Inforespace - No 65 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: N° 65
Date: March 1984
Volume: 13th year
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a quarterly review dedicated to ufology, presents a detailed case study of a UFO sighting and explores the fundamental principles of ufological investigation.

Key Articles and Content

The Noduwez Nocturnal Light Case

The main investigative piece in this issue details a sighting that occurred on June 10, 1975, in Noduwez, Belgium. The report, titled "Lumière nocturne à Noduwez" (Nocturnal Light at Noduwez), reconstructs the event based on witness testimonies and subsequent investigations.

Preliminary: The case shares similarities with a previous sighting in Orp-le-Grand, highlighting the importance of follow-up investigations to better understand the witnesses and the details of the case.

Description of the Observation Site: Noduwez is a rural area near Piétrain, characterized by agricultural land, with no public lighting in the vicinity of the sighting. Nearby aviation fields and high-voltage power lines are noted.

Conditions of Observation: The observation took place on a clear, mild evening (around 18°C) with a cloudy sky. The witnesses had good eyesight and no apparent impediments to their observation.

Circumstances of the Observation: The witnesses, M. Germeau Christian (22) and M. Neerdael Daniel (20), both residents of Piétrain, were taking a walk in the countryside after studying.

Description of the Phenomenon: The witnesses first noticed an orange light, fixed, surrounded by a gaseous cloud. As they approached, the light became more intense, and they observed a triangular shape, later described as a disk like an overturned plate. The object emitted no sound and had three lights on its contour. It moved rapidly towards the center of Noduwez and then returned, facing them. They observed a rotation of the object or its lights, occurring approximately every 3 seconds. The object then tilted and accelerated, disappearing towards the horizon. The witnesses reported being very frightened.

Secondary Effects and Verifications: The witnesses were nervous in the days following the event. On-site checks revealed no anomalies, and no medical consultations were required. Calculations based on the witnesses' estimations of elevation and distance suggest the object was approximately 15 meters in diameter and 6.5 meters in height, with a speed estimated at 3.3°/min. The altitude of the site was approximately 80 meters.

Additional Information: A follow-up investigation on March 12, 1977, confirmed details from the initial report. M. Germeau described the object as a "deep overturned plate" with metallic color and lights on the edge. He noted his interest in UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. A counter-investigation on March 27, 1978, refined geographical and topographical data.

Appreciation: The case is considered plausible due to the coherence of the witness accounts across multiple investigations and the striking resemblance between sketches made by M. Germeau at different times. The fear experienced by the witnesses is deemed genuine. The object could not be identified, classifying it as a UFO.

• Case Data Sheet:
• Witnesses: Christian Germeau (22, employee), Daniel Neerdael (20, coal and fuel merchant).
• Location: Noduwez, "Bois des chats" area.
• Date: June 10, 1975.
• Time: Approx. 22:00.
• Shape: Disk with a dome (inverted plate).
• Dimensions: 15 m x 6.5 m.
• Color: Metallic and orange with luminous lights.
• Speed: 3.3°/min.
• Duration: 6-7 minutes.
• Credibility Index: 3.
• Strangeness Index: 3.
• Classification: LN (Lumière Nocturne).

The Importance of Investigation in Ufological Research

This section, authored by P. Deboodt, emphasizes the critical role of thorough investigation in ufology. It argues that ufology should be understood as the "study of testimonies related to observations" rather than solely the study of UFOs themselves.

Phases of a Ufological Case: The author outlines three key phases:
1. Presence of the Stimulus and Observation: This involves the objective existence of a stimulus (the potential UFO) and its perception by a witness. The author notes that many sightings are misidentifications of conventional objects (aircraft, satellites, natural phenomena) due to specific circumstances.
2. The Witness's Account: This phase involves the witness recounting their experience. The author highlights challenges such as the time elapsed between the event and the report, potential rationalization by the witness's subconscious, and the difficulties of verbalizing the experience accurately.
3. The Report: This is the formalized documentation of the witness's account, which can take various forms (newspaper articles, police reports, ufologist reports). The quality and accuracy of these reports are crucial for researchers.

The author stresses the complexity and delicate nature of ufological investigation, distinguishing it from casual pastimes. He points out that many researchers lack the necessary methodological rigor, leading to disappointing results in the field despite decades of research.

Other Sections

• Cotisations (Subscriptions): Details the membership fees for 1984, offering different levels of membership with associated benefits, including books and membership cards. It also lists prices for back issues.
• Secretariat - Library: Provides information on the SOBEPS library, accessible to members on Saturdays, and mentions the possibility of consulting documentation and books. Appointments are required during July and August.
• SOBEPS Slides: Offers a collection of 336 slides dedicated to UFO phenomena, organized into 28 series, for members to use in presentations.
• SOBEPS Bookstore Service: Lists available books for purchase, including "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard.
• On nous écrit... (Letters to the Editor): Includes an open letter to M. Claude Maugé from Edoardo Russo, criticizing Maugé's article "OVNI - OVI: sur un certain état de la question" for its perceived bias and selective use of evidence, despite its bibliographical depth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous, scientific investigation in ufology. It advocates for careful data collection, objective analysis, and a critical approach to witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalism and promoting a methodical approach to understanding these events. The publication also serves as a platform for members to share information and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the SOBEPS organization.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: no. 7/8
Date: January 1984
Cover Headline: Le mur du silence franchi...?

