Inforespace - No 68 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 68
Date: June 1985
Volume: 14th year
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a semestrial review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena, delves into the complex interactions between Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and terrestrial vehicles. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and the main theme: "ufologie phénomènes spatiaux".

Table of Contents

The issue includes several articles and sections:

• INTERFERENCES OVNI-VEHICULES: les cas d' "auto-démarrages" (UFO-Vehicle Interference: The 'Auto-start' Cases) - This appears to be the lead article, detailed on pages 4-10.
• TRIANGLE DES BERMUDES : FIN D'UN MYTHE ? (The Bermuda Triangle: End of a Myth?)
• ERRATUM (Errata)
• NOS ENQUETES (Our Investigations)
• DETERMINATION INFORMATIQUE DE L'ASPECT DE LA VOUTE CELESTE (Computerized Determination of the Aspect of the Celestial Vault)
• UNE NOUVELLE PIECE AU DOSSIER : les cas "radar-sonar" (A New Piece to the Dossier: The 'Radar-Sonar' Cases)
• UFOLOGIE ITALIENNE : le point sur l'année 1984 (Italian Ufology: A Review of 1984)

The editorial stance is that signed articles engage only the author's responsibility, with Lucien Clerebaut listed as the responsible editor.

Article: Interférences Ovni-véhicules : les cas d'«auto-démarrage »

This extensive article, spanning several pages, explores the phenomenon of UFOs causing vehicle malfunctions, with a particular focus on 'auto-start' cases. The article begins with a summary (RESUME) stating that while engine stalls caused by UFOs are familiar, less known are cases where a motor restarts spontaneously after the UFO has departed, without driver intervention. It references a study of 27 such cases and proposes a mechanism for this 'auto-start' phenomenon.

The introduction (INTRODUCTION) highlights that UFOs are frequently reported to influence the physical environment, and cases of vehicle interference offer potential for new scientific knowledge. It notes that UFOs appear to exploit advanced technology but suggests that the mechanisms involved are not necessarily beyond contemporary science. The article emphasizes the need for research based on current knowledge before resorting to esoteric theories.

It categorizes vehicle interference into:
1. Engine Stalls and Breakdowns: Engines lose power and stop.
2. Difficulties Restarting: Attempts to restart the engine are unsuccessful while the UFO is present, but usually succeed after the UFO leaves.
3. 'Auto-start': The engine restarts by itself as the UFO departs or shortly after.

The article then presents a testable hypothesis: "The reason for the interferences in the above categories results from an ionization of the atmosphere" (La raison des interférences dans les catégories ci-dessus résulte d'une ionisation de l'atmosphère).

ARRET DE MOTEUR ET PANNE (Engine Stoppage and Breakdown):

UFOs are said to ionize the atmosphere, producing luminous halos from the recombination of electrons with atmospheric ions. Witnesses sometimes report sensations of electricity, hair standing on end, or tingling, indicative of electrical phenomena. The article notes that analyzing these cases was difficult due to the scattered nature of data until the publication of reference documents by BUFORA (1979) and CUFOS (1981), which compiled and analyzed global data on UFO-vehicle interference.

It discusses the conditions under which an engine might stop, relating it to the ignition system. The article posits that UFOs, by ionizing the air, can create electrical discharges that disrupt the normal functioning of the ignition system, leading to engine failure. This ionization can create a high-voltage discharge between spark plug electrodes, potentially short-circuiting the system and preventing ignition.

ENNUIS POUR REDEMARRER (Difficulties Restarting):

When a UFO is present, the ionization of the air can prevent the ignition system from functioning correctly, making it impossible to restart the engine. This is because high-voltage discharges intended for the spark plugs are short-circuited to ground by the ionized air. The article briefly mentions issues with the starter solenoid but sets them aside as complex and potentially unrelated to ionization.

AUTO-DEMARRAGES (Auto-starts):

This section focuses on the most puzzling aspect: engines restarting after the UFO has left. The article references Rodeghier's findings, noting that 'auto-start' cases constitute about 10% of engine malfunction reports related to UFOs. It reiterates that the presence of the UFO, usually at a low distance, is a prerequisite. The phenomenon occurs as the object departs, within seconds or minutes. It affects various vehicle types (cars, trucks, motorcycles) with internal combustion engines.

The article explains the basic functioning of a car engine, including the role of the spark plug and the need for a precise spark timing. It suggests that the ionization of air by a UFO can lead to an 'arc discharge' between spark plug electrodes. This arc, having negative characteristic resistance, produces a momentary current. When the UFO departs, the ionization reduces, and if the engine is in a favorable position (e.g., cylinder at Top Dead Center - PMH, with a compressed fuel-air mixture), the residual electrical charge or a spontaneous spark could ignite the mixture, causing the engine to restart. The probability of this happening is considered low, especially if the engine has been stopped for a long time, allowing the fuel-air mixture to dissipate.

Statistical analysis by Johnson is cited, indicating a strong correlation between UFO proximity and vehicle malfunctions. A table shows that 79% of engine failures occurred when UFOs were within 120 meters, with the highest number of cases (64) occurring within 100 feet.

