and potentially deliberately disorienting.

This issue of Inforespace focuses on UFO and humanoid encounters, with a significant portion dedicated to the case of Paulo Caetano in Itaperuna, Brazil. The magazine presents a detailed chronology of Caetano's experiences, supported by witness testimonies, police reports, and photographic evidence.

The Case of Paulo Caetano

The central narrative revolves around Paulo Caetano's multiple encounters, beginning on September 22, 1971. He reported being abducted by a luminous, elliptical object that landed near his car. Inside the craft, he was examined by small, humanoid beings. He described the object's interior as hexagonal, illuminated by a yellow light, and noted the beings' movements and the changing colors of the light within the craft. Caetano initially withheld the detail about 'little men' from his police report, fearing it would make his account less credible.

Caetano's subsequent encounters included a second contact on October 11, 1971, where he felt a 'mental shock' and saw a similar object in his garden with humanoids pointing a device at him. A third contact occurred on November 17, 1970, with his friend Elvio near Natividade. During this encounter, they were taken aboard an OVNI, where Caetano underwent a brief examination involving a device resembling an X-ray emitter, and his elbow was incised to collect blood. They were also shown maps of Itaperuna and an image of an atomic explosion.

An 'ultimate contact' took place on December 19, 1971, when Caetano, while driving, saw the OVNI again. He approached it and was levitated about twenty centimeters above the ground before the craft ascended and disappeared. The local population also reported seeing strange objects in the sky that night.

Caetano also took photographs of UFOs. On November 15, 1971, he took four photos, two of which were valid. The next day, he took two more, one good. On February 26, 1972, he captured a series of 12 photos showing luminous circles in the sky, with the best ones published in the newspaper 'Ultima Hora' on March 4, 1972.

Other Witnesses and Analogous Cases

The issue includes testimonies from other individuals in Itaperuna, such as Dr. Cirley Crespo and Ernesto da Conceição Henrique, who corroborated aspects of Caetano's account. Henrique's son reported seeing 'two little men' walking around a stopped car.

Analogous cases are presented, including an event in Finland on January 7, 1970, where a 90 cm tall, thin humanoid in a greenish suit was observed. Another case from Gleichen-Alberta, Canada, on May 14, 1971, describes a vehicle being lifted off the ground by a light beam. The magazine also mentions a sighting by the airfield administrator in Itaperuna on December 20, 1971, involving an oval object and a 90 cm humanoid.

Analysis and Commentary

The article 'Le test de Quarouble' by Michel Carrouges discusses two letters from readers concerning the encounter with new elements. It analyzes the word 'Boukak' and the psychological aspect of the 'desire to flee' experienced by witnesses. Carrouges suggests that contradictory feelings are natural and that the blocking of the pursuit instinct might be due to an internal inhibition or an external paralyzing effect.

The magazine also features a section listing various books on UFO phenomena, including works by Jean-Claude Bourret, Aimé Michel, Jacques Vallée, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, providing brief descriptions and prices.

Upcoming Events

An announcement for the '2nd Forum of Parallel Research' to be held on November 27-28, 1981, in Brussels is included. The event will feature films and conferences on archaeology, UFO problems, and related subjects, including a conference by Jean-Claude Bourret and a presentation by astronomer Pierre Kohler.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena. The magazine appears to present these accounts with a degree of seriousness, encouraging further research and analysis. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial contact, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of witness testimonies and potential psychological factors, as seen in the commentary on the Quarouble case.