Inforespace - No 67 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 67
Volume: 13th year
Date: September 1984
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial

The editorial, written by Pascal Deboodt, Rédacteur en chef, addresses the current 'downturn' in UFO phenomena and its impact on the organization. It announces significant decisions and changes to adapt to material imperatives and maintain activities. The number of members has decreased from a peak in the mid-1970s, with 550 members in 1984 compared to 1650 in 1975. To ensure the continuation of Inforespace, the publication's format will change in 1985 to a DIN A4 size, with less luxurious paper for interior pages, and photos will be grouped at the end of the volume. The content will be presented in two main issues of 40 and 60-80 pages in May and November, respectively, supplemented by two 'Bulletins d'Informations' in February and August. The subscription fees will remain unchanged. The editorial emphasizes the importance of member support and collaboration, inviting members to share information and participate actively in the organization's work.

Secretariat - Library

The SOBEPS premises are accessible to members every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm for consulting the documentation and library. Appointments are required during July and August or outside these hours, by contacting the Secretary General, M. L. Clerebaut.

SOBEPS Slides Collection

A collection of 336 slides dedicated to UFO phenomena is available in 28 series, offering members the opportunity to create illustrated presentations.

SOBEPS Bookstore Service

The magazine reminds members of available books for purchase, including 'Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI' by Michel Bougard, edited by SOBEPS.

Articles

Editorial (Page 4)

This section, as detailed above, discusses the organization's challenges, changes in Inforespace's format and content for 1985, and expresses gratitude to members for their continued support. It provides historical membership numbers from 1972 to 1984, showing a decline.

Chronique des OVNI: La maison de fer descendue du ciel (Pages 6-8)

This article explores an ethnological account from the Kurumba ethnic group in Burkina Faso concerning a 'house of iron' that descended from the sky. The legend describes the house as round, black, made of iron, with a door and interior features. The article links this legend to ancient myths about the divine nature of iron, the celestial origin of blacksmiths, and the potential interpretation of such stories as ancient encounters with UFOs. It references the work of ethnologists and historians of religions like Mircea Eliade, who studied the myths surrounding metallurgy and celestial beings. The article also discusses the universality of these myths across different cultures and proposes two explanations: either extraterrestrial visitors taught ancient peoples, or similar human cognitive structures led to analogous mythical explanations.

Les grands cas mondiaux: Rencontre rapprochée à Cennina (Italie) le 1 novembre 1954 (Pages 10-11)

This section details a close encounter experienced by Rosa Lotti, a 40-year-old peasant woman, near Cennina, Italy, on November 1, 1954. While walking to church, she encountered a strange, fuse-shaped object described as a double cone, about 2 meters high and 1 meter wide, made of polished metal. Two small beings, approximately one meter tall, emerged from the object. Rosa Lotti described them as having a friendly demeanor, wearing grey suits, and possessing intelligent eyes. She noted their unique facial features, including slightly upturned upper lips and prominent teeth. The beings attempted to communicate through sounds and gestures, with one appearing older and more jovial.

Errata (Page 9)

This section provides corrections and supplementary information for previous articles, particularly for Jacques Scornaux's piece "L'hypothèse psycho-sociologique: commencement de la fin ou fin du commencement?" (Inforespace n° 65-66). It corrects references, text, and notes related to the article's content and citations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on ufology and unidentified aerial phenomena, presenting case studies, mythological parallels, and scientific/anthropological analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational inquiry and a commitment to providing objective information, even while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining publication and membership in a niche field. The organization, SOBEPS, positions itself as a scientific research body dedicated to the study of UAP, emphasizing volunteerism and a non-profit mission. There is a clear effort to connect contemporary UAP reports with ancient myths and folklore, suggesting a long-standing human fascination with celestial visitors and phenomena.

This issue of "La Domenica del Corriere" features a detailed account of the Cennina incident, a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Italy on November 2, 1954. The magazine also includes a report on a UFO sighting in Belgium and a discussion on UFO research and related scientific theories.

The Cennina Incident

The main focus of the issue is the Cennina incident, which began with a young woman named Rosa Lotti encountering two small beings. According to her testimony, the beings took flowers and a stocking from her, then placed some white, circular objects into their 'vehicle' and departed, leaving a large hole in the ground. Lotti was initially terrified and disoriented but later reported the event to the local Carabiniers. The incident attracted considerable attention, with many people visiting the site and confirming the presence of a deep hole.