LA CAUSE DE L'IONISATION (The Cause of Ionization):

This section explores potential mechanisms for ionization within the engine and distributor. One suggestion is the photoelectric effect, where photons extract electrons from metal surfaces. While iron is present, the energy required for this effect (4.4 volts) corresponds to ultraviolet radiation. The article questions whether this radiation can reach the distributor, as steel and its protection are opaque to ultraviolet light.

Other Sections and Information

COTISATIONS (Subscriptions/Contributions):

The magazine details subscription rates for 1985 for different membership levels (Honneur, soutien, ordinaire) in Belgium, France, and other countries. Memberships at higher levels include a complimentary book. Back issues from 1973-1984 are available for purchase, with the first year (1972) being sold out. Payments are to be made via CCP or bank transfer. No cash on delivery is offered.

SOBEPS Association:

SOBEPS is described as a non-profit association dedicated to the rational observation and study of unidentified aerial phenomena. Its activities include investigations, dissemination of information through its quarterly review, and conferences. The magazine's publication relies on volunteer collaborators, and its release schedule may experience delays.

SECRETARIAT - BIBLIOTHEQUE (Secretariat - Library):

SOBEPS premises are open to members on Saturdays from 10 AM to 6 PM for consulting their documentation and international library. Appointments are necessary for other times, especially during July and August, with M. L. Clerebaut (02-524.28.48) as the contact person.

LES DIAPOSITIVES DE LA SOBEPS (SOBEPS Slides):

A collection of 336 slides dedicated to UFO phenomena is available, organized into 28 series of 12 documents each, with accompanying commentary. A detailed list of series and conditions is available upon request.

SERVICE LIBRAIRIE DE LA SOBEPS (SOBEPS Bookstore Service):

Books are available for purchase through SOBEPS, including "DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES AUX OVNI" by Michel Bougard, described as a collective work by the president aiming to summarize ufological research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the physical effects UFOs have on terrestrial environments and technology. The magazine adopts a rational and evidence-based approach, seeking explanations within the framework of current scientific understanding, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of engine interference and the hypothesis of atmospheric ionization. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of empirical data, statistical analysis, and volunteer collaboration in advancing ufological research. The publication itself is presented as a product of collective effort rather than a commercial enterprise, acknowledging potential publication delays due to its volunteer nature.

This issue of INFORESPACE, a special edition from December 1984, titled "Triangle des Bermudes : fin d'un mythe ?" (Bermuda Triangle: End of a Myth?), aims to demystify the famous region by presenting rational explanations for the alleged disappearances.

Introduction

The introduction acknowledges that while UFOs are not typically associated with the Bermuda Triangle, there's a public tendency to conflate the OVNI phenomenon with other mysteries. The article intends to provide a brief but comprehensive study of the "Bermuda Triangle" based on literature and articles, noting that most existing works perpetuate the mystery. It highlights a shift in perspective with a 1975 book that sought to explain the anomalies naturally. The authors express gratitude to a correspondent who provided an article summarizing a specialized marine review, offering objective elements for reflection on the region's phenomena.

The text contrasts the established scientific understanding of UFOs with the more legendary status of the Bermuda Triangle mysteries, which are now considered part of the realm of fable. It notes that the sea has always generated myths and legends of unexplained marine phenomena, intriguing humans with a mix of interest and apprehension.

The Popular Belief and its Commercial Exploitation

Popular belief tends to seize upon these facts, spreading notions of magnetic disturbances, underwater irradiation, submerged Atlantean civilizations, superior intelligences, extraterrestrial beings, OVNIs, and abyssal monsters, all of which can lead to illogical conclusions. To mask their fears, humans speculate, and authors, for commercial gain, exploit these fantastical elements. These books often perpetuate the idea of ocean areas where strange phenomena have been observed for centuries. The Bermuda Triangle, typically located southeast of the United States, is defined by Florida to the west, Puerto Rico to the east, and the Bermudas to the north. Its boundaries are variably described, sometimes encompassing the Gulf of Mexico, the Azores, or even the north of Scotland, and it has been given various evocative names like "Triangle of the Devil," "Zone Maudite," "Graveyard of the Atlantic," etc.

Numerous works cite similar arguments and examples, including the disappearances of the MARY CELESTE (1872), CYCLOPS (1918), MARINE SULPHUR QUEEN (1963), CITY BELL (1946), WITHCRAFT (1967), REVONOC (1958), STAVENGER, COMPASS ROSS, the flight of a super-fortress in 1947, the STAR ARIEL in 1949, a DC 3 in 1948, and notably FLIGHT 19 in December 1945.

For a long time, attempts to explain these "mysterious" disappearances were avoided or approached superficially. The article points out that tragedies are often qualified as mysterious by isolating elements and emphasizing them to obscure the truth with extravagant theories. It urges caution against pseudo-mysteries born from fertile imaginations and advocates for a common-sense analysis of the circumstances and context of these tragedies.

