Inforespace - No 62 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 62
Volume: 12th year
Date: February 1983
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Type: Quarterly review

Editorial

The editorial, written by the new editor-in-chief Pascal Deboodt, expresses a mix of joy and apprehension as he takes on the role, succeeding Michel Bougard. He extends New Year's wishes to the readers and hopes for a fruitful year in ufology, encouraging the pursuit of new developments despite the rarity of sightings. Deboodt, a physicist by training, is preoccupied with the possibility of extraterrestrial life and believes UFO phenomena warrant significant attention, potentially offering profound insights into humanity. He outlines the magazine's commitment to objectivity and announces the regular inclusion of a "Belgian Cases" section and a "Photo Dossier" section. He also invites reader suggestions and critiques to improve the review, even proposing a "Letters to the Editor" section. Furthermore, SOBEPS plans to organize discussion meetings on key ufological themes throughout 1983, encouraging members to bring friends and foster interest.

Deboodt reflects on the current state of ufology, describing it as being in a 'trough' or 'low point' and suggests it's time for self-criticism. He emphasizes the need to refine investigation methods, data collection, and statistical analysis, urging against polemical and unilateral approaches. He believes ufology is still in its nascent stages, with the phenomenon existing but not easily understood. He concludes by reiterating his sincere wishes for 1983 and encouraging readers to stay alert.

Articles and Features

S'il n'y a pas l'OVNI, on le crée (If there isn't a UFO, we create one)

This article, authored by Paolo Toselli, examines how ordinary objects, specifically weather balloon sondes, can be misidentified as UFOs. It recounts an incident on September 13, 1979, in Northern Italy where thousands of people observed a bright object, initially thought to be a UFO. The author details how investigations, including collecting around fifty testimonies from various provinces, revealed the object to be a weather balloon. The article discusses the subjective factors influencing witness perception, the challenges of analyzing human testimony, and the tendency for people to want to see UFOs. It highlights that many reports, upon closer examination, can be explained by natural phenomena, misperceptions, or even the observer's imagination. The author questions how many cataloged UFO cases might be reducible to such explanations, suggesting that the process of observation and reporting can sometimes lead to the 'creation' of a UFO where none existed.

Nos enquêtes: Un objet bruyant dans le ciel de Soumagne (Our Investigations: A noisy object in the sky of Soumagne)

This detailed report investigates a close encounter case that occurred on Sunday, November 11, 1979, in Soumagne, Belgium. The primary witness is Sylvie, an 11-and-a-half-year-old girl, who reported seeing a circular, metallic object with a blue band and unusual 'points'. The object reportedly descended vertically with a distinct 'brouaam - tuttut tut' sound, then flew horizontally at a low altitude, estimated at 60 km/h. Sylvie described it as having an oval shape, metallic grey color with a blue band, and appearing to have 'points' or 'cables' hanging from it. She noted its movement was not erratic but followed a curved trajectory before moving towards the west and disappearing over the horizon. The object was described as reflecting sunlight but not emitting its own light. The investigation, conducted by SOBEPS, involved interviewing Sylvie at the location of the sighting. The report estimates the object's diameter to be between 3.5 and 4 meters. The article discusses Sylvie's demeanor, her parents' reactions, and the lack of any unusual behavior from her dog during the event. The conclusion dismisses the possibility of fraud or deliberate fabrication by Sylvie, attributing the experience to a genuine, albeit unusual, observation, while also considering the potential for misinterpretation or the influence of prior knowledge about UFOs.

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS (SOBEPS Bookstore Service)

• This section lists several books available for purchase through SOBEPS, including:
• "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard (SOBEPS edition)
• "La Chronique des OVNI" by Michel Bougard (J-P Delarge edition)
• "A Identifier et le Cas Adamski" by Jean-Gérard Dohmen (Travox edition)
• "Science Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes" by Bertrand Méheust (Mercure de France edition)

Payment details for orders are provided, including bank account and postal check numbers for Belgium, and instructions for international payments from France and Canada.

Du neuf pour les réunions publiques (News for public meetings)

• SOBEPS announces two upcoming public meetings for 1983:
• Saturday, April 23, 1983: "What is a UFO investigation? Identified cases and real UFOs."
• Saturday, October 15, 1983: "Situation and perspectives of current ufology."