Witness Testimony and Psychological Effects

Rosa Lotti's account of the encounter is presented, highlighting her initial fear and subsequent inability to recall details clearly. The article discusses the psychological effects on the witness, noting that the sense of fear and alarm only manifested after she had moved away from the encounter site. This phenomenon is suggested to be common in UFO encounters, where a sense of calm may prevail during the sighting, followed by anxiety upon reflection.

Official Involvement and Investigation

The case was reported to the brigadier of the Carabiniers, Rocco Benfanti, and corporal Nello Focardi. Later, captain Massaro and inspector-chef Elio Lolli of the Carabiniers for the Buccine region also investigated. The site was also observed by the Inspector-Chef of the Carabiniers at Ambra, Zulimo Botarelli. Despite investigations, the large number of curious onlookers made it impossible to find any particular imprints.

Corroborating Testimonies

Eighteen years after the event, investigators from the Prato UFO Study Group re-examined the Cennina case. They confirmed many details of Rosa Lotti's testimony, noting that she was still alive and had been re-interviewed. The article also presents corroborating visual testimonies from the same day. A mason, Romualdo Berti, reported seeing a luminous, cigar-shaped rocket emitting flames ascending vertically from the woods near Cennina. Another witness, Andrea Livi, described a large red object shaped like a cone moving from Florence towards Siena. Several other witnesses reported seeing a mysterious machine flying slowly and emitting a powerful light.

Object Characteristics and Details

Rosa Lotti's description of the object included two opposing 'hublots' (windows) and a small door. She recalled seeing two small chairs inside. She also corrected earlier press reports regarding the appearance of the beings' mouths, stating they were normal and that the beings were 'well-shaved'. She described the machine as covered in leather, not shiny, and fixed the time of the encounter more precisely to 6:30 AM. She also clarified that the beings took 'all the flowers and a stocking' and returned nothing. An elder of the two beings reportedly took a round, dark brown cardboard-like object.

Visual Testimonies and Evening Sighting

Several visual testimonies confirmed the time of the landing around 6:30 AM. A mason, Romualdo Berti, described a luminous rocket-like object ascending vertically from the woods. Andrea Livi, a truck driver, saw a large red object shaped like a cone. The issue also reports a sighting on the evening of the same day, around 11:45 PM, where nine people observed a luminous machine similar to the one reported earlier in Cennina, in different locations within the same region. Two farmers, Giuliano and Tosco Colcelli, along with a motorcyclist, Marcello Pistocchi, observed an oval object, estimated to be 1.7 meters long, emitting a constant reddish light. They noted its slow, horizontal trajectory and the powerful, blinding light from a central lamp, comparing it to welding light. The object appeared to descend and then stop. Other witnesses, including a priest, Don Nevio Rossi, also reported seeing a mysterious machine flying slowly and emitting a powerful light.

Belgian UFO Sighting

The magazine also features an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on Sunday, February 13, 1983, near Rebecq, Belgium. Witnesses, designated as Mr. and Mrs. X, observed an orange, star-like object while driving on the Halle-Enghien highway. The object was visible from a distance and later appeared closer, hovering silently. It then moved slowly towards them, with two powerful headlights visible. The object flew at a low altitude and without sound, not displaying the typical red or green lights of aircraft. It later made a sharp turn and disappeared towards the east. The witnesses noted the absence of other witnesses due to the deserted highway.

Object Description and Characteristics (Belgian Sighting)

The object in the Belgian sighting was described as resembling an 'orange star' and later as a 'bus' from the STIB (Brussels public transport). It had two large headlights and seemed to move with a 'sheep jump' motion. The witnesses emphasized that it was not a typical aircraft and that the moon was not visible, ruling out reflections. They also noted the object's slow speed, comparable to their own vehicle's speed, and its seemingly non-horizontal flight path.