Rational Approach to Disappearances

A rational approach suggests that disappearances can be attributed to three main factors: meteorological, technical, and human errors, acting alone or in concert. These factors can explain the majority of cases. For others, technical evidence may be lacking, but the discovery of scattered wreckage can reveal the causes after years of immersion.

Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that while a significant number of vessels disappear annually in the Bermuda Triangle region, this represents a minimal percentage of the total maritime traffic (over 150,000 vessels and thousands of aircraft pass annually east of Florida).

1. Meteorological Causes

Meteorological factors alone can explain numerous cases. Despite modern technology, ships and aircraft remain vulnerable to natural elements. The climate of the ocean bordering eastern Florida is particularly complex. The Gulf Stream, discovered in 1513, is known for its speed and turbulence, capable of erasing traces. It flows north, becoming the North Atlantic Current. The Bermuda Triangle is situated where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream separate from the temperate continental climate and the sub-tropical climate of the oceanic current. This area experiences encounters between oceanic winds and warm currents near continental masses.

The interaction with the Jet Stream, discovered during World War II, is also significant. This fast-moving west-to-east current in the upper troposphere (10,000-15,000 meters) can reach speeds over 500 km/h. Another peculiarity of this region (and off the coast of Japan) is that compasses point to true north rather than magnetic north. Lawrence David Kusche, a librarian at the University of Arizona, addressed these legends in his 1975 book, "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved." He described the exceptional environment, including frequent and devastating tornadoes and mini-hurricanes that can destroy areas of about thirty square kilometers in moments. His book reduces each mystery to a simple, easily explainable event.

Other authors, like James Stewart Gordon, mention unpredictable fog banks, powerful currents, and severe storms that can develop suddenly. Scientists have recently discovered specific currents within the Gulf Stream, called "rings," which appear only a few days a year. The meteorological parameters governing this environment are complex, and much remains to be understood.

These exceptional meteorological conditions, combined with human and/or technical failures, are believed to have caused the loss of many vessels and aircraft, including Flight 19 and the Martin Mariner search mission. According to Adjudant-Chef J. Metz, a Belgian meteorologist and former RAF member, there is nothing mysterious about these disappearances. He notes that Fort Lauderdale was a naval air base for training young pilots. Of the 14 participants in the December 5, 1945 incident, only the leader, Lieutenant C.C. Taylor, had significant flight hours on the TBM Avenger, but he was still unfamiliar with the region. The numerous islands and archipelagos offer no usable landmarks for navigation, making it nearly impossible to find the base if the compass fails, for example, due to a magnetic storm. Many experienced pilots have found themselves over the Gulf of Mexico, believing they were over southern Florida.

Regarding Flight 19's return, it is now accepted that the student pilots, blindly following their leader, encountered underestimated currents. Weather forecasts for December 5th indicated predictable deterioration of conditions off Florida, precisely in the planned flight path of the five TBM Avengers. However, extrapolating weather evolution or current effects was not possible at the time. Furthermore, studies show that visibility conditions (night or fog) can affect visual faculties, leading to disorientation or loss of balance, a phenomenon known as "Vertigo." Many pilots, upon exiting turbulent cloud masses, continued flying upside down without realizing it.

In many cases, including Flight 19, poor radio reception was a factor. Despite exceptional atmospheric conditions, the equipment available to pilots then lacked the power and reliability of modern installations. Without contact with their base and unable to determine their exact position, the five aircraft ran out of fuel and ditched at an indeterminate point. The TBM Avenger's tendency to sink rapidly after landing further reduced the crew's chances of survival. The Martin Mariner, with a 12-hour range, was known to have a defective fuel system, which, during magnetic storms, could cause St. Elmo's fire or other sparks, leading to explosions in flight. These aircraft were aptly nicknamed "Flying Bombs."

2. Technical Failures

While imagination fuels hypotheses, experts find it unsurprising that heavily laden freighters might break apart and sink during winter storms, or that their hulls might fatigue, or that explosive gases might accumulate in holds, or that cargo might shift at sea. Similarly, it's not unusual for planes to suddenly lose thousands of meters of altitude in an "air pocket" or for wings to disintegrate in severe turbulence, where strong updrafts meet downdrafts.

3. Human Errors and Machinations

A long list of aircraft and ship disappearances are attributed to human causes. Alongside meteorological and technical factors, human failures are responsible for a significant number of tragedies. Testimonies from those involved often lack credibility, with narratives deliberately filled with incoherence to foster mystery. This can be a way to cover up complicity, criminal silence, culpable weaknesses, or socio-economic intrigue.

Examining cases through the lens of human factors often resolves the intrigue and dispels the mystery. This is the case for the MARY CELESTE and the DEI GRATIA, which was the first recorded instance of "baraterie" (ship scuttling). Curiously, this famous story was at the origin of the Triangle of the Bermuda, although it occurred between the Azores and Morocco.