These meetings will be held at the SOBEPS headquarters at 2 PM and are open to all.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO sightings, the methodology of ufological investigation, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The editorial stance, as articulated by Pascal Deboodt, is one of cautious optimism and a call for rigorous self-reflection within the field of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on rational analysis, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications, and acknowledging the subjective nature of human perception. The magazine aims to be a platform for disseminating information, fostering discussion, and encouraging members to actively participate in the study of aerial phenomena. The inclusion of specific case studies, like the Italian balloon sonde incident and the Belgian Soumagne sighting, underscores the magazine's commitment to detailed reporting and analysis.

This issue of "Le dossier photo d'Inforespace" focuses on UFO phenomena, with the primary article detailing a series of sightings over Japan on October 3, 1971. The magazine also includes a report on an observation in Soumagne, Belgium, and a theoretical discussion on the nature of ufology.

Reconstitution de l'observation du 11 novembre 1979 à Soumagne

This section recounts an observation by a young girl named Sylvie in Soumagne, Belgium, on November 11, 1979. Sylvie described an unknown object descending towards her, which she perceived as having a metallic sheen and emitting a yellowish light. She reacted by hiding and then immediately informing her parents. The author, Jean-Luc Vertongen, emphasizes Sylvie's lucidity and rational behavior during the event, suggesting that her account was not influenced by intense emotional states or pathological consciousness. He concludes that conventional explanations might be insufficient, though he regrets the lack of independent corroboration for Sylvie's solitary testimony. A search of local newspapers yielded no supporting information.

The article also briefly mentions another observation from December of an unspecified year, in Chaudfontaine, Belgium, where a woman named M. P. Joiret saw a large, yellow luminous ball moving at low altitude and emitting sparks.

Le dossier photo d'Inforespace - Japon, le 3 octobre 1971

This extensive report details multiple UFO sightings that occurred on the night of October 3, 1971, over Japan, primarily reported by pilots of various airlines. The event, occurring during the traditional "Jugoya" (full moon) night, generated over 200 reports collected by the C.B.A. (Central Bureau of Aviation Investigations).

Initial explanations from observatories ranged from the reentry of an artificial satellite (Asahikawa Observatory) to a large meteor (Tokyo Observatory). Astronomers from Hokkaido University, led by Professor Hisao Fukushima, also leaned towards the satellite hypothesis, estimating the object's trajectory from northeast to southwest.

The core of the report focuses on testimonies from pilots of ANA, JAL, and TDA flights:

• Flight ANA 69 (Boeing 727): At 18:14, Captain Tadayoshi Sugimaru and his crew observed a golden luminous object described as a luminous stick with four lights and a trail, at an altitude of 27,000 feet.
• Flight ANA 68 (Boeing 727): At 18:15, three crew members observed a luminous object, estimated to be 200-300 meters long and 10-12 meters high, with a golden glow and reddish front, moving at approximately Mach 2.
• Flight ANA 71 (Boeing 727): Shortly after 18:14, the crew observed a luminous cigar-shaped object with a yellow glow, moving horizontally and emitting a flame-like trail at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
• Flight JAL 521 (DC-8): At 18:15, the crew observed an enormous abnormal light, white with a bluish tint, accompanied by a bright, indistinct "smoke" at an altitude of 26,000 feet.
• Flight JAL 877: At 18:14, Captain Goichi Murayma observed a comet-like object with a metallic sheen and a bluish-white to red trail, moving at an estimated Mach 3-4 at 15,000 feet.
• Flight ANA 684: At 18:12, Captain Hidekazu Ichikawa and co-pilot Tohei Nakamura observed an elongated light emerging from a cloud bank, with a reddish-orange glow.
• Flight TDA 203: At 18:12, Captain Sadao Adachi and co-pilot Kanji Aoki observed a white luminous object with a long comet-like trail.
• Flight ANA 814: At 18:12, Captain Masao Yokoyama and co-pilot Kunihisa Matsumura observed a huge round luminous object, three times brighter than Venus, with a reddish glow and a long trail, moving at an elevation of 30 degrees.

Simultaneously, Sendai tower controllers also observed a reddish object with a long trail moving horizontally.

The article includes a map (Figure 5) illustrating the positions of the aircraft and the observed phenomena, highlighting the coherence of the reports despite the vast distances involved. The authors suggest that the high altitude and speed of the objects make a satellite reentry or a large meteor the most plausible explanations, but acknowledge the unusual characteristics reported.