This issue of Inforespace delves into the complex and often contentious field of ufology, with a particular focus on the psychosociological hypothesis (HPS) and the broader scientific and societal resistance to studying UFO phenomena. The magazine presents a critical analysis of reductionist viewpoints, examines specific UFO cases, and discusses the challenges faced by researchers in this domain.

The Psychosociological Hypothesis (HPS) and Skepticism

The lead article, "L'hypothèse psycho-sociologique : commencement de la fin ou fin du commencement ? (1)" by Jacques Scornaux, addresses the legitimate apprehension many ufologists feel towards the HPS. Scornaux acknowledges that while some objections stem from an irrational need to believe in extraterrestrials, others are rooted in a fear that a purely psychosocial explanation would reduce the unique nature of UFO phenomena. He argues that the HPS, when approached scientifically rather than dogmatically, is a valid tool for interpreting observational data. The author critiques those who dismiss cases by selectively omitting inconvenient details, citing the Turin and Minot incidents as examples where official explanations, like the Air Force's explanation of the Minot case as the star Capella, are presented despite contradictory evidence. The article also touches upon the issue of alleged cattle mutilations and the author's personal experience with misidentifications of natural phenomena like Venus and the moon.

Scornaux emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between subjective testimony and objective, material evidence. He points out that while psychological factors can indeed influence perception, this does not negate the possibility of genuine physical phenomena. The author expresses a strong conviction that even if the HPS were entirely correct, it would not signify the end of ufology, but rather the study of a new, widespread, and original psychosocial phenomenon.

Scientific and Societal Resistance to UFO Studies

The magazine highlights the significant lack of engagement from the scientific community, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, with the UFO phenomenon. Despite the existence of numerous UFO reports and their potential impact on society, researchers in fields like psychology, sociology, and psychiatry have largely ignored or dismissed the subject. This disinterest is characterized as a "taboo" and a "semantic parenthesis," where the term "UFO" itself is avoided even in related scientific literature.

Examples are given of the limited academic output on UFOs, with only a handful of books and articles by recognized scholars. Even when social scientists have addressed the topic, it is often within contexts like the Condon Report, where their involvement was part of a "commanded service," or in discussions that focus on the psychology of belief rather than the phenomenon itself. The article notes the rarity of studies that approach UFOs from a scientific perspective, and the challenges faced by researchers in Europe who struggle to find academic support for their work.

Case Studies and Evidence Analysis

Several specific cases are discussed to illustrate the points being made. The Turin case is presented as an example where a key detail (a plane accompanying the object) is allegedly omitted by reductionist explanations. The Minot incident is cited as an instance where the Air Force provided an explanation that obscured the more unusual aspects of the sighting. The article also mentions the issue of cattle mutilations and the author's awareness of them predating certain reports.

Scornaux advocates for a rigorous scientific approach, urging researchers to move beyond mere testimony and focus on material evidence. He acknowledges that while some cases may be explained by known phenomena or psychological factors, this does not invalidate the entire field of study. The author's personal stance is that the HPS is a significant factor, but not the sole explanation, and that the question is one of degree.

The "Mur du Silence" (Wall of Silence) and UFO Propulsion

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Jean-Pierre Petit's comic book, "Le Mur du Silence," which explores the scientific aspects of UFO propulsion. The review highlights how Petit uses the character Anselme Lanturlu to investigate concepts like magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) as potential explanations for UFO flight. The article praises the book for introducing complex scientific ideas to a wider audience in an accessible format. It discusses the theoretical challenges of overcoming heat and sound barriers and suggests that MHD could offer a plausible propulsion system for advanced craft, potentially in a disc shape.

The review emphasizes that Petit's work, while speculative, is grounded in established physics and aims to stimulate public interest in UFO-related scientific questions. The author of the review, Pascal Deboodt, expresses hope that such efforts will help break down the "wall of silence" surrounding UFO research and lead to concrete experimental investigations.