It is noteworthy that many disappearances attributed to the Bermuda Triangle involve small boats. The "Cursed Triangle" is often blamed, but these vessels were simply victims of scandalous human trafficking. Their small size makes them more susceptible to the sea's whims. Furthermore, they often fall under the fluctuating domain of recreational boating, piloted by skippers with limited experience, making their movements difficult for port authorities to monitor. For decades, the southern coasts of the United States have been a theater for significant trafficking of alcohol, drugs, and undocumented labor. To smuggle these "goods" into the USA, traffickers steal small boats or tourist planes, kill the crew, and "dump" them to the sharks. They then disembark their illicit cargo at night on a deserted beach (or a private or disused airfield) and abandon the hijacked yacht or sink it.

The cited examples and the factual evidence strongly suggest that the myth of the Bermuda Triangle is not credible. However, for "legend enthusiasts," does this not dissipate a bit of poetry?

Erratum

A significant error was made in the text titled "LE LEURRE DE L'INDISCERNABILITE" (INFORESPACE no 8 hors série, December 1984), on pages 24 and 25 (bottom right column). The phrase "Un hasard veut aussi que cette durée moyenne soit le point d'intersection des deux droites OVNI/OVI" should be deleted. The text clarifies that coincidence is not involved, as two lines with the same coordinates at a point are necessarily secant at that point (intersection).

Furthermore, in the same article (p. 24, right column, 23rd line from the bottom), it should read: "4. Regarding the SOBEPS file, the slope of the OVNI line is greater than that of the OVI line, which..." The author thanks Thierry Pinvidic for correcting these inaccuracies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the debunking of the Bermuda Triangle mystery through rational, scientific, and logical explanations. The editorial stance is clearly against supernatural or unexplained phenomena, favoring meteorological, technical, and human factors as the primary causes of the reported incidents. The magazine actively seeks to provide evidence-based analysis to counter sensationalism and folklore surrounding the topic.

This issue of 'Nos Enquêtes' (Our Investigations), volume 1, issue 2, dated May 1983, focuses on a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) sighting that occurred in Sambreville, Belgium. The magazine is published by the Groupement d'Etudes & de Recherches Scientifiques (G.E.R.S.) in France.

The Sambreville Sighting (May 9, 1983)

The main article details an encounter experienced by the Lorent family—Robert, his wife Janine, and their son Pascal—on the morning of May 9, 1983. Returning home at 3 AM after a celebration, they parked their car in the courtyard. Pascal was the first to notice a light and alerted his parents. Robert Lorent recounts that his car's headlights were on, the radio was not working, and his son pointed out a light. His wife also saw the light on their son before looking up and seeing the object.

Conditions of Observation

The Lorent family's villa is located in a newly built residential area bordering a wood. The property is surrounded by neighboring houses, with a courette for parking. The area is described as having a rural setting close to the Sambre canal. Nearby are a railway line and high-tension power lines leading to an electric power plant. A garden lamp also illuminates the area.

The night was mild, and the sky was cloudy, but some stars were visible. The moon was a thin crescent, not yet risen at the time of the observation. Jupiter (magnitude -2.1) and Saturn were potentially visible. Jupiter was at an altitude of 19 degrees above the horizon.

The First Investigation (June 22, 1983)

The first investigation took place at the witnesses' home on June 22, 1983. The report synthesizes the observation:

Pascal, while checking for rabbits in the garden, saw a light surrounding him at his feet. Looking up, he saw a beam of light directed at him like a theater spotlight and shouted for his father. His father initially dismissed it as an airplane. Pascal's mother also saw the light and approached her son. She described the object as resembling a plate with white lights rotating around it, and a large light above it illuminating Pascal, similar to a spotlight. The light then retracted towards the object, which then ascended at a moderate speed before accelerating rapidly into the clouds.

Robert Lorent, after initially dismissing the light as an airplane, was called by his wife and heard a persistent humming sound. He then saw a ball of light ascend slowly and disappear rapidly into the clouds, moving faster than a fighter jet. He estimated about 5 minutes passed between Pascal's initial call and his own observation, with 1 to 2 minutes of actual observation time. He later learned Pascal had turned on the garden lamp, hoping to attract the object back, believing the house lights might have drawn its attention. Robert estimated the object's diameter to be about 3 meters, comparable to their old swimming pool, with a clear and precise contour.

Object Characteristics (from witness descriptions and drawings)

• Shape: Oval, like a returned plate or a rugby ball.
• Color: Grey metal or silver, with white and red lights.
• Size: Estimated diameter of 3 meters.
• Lights: A large white lamp underneath, a red light in the middle, and a series of smaller white lights rotating clockwise around the base. These smaller lights were described as 'portholes' or 'hubs'.
• Movement: Hovering, slow ascent, rapid acceleration, and foudroyant departure.
• Sound: A persistent, grave, and steady humming sound, not modulated, coming from the lower part of the object where the rotating lights were.
• Electromagnetic Effects: The car radio was not functioning during the sighting.
• Physical Trace: A distinct circular mark on the ground, approximately 70 cm in diameter.
• Other: No halo, flash, odor, or trail was observed. The object did not illuminate the trees, only Pascal.

