Nos enquêtes

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Nos enquêtes" (Our Investigations) focuses on a UFO sighting and explores various potential explanations and related phenomena. The primary article, "L'OVNI et les trois jeunes filles" (The UFO and the Three Young Girls), details an encounter experienced by three women in Belgium.

L'OVNI et les trois jeunes filles

The article recounts an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 6, 1981, at 02:20 AM, near Aiseau, Belgium. Three young women, two sisters and their cousin (identified as M., D., and R.), were driving back from a party when they observed a luminous object. Initially described as a bizarre, red-orange shape, possibly like a trapezoid or a "hache dans le ciel" (axe in the sky), it was seen at an elevation of about 30 degrees and an estimated distance of 2000 meters.

The object appeared immobile at first but then began to move, approaching the road. The witnesses' reactions ranged from initial curiosity and attempts to rationalize it as the moon or clouds, to growing excitement and fear as the object's movement became more pronounced and rapid. The object's trajectory brought it closer to the road, and one witness, M., who was driving, stopped the car. The object then crossed the road in front of them and disappeared behind trees.

The article includes a map illustrating the location and the car's path, as well as sketches made by the witnesses. The witnesses' descriptions of the object's shape, color (red-orange or bright orange), and movement are central to the investigation.

Investigation and Possible Explanations

The author, Jean-Luc Vertongen, and the witnesses attempted to identify the object. Several hypotheses were considered:

• The Moon: While initially suggested by one witness, the object's apparent movement, trajectory, and specific shape did not align with typical lunar observations. Meteorological data for the night indicated cloudy conditions, but the moon's position and phase were analyzed. The article notes that if the moon was visible, it could have presented a reddish-orange hue under certain atmospheric conditions, but its location relative to the witnesses and the object's trajectory made this explanation unlikely.
• Aircraft: The possibility of an airplane was considered, particularly if it involved landing lights or searchlights. However, the absence of engine noise at low altitude and the object's specific shape and movement were seen as contradictory to this explanation.
• Reflections on the Car Windows: This was dismissed due to the object's persistence, clear shape, and visibility from different positions within the car. One witness also lowered her window, confirming the object was external.
• Meteorite: This hypothesis was explored, referencing a case where a meteorite was mistaken for a UFO. However, the lack of a visible trail, sparks, or smoke, and the object's sustained, controlled movement were noted as counterarguments.
• Ballon Éclairant (Illuminating Balloon): An official from an organization (possibly the IRM) suggested the object was an illuminating balloon used for hunting. This explanation was strongly refuted by the author and the witnesses due to the time of year (July, outside hunting season), the time of night, and the existence of such devices.

Socio-Psychological Aspects

The article delves into the socio-psychological context of the witnesses. They are described as three young women from a good Catholic family, with normal daily lives. One of the sisters, M., has aspirations to become a writer, and her brother is a comic book artist known for his science fiction and extraterrestrial themes. The article notes that while M. claims not to read such material, the themes in her brother's work and her own potential subconscious influences are considered. The witnesses' past UFO experiences are also briefly mentioned, including a sighting of a luminous ball and a large, colorful saucer in dreams.

The author also discusses the possibility of a 'canular' (hoax), but dismisses it based on the witnesses' religious convictions and the accidental nature of the case coming to the attention of the investigation group.

Previous Sightings in the Region

The issue includes a section on "Autres observations antérieures dans la région" (Other previous observations in the region), citing reports from Aiseau and Pont-de-Loup dating back to 1954 and 1955. These include sightings of a craft moving at high speed, a luminous object with a round shape, and small points of light exhibiting erratic trajectories.

"On nous écrit..." (Letters to the Editor)

This section features correspondence from readers. One letter from Franck Boitte provides a "Fiche technique de l'observation" (Observation technical sheet) for a sighting in Pont-de-Loup in 1974, describing a luminous anomaly, round in shape (later trapezoidal), with a red-orange color, and a trajectory from ONO-ESE. Another letter from Jean-Pierre Troadec addresses an article about Adamski, clarifying certain points and discussing the nature of ufologists and the historical accuracy of UFO accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and rigorous investigation into these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness combined with a critical and analytical approach, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO reports. The issue emphasizes the difficulty of identifying aerial phenomena, especially for witnesses inside moving vehicles, and highlights the importance of detailed observation and corroborating evidence. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown and the challenge of distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misidentifications or hoaxes, often within a Belgian context.