Errata and References

The issue includes an extensive "Errata" section, correcting numerous details in a previous article by Cl. Maugé. This section demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and provides a detailed list of necessary revisions to page numbers, references, and specific wording within the magazine's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO explanations, the challenges posed by scientific and societal skepticism, and the importance of rigorous evidence-based research. The magazine adopts a stance that is neither dogmatically dismissive nor blindly accepting of all UFO claims. It champions a scientific approach that acknowledges the potential for both psychological influences and genuinely anomalous physical phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more open and serious investigation into UFOs, challenging the prevailing "wall of silence" and encouraging a deeper understanding of the subject from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Title: OVNI
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: 1984
Publisher: P. SLOTTE (Optique de précision, Bruxelles)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of OVNI magazine, published by P. SLOTTE, is dedicated to a comprehensive review of books and publications concerning UFO phenomena. It presents a wide array of titles, offering readers insights into various aspects of ufology, from historical accounts and personal testimonies to scientific analyses and speculative theories.

Book Reviews and Features

The magazine features an extensive list of book reviews, providing summaries, author information, publisher details, and prices in French Francs (FB). The selection covers a broad spectrum of ufological literature:

• LA CHRONIQUE DES OVNI by Michel Bougard (J-P Delarge) offers an original approach to the UFO phenomenon across different eras, suggesting its presence long before 1947.
• IDENTIFIER ET LE CAS ADAMSKI by Jean-Gérard Dohmen (Travox) is highlighted as the first Belgian publication in French on the subject, including accounts from Belgium.
• SCIENCE FICTION ET SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Bertrand Méheust (Mercure de France) is noted for exploring the ambiguous relationship between UFO testimonies and romantic imagination, urging a re-evaluation of ufology.
• MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES by Aimé Michel (Seghers) is a significant reissue, focusing on the major French UFO wave of 1954, written by a pioneer in ufological research.
• LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire) compiles excerpts from a radio show and interviews, presenting cases not previously broadcast.
• LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire) delves into French Gendarmerie files and presents new research, including work by Jean-Pierre Petit on magnetohydrodynamic propulsion.
• MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Fernand Lagarde and the group "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Albatros) presents collective reflections from researchers like Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée on potential research avenues.
• LE NŒUD GORDIEN OU LA FANTASTIQUE HISTOIRE DES OVNI by Thierry Pinvidic (Albin-Michel) examines military and governmental knowledge of UFOs, including NASA studies and the UN's stance, and analyzes eight main hypotheses.
• OVNI, L'ARMEE PARLE by Jean-Claude Bourret (France-Empire) reveals secret service files and military reports.
• ET SI LES OVNI N'EXISTAIENT PAS ? by Michel Monnerie (Les Humanoïdes Associés) proposes a socio-psychological hypothesis for UFOs, suggesting misperceptions are common.
• LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES VIENNENT D'UN AUTRE MONDE and BLACK-OUT SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jimmy Guieu (Omnium Littéraire) are described as French ufology classics.
• SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, 20 ANS D'ENQUETES by Charles Garreau (Mame) summarizes the author's extensive experience in UFO research.
• FACE AUX EXTRATERRESTRES by Charles Garreau and Raymond Lavier (J-P. Delarge) includes a dossier of 200 landing testimonies from France.
• DES SIGNES DANS LE CIEL by Paul Misraki (Mame) explores the relationship between UFOs and religious phenomena.
• CHRONIQUE DES APPARITIONS EXTRATERRESTRES by Jacques Vallée (Denoël) presents the author's personal views and a catalog of 900 landing cases.
• LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE by Jacques Vallée (Albin Michel) attempts to link UFOs with para-psychological phenomena.
• LES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES: MYTHE OU REALITE ? by Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Belfond) explains the importance of serious UFO study and presents new documents.
• AUX LIMITES DE LA REALITE by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée (Albin Michel) offers a deep exchange on UFO nature, cases, and research.
• LES OVNI EN U.R.S.S. ET DANS LES PAYS DE L'EST by Julien Weverbergh and Ion Hobana (Robert Laffont) is a first in French on UFO observations beyond the Iron Curtain.
• LE LIVRE DES DAMNES by Charles Fort (Losfeld) is a collection of unexplained phenomena, many from space.

Related Publications

The issue also mentions "Kadath", a review that served as the basis for the anthology "Chroniques des civilisations disparues." Published by Robert Laffont, "Kadath" appears four times a year, offering 52 illustrated pages dedicated to archaeological enigmas.

Advertising and Contact Information

The magazine includes advertisements for P. SLOTTE, an optical precision business in Brussels, offering services such as maintenance, adjustments, reconditioning, repairs, and fabrication of optical instruments like binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes. Subscription information for "OVNI présence," the alternative ufology publication, is also provided, with a postal address in Vevey, Switzerland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of OVNI magazine appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting a wide range of perspectives from various authors and researchers. The issue emphasizes the importance of documented cases, scientific investigation, and historical context. It aims to inform readers about the breadth of ufological literature available, encouraging critical analysis and further study of these mysterious objects and events. The inclusion of diverse viewpoints, from socio-psychological explanations to potential extraterrestrial origins, suggests an open yet rigorous approach to the subject.