Witness Testimonies in Detail

Pascal Lorent:
Pascal described seeing a plate-like object with white lights around it. He felt a beam of light directed at him. He experienced a sensation of 'no longer existing' and being 'paralyzed' by the light. He heard the object's humming sound clearly. He later compared the experience to receiving the Holy Spirit during his communion, but stated there was no direct link. He expressed a desire to see the object again out of curiosity but also fear.

Madame Janine Lorent:
Madame Lorent confirmed seeing a light directed at her son and an object resembling a plate with rotating white lights. She felt paralyzed and experienced intense anxiety and insomnia after the event, suffering from nightmares where her son was being taken by the light. She had recently undergone surgery on her leg and suffered from frequent nervous disorders, which may have influenced her reaction.

Monsieur Robert Lorent:
Robert Lorent initially thought the light was an airplane. He was alerted by his wife and heard a persistent, grave humming sound. He saw a ball of light ascend and disappear rapidly. He estimated the observation lasted 1 to 2 minutes. He noted the object's contour was sharp and precise. He also mentioned that Pascal had turned on the garden lamp hoping to attract the object back.

The Second Investigation (July 6, 1983)

A follow-up interview was conducted on July 6, 1983. Robert Lorent reiterated his initial belief that it could have been an airplane but admitted the sound made it intriguing. He confirmed the sound was grave and regular, not modulated. He expressed a desire to see the object again to understand the unknown. He mentioned that his son Pascal had drawn two different versions of the object: one with two rows of lights and another with one, explaining he wanted to show all the lights he saw.

Madame Lorent recalled feeling 'embalmed' and unable to react during the event. She did not remember hearing the sound while paralyzed but did when the object was moving away. She felt drawn to look at the object but not transported. She also mentioned having dreams about the observation.

Additional Comments from Witnesses:

Young Pascal felt distinctly observed by the object. Madame Lorent experienced strong anxiety and insomnia following the event, including nightmares. She had recently had surgery and suffered from nervous disorders.

Determination of the Aspect of the Celestial Vault

This section of the magazine delves into the common phenomenon of misidentifying astronomical objects as UAPs. It explains that many reported sightings are due to misinterpretations by sincere but inexperienced witnesses.

Astronomical Misidentifications:

• Stars and Planets: Under specific atmospheric conditions (haze, near horizon), stars and planets can appear as luminous patches, changing shape and color due to refraction and dispersion. Their apparent movement can be an illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, observer's vision defects (myopia, astigmatism), or the phenomenon of autokinesis (a stationary point of light appearing to move in a dark field).
• Atmospheric Refraction and Diffraction: These can create illusions of movement, especially when celestial bodies are near the horizon.
• Cloud Movements: Fast-moving clouds can make an object appear to approach or recede.
• Vehicle Movement: When a witness is in a moving vehicle, stationary celestial objects can appear to follow them, matching their speed and direction. These objects typically stop when the vehicle stops.
• Bright Celestial Bodies: The brightest stars (Sirius, Vega, etc.) and planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mars) are frequently mistaken for UAPs. The Moon, especially near the horizon, can also appear distorted and orange.

Identification of Astronomical Misidentifications:

The magazine explains that precise identification is possible even long after an observation because the movements of celestial bodies are known. Ephemerides (astronomical tables) provide precise coordinates for stars and planets at specific dates and times.

However, converting equatorial coordinates to horizontal coordinates (azimuth and altitude) for a specific observer location is complex and time-consuming, requiring good astronomy knowledge and patience. This process can take 10-15 minutes per object using a calculator.

Computer Program for Celestial Sphere Determination:

The G.E.R.S. Division of Astronomy is developing a computer program to calculate a celestial map for a given location, date, and time. This program, written in BASIC and assembly language, helps plan astronomical observations and visualize the night sky. It indicates visible planets and stars based on their magnitudes. The program currently runs on a Superbrain QD computer and will be ported to other systems like IBM PC and Lisa.

Example: Observation of Châtelet (July 6, 1980)

The magazine presents an example of a computerized celestial map for an observation in Châtelet. This map, generated for July 6, 1980, shows the Moon low on the horizon with no bright stars nearby, potentially depriving witnesses of reference points and leading to misidentification. The article notes that this example is similar to findings by M. Monnerie and M. Bougard, which required extensive calculations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and a critical examination of UAP reports. While it presents witness testimonies in detail, it also dedicates significant space to explaining how natural phenomena, particularly astronomical ones, can be misinterpreted. The inclusion of detailed astronomical explanations and the development of a computer program for celestial mapping suggest an effort to provide rational explanations for sightings, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena through detailed case studies like the Sambreville incident.

INFORESPACE, issue n°199, dated November 1984, features a prominent article on "radar-sonar" UFO cases and a review of Italian ufology in 1984. The magazine is published in French and priced at 5 FF.

The "Radar-Sonar" Case: Tom Preston's Observation

The main article, "Une nouvelle pièce au dossier : les cas «radar-sonar»" (A New Piece in the Dossier: The "Radar-Sonar" Cases), details an exceptional UFO observation by competent witnesses that was detected by both radar and sonar. This case is highlighted as unique due to the simultaneous detection by both systems.