The report then discusses photographic evidence, presenting photos (n° 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103) taken by several individuals in Sapporo and Aomori. Ichiro Atoyama captured photo n° 98 of a luminous object with a trail. Yasunobu Goto took three photos (n° 99, 100) of an orange object. Hiroshi Hiramitsu photographed a fireball with a trail (photo n° 101).

Comparison with the Chiles-Whitted Case

The article draws a parallel between the Japanese sightings and the famous "Chiles-Whitted" observation of July 24, 1948. In that case, Captain Clarence Chiles and co-pilot John Whitted described a red, flame-like object resembling a fuselage without wings, surrounded by a bluish halo, with "hublots" (windows). At the time, J.A. Hynek explained it as a large meteor entering the atmosphere. Donald Menzel, in his book "The World of Flying Saucers," also attributed it to a brilliant meteor, suggesting the "hublots" were an artifact of atmospheric friction and vaporization.

The article presents reconstructions of the Chiles-Whitted object based on the pilots' sketches (Figure 6).

Conclusion on the Japanese Case

Michel Bougard concludes the report on the Japanese sightings by stating that, while no official confirmation of satellite or meteor reentry was made, the evidence strongly suggests a natural phenomenon. However, he notes lingering puzzling elements: the long observation duration, the presence of smaller accompanying objects, the horizontal trajectory, and the reported "hublots" or cigar-like structure. He reiterates that the phenomenon perfectly matches the characteristics of a large bolide entering Earth's atmosphere, but also acknowledges that an artificial object (satellite or extraterrestrial probe) could produce similar effects. He also raises the socio-psychological question of how a simple natural phenomenon could lead witnesses to perceive structural details like "hublots."

Le combat permanent de l'ufologie pour l'information (1)

This article, the first in a series, discusses the challenges and ongoing struggle within ufology to establish scientific understanding and credible information. The author, Michel Bougard, posits that despite over 35 years of UFO reports, no definitive solution has emerged, suggesting a persistent state of "indefinite postponement."

I. The Landing of Extralunars on the Moon and Extraterrestrials on Earth

The author argues that the UFO problem needs to be viewed within its historical and spatial context, moving beyond its isolated nature.

• The Moon Landing (1969): The arrival of Aldrin and Armstrong on the Moon is presented as a benchmark for scientific and technical information dissemination. Gigantic information systems broadcasted images globally, leaving no room for doubt. This event is contrasted with UFO phenomena.
• UFO Sightings (since 1947): In contrast, UFO reports, while numerous, are described as dispersed, disorganized, and often containing elements of fantasy or incongruity. The author questions why the same scrutiny applied to UFO testimony (mystifications, misperceptions, hallucinations, science fiction influence) is not applied to astronaut testimonies.

A. Terrestrial Astronautics

• Phase of the Pioneers (early 20th century): The article highlights pioneers like Tsiolkovski, Goddard, Oberth, and Esnault-Pelterie, who laid the scientific groundwork for astronautics. Their ideas were largely dismissed as mythical until World War II.
• Phase of Major Financial and Technical Means (post-WWII): The development of V2 rockets led to a massive financial and scientific effort by the US and USSR, culminating in Sputnik (1957) and the Moon landing (1969). This phase required 40 years of pioneering passion and a radical shift in national priorities.

B. Extraterrestrial Astronautics

• Phase of the Pioneers: The date of Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947 is presented as the starting point for questioning the historical intrusion of UFOs and their origin. Unlike Tsiolkovski's invention, Arnold's observation was a chance discovery.
• Phase of Major Financial and Technical Means: This phase, according to the author, "does not exist" for extraterrestrial astronautics. This fundamental difference is attributed to the ongoing "myth-scientific" phase of UFOs, which has persisted for 35 years, unlike the terrestrial astronautics phase, which moved beyond its mythic stage decades prior.

II. The Limits of UFO Manifestations Before Eyewitnesses

The author examines the behavior of UFOs in relation to human observers, contrasting it sharply with the moon landing.