Scientific Discussions and Research

The issue includes an interview with Jean-Pierre Petit, who discusses his research on Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and its potential connection to UFO phenomena. Petit recounts his early experiments with Maurice Viton in 1976, involving MHD in hydraulics, and their subsequent search for more powerful equipment. He mentions collaborating with Professor Thourel at the CERT in Toulouse, who had magnetic field installations capable of generating over one Tesla. Petit describes an accident he sustained while unpacking an electromagnet. He also discusses his later work and collaborations, including with Esterle and Bernard Zappoli at CNES, CERT, and SUPAERO, and his involvement in the GEPAN investigation into the TRANS-EN-PROVENCE case. Petit expresses frustration with being excluded from certain aspects of research and criticizes the handling of some UFO cases, particularly those involving alleged animal mutilations.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine adopts a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and evidence-based analysis. It highlights the importance of witness testimony while also acknowledging potential psychological factors and the need for careful verification. The recurring themes include unexplained aerial phenomena, humanoid encounters, physical traces, and the challenges of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, scientific inquiry into the subject, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony and corroborating evidence in UFO investigations. The Cennina incident serves as a primary case study, showcasing how initial reports can be expanded upon and verified through subsequent interviews and the collection of multiple accounts. The magazine also delves into the scientific aspects of UFO research, particularly through the interview with Jean-Pierre Petit, exploring potential explanations rooted in physics and engineering, such as MHD. There is a clear editorial stance favoring a critical yet open-minded approach, distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and what is perceived as 'occultist' or 'neo-religious' speculation. The article implicitly advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based methodology, as seen in the discussion of case selection and the critique of sensationalized reporting. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing efforts to understand them through careful investigation and scientific exploration.

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE, identified as issue number 19, delves into the scientific and institutional aspects of UFO research in France, primarily through an extensive interview with physicist J.P. Petit. The content focuses on his theoretical work in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) as applied to UFO propulsion and his experiences navigating the French scientific establishment, particularly the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) and its associated bodies like CNES and CNRS.

The GEPAN and Institutional Resistance

The interview begins by recounting the circumstances surrounding the creation and potential dismantling of GEPAN. J.P. Petit describes how physicist PELLAT, a member of GEPAN's scientific council, was instrumental in halting a project involving the analysis of plant samples (TRANS), deeming it a "gabegie" (mess). Petit recounts a conversation where PELLAT feigned ignorance about a report that had effectively curtailed GEPAN's activities. The text highlights PELLAT and OMNES as figures who were initially resistant to the creation of GEPAN, viewing UFO phenomena as unscientific.

Petit shares an anecdote from 1978 where PELLAT discussed OMNES's attempt to prove that the UFO problem was uninteresting and absurd, focusing on 'truncated rays.' OMNES concluded that it was 'possible,' which Petit notes as 'the drama.' The scientific council initially expected UFO research to lead to nothing substantial, similar to the Condon Committee's conclusions. However, Petit cites research by STURROCK and others suggesting that the Condon Committee was staffed by junior researchers and students, and that CONDON himself was not personally interested in the subject.

When OMNES failed to discredit UFO research scientifically, he ceased attending GEPAN meetings. PELLAT was also reportedly infrequent in his attendance, which allowed for the development of the Toulouse MHD operation. Petit notes that in 1981, he realized he had "infected" GEPAN, and by late 1982, PELLAT expressed his intention to "suppress GEPAN within the year." However, GEPAN was not suppressed, possibly due to fear of reactions from ufologists and the press. The operation was planned in two phases, with VELASCO predicting GEPAN's definitive suppression in 1984.

The TRANS-EN-PROVENCE Affair and Media Involvement

Petit recounts how, with the help of journalist Jean-Yves CASGHA of FRANCE INTER, he decided to leak the TRANS-EN-PROVENCE affair to the mainstream press. This led to a flood of calls to CNES, making it difficult to suppress GEPAN without significant backlash. Petit views the press as the only recourse in a system where "one cheats abundantly."

Parapsychology vs. Scientific Rigor

Petit expresses discomfort with the parapsychological approach to UFOs, which he encountered at a "Festival of the Impossible" in Puy Saint Vincent. He contrasts this with his own scientific methodology, which he likens to that of a police commissioner piecing together clues. He emphasizes his upbringing in atheistic rationalism and his adherence to Claude Bernard's scientific method. He believes that focusing on phenomena like pendulums, spirit tables, and twisted forks distracts from serious scientific study.

He recalls a 1976 colloquium in Chicago with Claude POHER and Allen HYNEK, where parapsychological theses began to dominate UFO discussions. Petit felt his own magnetohydrodynamic theories were out of step with the prevailing sentiment that UFOs had nothing to do with physics. He notes that POHER was influenced by this movement, and the discussions at the time included spoon bending and teleportation.

Petit suggests that the scientific study of UFOs should be extracted from this amalgam of parapsychology. While he doesn't reject parapsychology outright, he admits he has no expertise in it and finds such discussions often devolve into confusion. He contrasts this with the Pythagorean approach of seeking hidden harmonies in the world.

Scientific Research and Funding Challenges

Petit details his efforts to get his MHD research recognized. He protested to the Director General of CNRS, the Minister of Research, and presidential advisor ATTALI regarding the lack of response to research proposals submitted in 1982. This led to a meeting at CNES in February, where a scientific expertise for his MHD proposals was decided. An expert was assigned, and after months of work addressing objections, the expert agreed to co-sign the project in June.