Avant-Propos

The article is prompted by a report in MUFON UFO JOURNAL n°199 concerning a UFO detected by radar and sonar. The author notes that while radar and sonar principles are similar, their combined use in UFO detection is, to his knowledge, almost unique.

Introduction

Walter N. Webb learned of the case through Valerie Wilcox of Auburndale, Massachusetts. Wilcox mentioned an English former naval officer who had observed a UFO detected first by radar, and then by sonar after the object entered the water. Webb interviewed the officer, who requested anonymity and was referred to as "Tom Preston." Preston, a lieutenant at the time, was 41 years old and lived in Newton.

The Observation

The events occurred in late February 1963, during a three-day exercise by the North Atlantic Fleet of the Royal Navy off the coast of Norway. Tom Preston, then 20 years old and a lieutenant, was part of the escort team and had extensive radar training. On the night in question, while on watch, he and three other radar operators and two sonar operators were in the detection room. The fleet was sailing northeast between Spitzberg and Norway, about 30-50 miles off the Norwegian coast, at 71° North latitude and 20° East longitude. The weather was clear with minimal clouds, and the sea conditions were moderate.

At 3:15 AM, a stationary target appeared on the radar screen at an estimated altitude of 35,000 feet. The object appeared solid and reflected strongly, located slightly west of the zenith at 70° elevation. Its dimensions were estimated at 100-120 feet. Preston noted the sudden appearance of the object, suggesting an inconceivably fast entry into the detection field. Despite attempts with binoculars, neither Preston nor any other crew member visually observed the object. The senior officer confirmed the observation with a nearby vessel.

Attempts to establish radio contact with the signal source were unsuccessful. Following an exchange with the flagship, the fleet executed a "2 classic" evasive maneuver, with the object maintaining its altitude and relative position. British jets were scrambled and appeared on radar as two points. As the jets approached within 10-15 miles, the object rapidly descended at an incredible speed, crossing the radar screens and disappearing below the radar horizon (between 750-1000 feet) in 2-3 seconds. The UFO then passed in front of the ships.

The Sonar Contact

As the object descended, the two sonar operators directed their beams towards its trajectory. Shortly after losing the radar signal, they detected a strong echo from an immersed target moving at high speed, estimated to be about 20,000 yards away. The descent angle and azimuth matched the aerial object, suggesting it was the same entity. The object's speed decreased significantly, stabilizing below 100 mph, and its trajectory became erratic ("zig-zag"). The first sonar echo was recorded at 50 feet below the water, with the contact ceasing after 2-3 minutes. The maximum depth of the area was 2,000 feet, so the object might have been obscured by rocky formations.

Preston's vessel reached the presumed immersion point 20 minutes later, but visual and sonar searches yielded no results. No further contact was made.

Total Duration

Preston estimated the entire event lasted only 5-6 minutes. However, considering the sequence of radar observation, notification, inter-ship communications, evasive maneuvers, jet arrival, and sonar contact, a total duration of 15-20 minutes is considered more realistic.

The Aftermath

Tom Preston testified that the senior officer recorded the events in the ship's logbook. Later that night, Preston and five other crew members who were on watch were summoned to the guard post. They were met by the senior officer and the ship's commander. The senior officer questioned them about the radar and sonar observations. He reminded them that their statements had been recorded and that they had signed a document regarding operational secrecy, ordering them not to speak of the incident to anyone.

Preston and his colleagues understood that discussing the event would compromise security. Preston noted that, as far as he knew, they were the only ones from the fleet questioned about this observation. The conversation with the senior officer lasted about ten minutes. Upon returning to duty at midnight, Preston noticed that the logbook had been replaced.

Evaluation

Tom Preston remained silent about the event for three years until a TV program about UFOs prompted him to mention it to his wife. He stated he had no idea what the object was but insisted it was "guided" and that the radar images were clear, ruling out "phantom" targets, balloons, aircraft, birds, or weather effects. He also dismissed the possibility of equipment malfunction, as neighboring vessels reported similar observations.

Walter N. Webb analyzed the case, calling it unique in UFO history as the first known combined radar-sonar contact and possibly the first known sonar pursuit of an USO (Unidentified Submarine Object). While Preston couldn't confirm all details (like the fleet's exact position), his testimony was considered clear, despite the loss of the logbook forcing reliance on memory.

Webb calculated that if Preston's estimates of altitude (35,000 feet), angular height (70°), descent time (3 seconds), and immersion distance (10 miles) were accurate, the object descended at a 30° angle, covering 14 miles at 17,000 mph, comparable to a slow meteor.

Webb explored natural explanations, including anomalous propagation of radar waves, but found them unlikely given the specific conditions and the object's maneuvers coinciding with the jets' arrival. He also questioned the perfect match between aerial and submerged object parameters.

Regarding the "guided" aspect, Webb linked it to the object's "Z" maneuvers and evasive actions.