• Lack of Organized Public Manifestations: Unlike the moon landing, UFOs have never made a public, official, or organized technical appearance. While some mass sightings have occurred (e.g., Farmington, Oloron-Sainte-Marie), they remain ambiguous and accidental.
• Private Encounters: Most UFO encounters, including landings, are private, involving isolated witnesses or small groups.
• Impredictability: UFOs are described as unpredictable, catching witnesses by surprise, which is detrimental to accurate observation. Their apparent lack of programming contrasts with any potential human efforts to track them.
• Ambiguity: This ambiguity operates on two levels:
• Visual Ambiguity: Poor visibility (distance, darkness, speed, aspect variations) and the absence of material contact contribute to misperceptions and confusion.
• Intellectual Ambiguity: In cases of immediate encounters and dialogues with "humanoids," the difficulty shifts to discerning whether the dialogue is genuine or a fabrication. The author notes that while UFOs may offer information, it is either unverifiable, already known, or unverifiable and unknown (especially regarding astronomical origins). Claims of exotechnology have not resulted in any patents.

The author describes the typical UFO encounter sequence as: Apparition - Approach - Non-contact - Departure - Disappearance. Even in cases involving dialogue, the interaction is characterized by a lack of substantive information, a subtle form of evasion, and ultimately, a "non-contact" at the intellectual level.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the contrast between the scientific and public reception of terrestrial astronautics (like the moon landing) and the persistent, often dismissed, field of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, the challenges posed by witness testimony, and the potential for misinterpretation of natural phenomena. The magazine appears to advocate for a serious, albeit critical, approach to UFO research, questioning conventional explanations while also being skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. The recurring theme is the struggle for credible information and scientific acceptance within the field of ufology.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as Nº 29 and dated September 1982, focuses on significant developments and discussions within the ufology community. The primary themes revolve around the impending closure of the French UFO research organization GEPAN, an in-depth analysis of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's UFO classification system, and a theoretical exploration of 'information censorship' as a mechanism in human and potentially extraterrestrial interactions.

GEPAN: A Close to an Era?

The article by P. Deboodt announces the imminent closure of GEPAN (Groupement d'Études et de Preuves des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), scheduled for April 1983, after six years of operation. The author expresses a sense of finality, likening its end to the conclusion of a 'satirical-scientific-ufological comedy.' The information about GEPAN's closure was received in late November 1982 and confirmed through correspondence with its head, M. Alain Esterle, who was reportedly evasive. The article traces GEPAN's history, noting its initial leadership under M. Claude Poher, who had 'laudable intentions.' Poher was allegedly replaced by Alain Esterle, with rumors suggesting it was due to his 'going too far' in studies involving gendarmerie reports. The article also mentions a 1978 meeting in Toulouse organized by Poher with private associations, which Esterle did not continue. Esterle's tenure is characterized by the publication of 'Technical Notes' and the investigation of 'obvious hoaxes,' suggesting a shift in focus from serious research.

Jean Sider contributes a piece detailing his efforts to investigate GEPAN's activities and potential closure. He initiated contact with M. Esterle in October 1982, receiving a response in November that he found evasive. Sider's subsequent investigation, based on 'reliable sources,' confirmed his fears about GEPAN's demise. He sent a second letter in December 1982, which led to a call from M. Metzle of CNES, who tried to extract information from Sider. Sider also contacted the newspaper 'Libération' in January 1982 to expose the affair, but received no response. He sent similar dossiers to 'Minute,' 'Le Quotidien,' and 'V.S.D.,' with little expectation of publication. He notes that 'V.S.D.' had previously featured GEPAN prominently, suggesting a sensationalist approach to attract readers.

The Hynek Classification System and Information Control

An extensive section, initiated by Jacques Bonabot, discusses the classification of UFO cases, particularly focusing on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's system. Bonabot references a letter from Frank Boitte, who questions the applicability of Hynek's classification, especially for cases that might be identifiable. Bonabot clarifies that Hynek's classification is intended for 'unidentified' phenomena. He quotes Hynek's definition of a UFO as a phenomenon whose aspect, trajectory, general behavior, and luminescence do not suggest a conventional logical explanation, and which has baffled observers and investigators alike.

The article explains Hynek's process of 'filtering' reports, eliminating those that can be identified as conventional objects like balloons, planes, or meteors. These are termed 'scories' or 'déchet' (waste). After filtering, the remaining 'troubling' UFO reports are assigned indices of probability and strangeness, then placed into one of Hynek's six categories (LN, DD, RV, RR1, RR2, RR3). The text emphasizes that this classification does not presuppose the origin of the phenomenon but specifies the type of UFO experience.