However, Petit's student, LEBRUN, faced intense pressure after successfully defending his DEA mémoire on fluid mechanics. He was told he had no chance of obtaining a third-cycle scholarship for such a subject, but that he would be accommodated if he changed his topic. This situation is described as "strange" given the expert's affiliation. As of July 13, 1984, the situation was at a standstill, with Petit seeking a reaction from CNRS and a scholarship for his student.

Theoretical Breakthroughs in MHD Propulsion

Petit explains that he and LEBRUN made a theoretical breakthrough in overcoming the "thermal blocking" issue in accelerating ionized gas. This problem arises because heating the gas slows it down, especially at supersonic speeds. Their model, based on characteristic theory, demonstrates how to contour the flow to avoid this issue. This theoretical work allows for the calculation of MHD "aerodynes" with predictable performance, similar to conventional aircraft.

He anticipates that by the end of 1984, numerical simulation results will be available, showing supersonic flows without shocks. He asserts that the energy requirements for these machines would be comparable to conventional flying machines, but with significantly better efficiency at high Mach numbers. He believes this work validates the exploration of the vehicular hypothesis for UFOs, and the CNRS expert agreed that experiments would have a high probability of success.

Experimental Needs and Future Prospects

Petit estimates that an experimental effort would require six to seven collaborators and a budget of one to two million francs per year. He expresses a desire for funding, even a modest third-cycle scholarship, which would signify recognition of his approach. He notes that if no aid is forthcoming, it would indicate a refusal to allow such research to develop.

Petit and BOUNIAS have submitted research proposals (MHD and microwave action on plants) to GRUAU, president of the GEPAN scientific council, for discussion. While CNES states its role is not to conduct research itself, they requested that these questions be placed on the agenda to discuss the feasibility of such research.

The 'Zugzwang' Situation and PELLAT's Stance

Petit describes his current situation with PELLAT as a "ZUGSWANG" in chess, where any move PELLAT makes will be disadvantageous to him. If PELLAT responds positively to the research, it validates Petit's work. If he evades, GEPAN will appear as a deception. Petit believes the answer may already be known by the time the article is published.

He mentions that GRUAU called him, revealing that ESTERLE, with CNES's blessing, continues to seek laboratories for scientific research. Petit acknowledges this as a common practice in France but expresses that he is not demoralized, viewing it as a difficult but ultimately relieving experience for a true scientist.

Recent Research Results and Book Reviews

Petit offers a schematic indication of his recent research results, focusing on the equation for avoiding thermal blocking: Sigma B² L / (Ro V (Gamma - 1)) > 1, where Sigma is electrical conductivity, B is magnetic field, L is characteristic dimension, Ro is volumetric mass, V is velocity, and Gamma is the ratio of specific heats. He provides an example calculation showing feasibility for a Mach 2 flight with a 4 Tesla field.

He explains that the concept of "characteristics" in fluid dynamics, analogous to mini-waves in hydraulic flow, can be manipulated using Laplace forces (J x B) to prevent shock waves. He states that they have already begun work on fluid geometries that achieve this. He also mentions that HF ionization around a disk can create phenomena resembling "truncated rays," which he attributes to HF electrical arcs at the edges of the object.

Petit laments the lack of material for further experiments, recalling that a powerful electromagnet was returned to its owners in 1982, ending his MHD experiments. He protested to PELLAT, who feigned shock but did nothing.

Book Reviews and Subscriptions

The issue includes a section reviewing several books on UFOs, including works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Gérard Dohmen, Bertrand Méheust, Aimé Michel, Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Thierry Pinvidic, Michel Monnerie, Jimmy Guieu, Charles Garreau, Paul Misraki, Jacques Vallée, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The reviews provide brief descriptions and prices in French Francs (FB).

There is also a mention of "KADATH," a review that serves as the basis for an anthology on "Chronicles of lost civilizations," published by Robert Laffont. It appears 4 times a year and focuses on archaeological enigmas.

The issue concludes with a subscription offer for "OVNI PRESENCE," the "alternative ufological review," with a postal address in VEVEY, Switzerland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of conducting such research within established institutions, and the perceived conflict between rigorous scientific methodology and more speculative or parapsychological approaches. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, physics-based approach to understanding UFOs, as championed by J.P. Petit, and criticizes the perceived obstructionism and lack of scientific integrity within some French scientific bodies. There is a strong emphasis on the need for empirical evidence and theoretical models grounded in established scientific principles, while acknowledging the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.