Webb concluded that given the 20 years that had passed, the lack of written records, the single witness (though of high credibility), and the unique qualitative nature of the observation, he would classify the case as "unknown significant."

Conclusion

The authors agree with Webb on the potential importance of such observations. They regret the secrecy surrounding the event, even after 20 years, but acknowledge its value for physical evidence research. They hope for confirmation of the testimony and emphasize that no single hypothesis can explain all UFO phenomena.

Italian Ufology: A Look at 1984

This section provides an overview of ufological events in Italy during 1984, compiled by Edoardo Russo, an Italian ufologist and international relations representative for the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN).

Overview of 1984

1984 was not a quiet year for Italian ufology. While not rich in UFO reports, media information and research activities saw a significant increase.

UFO and OVI Reports

As of January 25, 1985, the CUN had registered 85 UFO and OVI observations for 1984, a decrease from previous years (269 in 1980, 80 in 1981, 24 in 1982, and 212 in 1983). Most 1984 reports were of the "nocturnal lights" type. However, two particularly interesting close encounters of the second and third kind occurred within hours of each other on October 9th.

#### Polcanto Encounter (October 9th)

At 3:30 AM, a concierge in Polcanto, near Florence, was awakened by a light from his window. He saw a dark human-like figure on a nearby hill emitting a beam of light, like a flashlight. The figure disappeared, followed by a dark horizontal line, beneath which three flames descended. A blinding white light then approached, illuminating the area. The witness attempted to approach the window but became paralyzed until the light subsided. The witness's eyes remained red and irritated for several days. In the vicinity, three circular holes were found in the ground, forming a regular triangle, with the grass appearing to have been subjected to pressure. No radioactivity was detected. The witness's dog, normally outside, did not bark and exhibited abnormal behavior, refusing food and staying inside for two weeks.

#### Prato Princıpato Encounter (October 9th)

At 7:30 AM on the same day, a farmer in Prato Princıpato, near Avellino, observed a man about 1.30 meters tall wearing a brown "space suit" with a helmet connected by two tubes to a backpack. The being hovered above the ground, emitting blue sparks towards a "space craft" that took off suddenly. Umberto Telarico investigated this case.

Ongoing Research

Three research projects initiated earlier yielded results in 1984:

• Regional Report Catalogs: These catalogs, compiled by local investigators, led to a complete archive and publication of Italian UFO and OVI observations from 1980 to 1984, managed by Gian Paolo Grassino in Turin.
• Project Italy 3: This project focuses on close encounters of the third kind in Italy. Paolo Fiorino completed a comprehensive list of all reports and sources for these cases.
• "TRACAT": This list of references for Italian landing cases with traces, compiled by Maurizio Verga, was significantly updated in 1984 and now includes summaries of 153 reports.

The CUN also launched two new research projects in 1984.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation in ufology, emphasizing the need to consider all evidence, including radar and sonar data, and physical traces. The articles underscore the rarity and significance of cases like Tom Preston's, while also showcasing the ongoing efforts in Italy to catalog and analyze UFO phenomena. The magazine implicitly advocates for continued research and a critical, yet open-minded, approach to unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by secrecy and the passage of time.

This issue of "L'Alternative Ufologique" (issue number 39) focuses on UFO phenomena in Italy, with significant coverage of research projects, publications, and media attention during 1984. The magazine highlights the CUN's (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) activities and provides a comprehensive list of ufological books, both French and Italian.

Research Projects

Two major research projects are detailed:

• "Projet Origines": This project involved a complete review of newspaper collections from the early years of UFO reporting (1946, 1947, 1950) to gather pertinent data on the "saga" of UFOs in Italy. The findings indicated that press coverage during this period was broader than initially expected.
• "Projet 64": This initiative utilized a network of micro-computers, primarily Commodore 64 and Apple II, to create a comprehensive index of all Italian UFO sighting reports up to the end of 1985. By the time of this report, over 4000 entries had already been introduced.

Publications

The ufological publication landscape experienced some disruption in 1984, with only one issue published for each of the following: "NOTIZARIO UFO" (a bimonthly from CUN), "UFOLOGIA" (which released a special issue on French ufology), and "DOCUMENTI UFO MONOGRAFIE" (focusing on hypnosis and ufology).

However, several significant publications were released:

• The long-awaited CUN investigation manual was published in December.
• Two books on UFOs were released: the Italian translation of Jacques Vallée's "Messengers of Deception" and "Lumières dans la nuit" (Lights in the Night), a detailed account by journalist Rino Di Stefano of the abduction series experienced by night watchman F. Zanfretta.
• The well-known Italian author Peter Kolosimo passed away suddenly in March.

Media Coverage

In 1984, the CUN documented 450 press clippings related to UFOs in Italian newspapers, a notable increase from the average of previous years (1981-1983). Several events garnered significant media attention, including:

• The CUN Congresses held in Palermo (January) and Genoa (May).
• An official parliamentary question posed by four delegates (advised by the CUN) to the Government, urging the Ministry of Defense to open its files to private researchers. The Minister's response was that the UFO files were not confidential and contained no genuinely unidentified reports.