Michel CARROUGES contributes a theoretical piece on 'information censorship,' proposing it as a general mechanism in social and psychological contexts. He suggests that the apparent absurdity of some UFO encounters might be a form of 'auto-censorship' or a deliberate withholding of information by extraterrestrials, akin to political censorship. Carrouges posits that even 'fabulations' (fantasies or fabrications) in witness accounts could be 'imprints of trauma' and evidence of a real encounter. He uses the Betty Hill case as an example of ambiguity, interpretable as either political censorship or psychoanalytic censorship. Carrouges outlines a six-point 'basic mechanism' of this phenomenon, suggesting that the equivocal and multi-equivocal nature of information received leads to an 'unlimited postponement' of understanding. He concludes by questioning how this minimal fundamental information is transmitted.

Further correspondence from Wim Van Utrecht of the Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen (SVL) addresses Frank Boitte's comments on Bonabot's letter regarding the classification of cases. Van Utrecht cites from 'The Hynek UFO Report,' emphasizing that Hynek's categories specify the 'type of UFO experience' and do not presuppose origin. He also references Allan Hendry's 'UFO Handbook' for Hynek's system definitions. Van Utrecht points out that Hynek's filtering process aims to isolate truly puzzling phenomena, excluding those easily explained by known sources like planets, stars, or aircraft.

Bonabot, in a subsequent letter, reiterates his concern about the classification of certain cases, particularly those labeled LN (Lumières Nocturnes) or DD (Disque Diurne) by the SOBEPS, questioning whether proper investigations were conducted. He highlights a discrepancy in a technical file that listed 'lune ou avion' (moon or airplane) as possible identifications for luminous anomalies, which he finds insufficient given Hynek's criteria.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue includes a substantial list of UFO-related books available for purchase, with titles and prices in Belgian Francs (FB). These cover a wide range of topics, from historical accounts of French UFO waves to analyses of specific cases, extraterrestrial encounters, and theoretical perspectives. Notable authors featured include Aimé Michel, Jean-Claude Bourret, Jean-Pierre Petit, Jacques Vallée, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Michel Monnerie, and Charles Fort.

Publications mentioned include:

• MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES by Aimé Michel (Seghers)
• LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire)
• LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire)
• OVNI, L'ARMEE PARLE by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire)
• MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Fernand Lagarde (Albatros)
• LE NŒUD GORDIEN OU LA FANTASTIQUE HISTOIRE DES OVNI by Thierry Pinvidic (Albin-Michel)
• ET SI LES OVNI N'EXISTAIENT PAS ? by Michel Monnerie (Les Humanoïdes Associés)
• LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES VIENNENT D'UN AUTRE MONDE and BLACK-OUT SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jimmy Guieu (Omnium Littéraire)
• SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, 20 ANS D'ENQUETES by Charles Garreau (Mame)
• FACE AUX EXTRATERRESTRES by Charles Garreau and Raymond Lavier (J-P. Delarge)
• DES SIGNES DANS LE CIEL by Paul Misraki (Mame)
• CHRONIQUE DES APPARITIONS EXTRATERRESTRES by Jacques Vallée (Denoël)
• LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE by Jacques Vallée (Albin Michel)
• LES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES: MYTHE OU REALITE ? by Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Belfond)
• AUX LIMITES DE LA REALITE by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée (Albin Michel)
• LES OVNI EN U.R.S.S. ET DANS LES PAYS DE L'EST by Julien Weverbergh and Ion Hobana (Robert Laffont)
• LE LIVRE DES DAMNES by Charles Fort (Losfeld)

Additionally, the issue promotes the anthology < KADATH >, which is based on 'Chronicles of Lost Civilizations,' and the international annual review UFO PHENOMENA, devoted to the scientific study of UFO phenomena (ISSN 0391 - 111X), published by Editecs Pub. House in Bologna, Italy. It also mentions the French review << LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT >>.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges and controversies surrounding UFO research, particularly the organizational and methodological issues faced by GEPAN. The concept of information control and censorship, both in a societal and psychological sense, is presented as a key factor in understanding UFO phenomena and witness accounts. The issue also highlights the importance of rigorous classification and investigation methods, as exemplified by the detailed discussion of Dr. Hynek's system. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to dissect complex issues within ufology, while also promoting relevant literature and publications to its readership. There is a clear emphasis on scientific study and analysis, even when discussing theoretical concepts like censorship and trauma in relation to UFO encounters.