One specific incident highlighted involved a UFO encounter with a pilot in 1979. The Ministry of Defense claimed it was a balloon made of black plastic envelopes but never released the 80 photos taken. This event received considerable media coverage, including radio and television, in the latter half of the year.

The "1984 Annual Report" of the CUN, available in English, provides more detailed information on the reports, research, and events discussed in this issue. It can be obtained from CUN at Corso Vittorio Emanuele 108, 10121 TORINO, Italy.

Book Reviews and Listings

The magazine includes an extensive section listing and briefly reviewing numerous ufological books, primarily in French, with their prices in French Francs (FB).

French Language Books:

• "LA CHRONIQUE DES OVNI" by Michel Bougard (éd. J-P Delarge): An original approach to the UFO phenomenon across different eras, suggesting UFOs were observed long before 1947. (400 FB)
• "A IDENTIFIER ET LE CAS ADAMSKI" by Jean-Gérard Dohmen (éd. Travox): The first Belgian book in French on the UFO phenomenon, featuring accounts of Belgian sightings. (490 FB)
• "SCIENCE FICTION ET SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Bertrand Méheust (éd. du Mercure de France): Explores the ambiguous relationship between UFO testimonies and the romantic imagination, prompting a new perspective on ufology. (430 FB)
• "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES" by Aimé Michel (éd. Seghers): A re-edition of a capital work, an in-depth investigation into the major French UFO wave of 1954. (440 FB)
• "LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Jean-Claude Bourret (éd. France-Empire): Compiles excerpts from a France-Inter radio show and additional interviews/cases. (320 FB)
• "LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI" by Jean-Claude Bourret (éd. France-Empire): Features French Gendarmerie files, unpublished investigations, and recent opinions from leading French researchers, including Jean-Pierre Petit's work on UFO magnetohydrodynamic propulsion. (365 FB)
• "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Fernand Lagarde and "Lumières dans la Nuit" group (éd. Albatros): A collective work presenting reflections from researchers like Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, and suggesting avenues for in-depth phenomenon study. (350 FB)
• "OVNI, L'ARMEE PARLE" by Jean-Claude Bourret (éd. France-Empire): Bourret's fourth book, revealing secret files from intelligence services and numerous Army and Gendarmerie reports. (340 FB)
• "LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES VIENNENT D'UN AUTRE MONDE" and "BLACK-OUT SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Jimmy Guieu (éd. Omnium Littéraire): Two French ufology classics, recently re-issued. (265 FB per volume).
• "ET SI LES OVNI N'EXISTAIENT PAS ?" by Michel Monnerie (éd. Les Humanoïdes Associés): Argues that misidentifications are common and proposes a socio-psychological hypothesis for UFOs. (325 FB)
• "SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, 20 ANS D'ENQUETES" by Charles Garreau (éd. Mame): A review of Garreau's extensive experience in serious UFO research in France. (250 FB)
• "FACE AUX EXTRATERRESTRES" by Charles Garreau and Raymond Lavier (éd. J-P. Delarge): Includes a dossier of 200 testimonies of landings in France. (395 FB)
• "DES SIGNES DANS LE CIEL" by Paul Misraki (éd. Mame): A reflective work exploring the relationship between UFOs and religious phenomena from an original angle. (320 FB)
• "CHRONIQUE DES APPARITIONS EXTRATERRESTRES" by Jacques Vallée (éd. Denoël): Presents Vallée's personal views on ufology and a catalogue of 900 landing cases. (345 FB)
• "LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE" by Jacques Vallée (éd. Albin Michel): Attempts to link UFOs with para-psychological phenomena. (310 FB)
• "LES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES: MYTHE OU REALITE ?" by Dr J. Allen Hynek (éd. Belfond): Dr. Hynek explains why serious study of the UFO phenomenon is necessary, revealing unpublished documents and his conception of the studies. (340 FB)
• "AUX LIMITES DE LA REALITE" by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée (éd. Albin Michel): A profound exchange of reflections between two renowned ufologists on the nature of UFOs, key cases, their analysis, and current research directions. (395 FB)
• "LE LIVRE DES DAMNES" by Charles Fort (éd. Losfeld): A collection of curious phenomena, with most facts still unexplained. (350 FB)

Advertisements

The issue contains advertisements for Goodyear tires, Soregi Pneus (tire retailer with multiple locations in Belgium), and a subscription offer for "L'Alternative Ufologique"/"OVNI présence". There is also an advertisement for P. SLOTTE, a precision optics shop in Brussels, offering telescopes, binoculars, and other optical instruments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes serious, in-depth research into the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of data collection, analysis, and the critical examination of evidence. There is a clear interest in historical UFO cases, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the potential connection between UFOs and psychological or societal factors. The CUN is presented as a central organization in Italian ufological research, actively engaging with the public, media, and even governmental bodies. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and investigative approach, encouraging researchers to explore various hypotheses and to consult a wide range of literature, as evidenced by the extensive book reviews.