Inforespace - No 72 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: N° 72
Volume: 16º année
Date: April 1987
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a bi-annual review dedicated to ufology and space phenomena, presents a range of articles and discussions within the field. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a subtitle indicating its focus on "ufology space phenomena."

Editorial

The editorial, written by Pascal Deboodt (Editor-in-Chief), reflects on the current issue and the state of ufology. He expresses gratitude to members for their continued support through subscriptions, particularly "soutien" (support) and "Membre d'Honneur" (Honorary Member) categories. Deboodt acknowledges concerns raised by some members regarding the direction of ufology and the SOBEPS. He emphasizes the editorial team's effort to present major UFO cases more regularly and quantitatively, crediting foreign publications and collaborators for facilitating this. The editorial also highlights the importance of in-depth reflection on UFO phenomena, beyond mere data collection. A significant portion of the editorial is a call for greater member participation, urging them to submit articles, suggest topics, and contribute to various aspects of the magazine's production, stressing that the revue is a collective effort.

Member Correspondence

A section titled "On nous écrit..." features an "Open Letter to SOBEPS" from a new member, Patrick Vidal. Vidal expresses concern about the apparent decline in membership and the perceived waning public interest in UFO phenomena, comparing it to other debunked mysteries. He questions the lack of contact among members and suggests a more frequent, modest publication, perhaps a monthly bulletin, to foster greater engagement and information exchange. Vidal proposes initiatives like statistical analysis tables, encouraging cross-examinations, research in old newspapers, and the establishment of a photo network to re-energize the association and attract public attention.

Pascal Deboodt, in his response as Editor-in-Chief and Co-Administrator, thanks Vidal for his insightful letter, acknowledging its accuracy in reflecting the current situation of ufology. He defends the scientific approach, stating it's not exclusive to credentialed scientists. Deboodt agrees that ufology is still a developing science and that many groups and commissions have disappeared. He notes the decrease in members and available resources, as well as the challenges of relying on volunteers and limited technical means. However, he asserts that ufology is refining its methods and developing more thorough hypotheses based on reliable data. He points to international conferences and publications as evidence of ongoing activity, even if the "extraordinary" aspect is diminishing. Regarding the suggestion for a more frequent publication, Deboodt reiterates the challenge of finding enough collaborators and authors.

International News

This section includes reports on international UFO sightings:

Boeing japonais et OVNI

An article from the Lausanne newspaper "24 HEURES" (January 6, 1987) reports on an investigation by U.S. aviation authorities into mysterious luminous objects that accompanied a Japanese Boeing 717 cargo plane over Alaska on November 17, 1987. The flight crew reported seeing three objects emitting green and yellow lights, one shaped like a globe the size of two aircraft carriers. These objects maneuvered for nearly an hour before disappearing. Civil and military radar controllers in Anchorage detected unusual echoes, which vanished upon analysis. The Boeing pilot, M. Kenjyu Terauchi, suggested the objects might be extraterrestrial, humorously noting their interest in the plane's cargo of Beaujolais wine.

The editorial commentary notes the intriguing aspects of this case: the duration of the sighting, the radar echoes, and the official investigation. It expresses hope for receiving further information, possibly through MUFON.

L'OTAN surveillée ?

This article details an incident that occurred on the night of June 30th to July 1st, 1977, near the NATO base in Aviano, Italy. The event began when a military serviceman, James Blake, observed a large, stationary light about 100 meters above the "Victor Alert" zone of the base. The object, described as a "toupie" or "disque" approximately 50 meters in diameter, rotated, emitted white, green, and red lights, and produced a buzzing sound. It remained for about an hour before ascending and disappearing. The base's radar detected the UFO, and although the airport was closed, security forces were deployed. The NATO operational base in Brussels was reportedly informed. An official explanation attributed the phenomenon to lunar reverberation on low-altitude clouds. However, the article presents meteorological data (temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover) and the moon's position, arguing against this explanation. The author concludes that the official explanation is forced and disapproves of it.

Further details of the investigation are provided, including information from indirect witnesses. A key testimony comes from Manfré Benito, a night watchman who, awakened by his dog's barking, observed the luminous "jet" or "disque" over the base. He noted the complete darkness of the base and the absence of people in the street. Immediately after the object departed, the base lights were restored. Benito's dog reportedly stopped barking only when the object left the area.

Other Sections

• COTISATIONS: Details membership fees for different categories (Honorary Member, Support Member, Ordinary Member) for Belgium, France, and other countries, along with benefits like receiving a book. It also lists prices for back issues.
• REMERCIEMENTS: A section for acknowledgments.
• COMMUNIQUES: Official announcements from SOBEPS.
• NOS ENQUETES: Information about the society's investigations.
• L'OVNI DU 23 SEPTEMBRE 1986: A specific UFO case from September 23, 1986, is mentioned as being covered on page 29.
• SERVICE LIBRAIRIE: Information about the book service.
• SECRETARIAT - BIBLIOTHEQUE: Details about the SOBEPS secretariat and library, accessible to members on Saturdays, with appointment options for other times. It also mentions the General Secretary, M. L. Clerebaut.
• LES DIAPOSITIVES DE LA SOBEPS: The society offers a collection of 336 slides on UFO phenomena, organized into 28 series, for members to use in presentations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the current state and future of ufology, the challenges faced by organizations like SOBEPS (e.g., declining membership, reliance on volunteers), and the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Deboodt, is one of continued dedication to the rational study of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and member participation. There is a clear effort to present cases objectively while acknowledging the difficulties and criticisms faced by the field. The magazine aims to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion among enthusiasts, despite the perceived decline in broader public interest.

This issue, dated November-December 1986, features a cover story on the 'Base NATO di Aviano' and includes detailed reports on two significant unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) cases. The primary focus is on a 1977 incident near the Aviano NATO base in Italy and a complex radar and visual observation case in Spain from November 1985.

Aviano Incident (July 1, 1977) The issue begins with a reflection on an event that deeply affected the author, leading to the observation of police and military vehicles. This is followed by an article titled 'L'HYPOTHESE EXTRATERRESTRE' (The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) by Antonio Chiumento. Chiumento discusses the Aviano incident of July 1, 1977, describing it as an aerial phenomenon that demands a simple explanation based on current science and technology. He posits that the unidentified object suggests intelligent control, possibly of a cybernetic nature. The author leans towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the most probable explanation for UFOs, citing studies on the 'problem of flying saucers.' However, he acknowledges that current verified events do not constitute irrefutable proof of extraterrestrial activity. Chiumento criticizes the scientific community for largely ignoring the extraterrestrial hypothesis, deeming it a 'paradox unworthy of great attention,' and attributes this dismissal to scientists who have not conducted genuine research on the subject. He argues that science should not continue to approach the 'flying saucer problem' in this manner, questioning if events like Aviano deserve more than a shrug from scientists.

A 'NOTE' section clarifies that the account of witness Manfré Bénito was carefully rendered to avoid linguistic awkwardness while preserving the 'authentic' content of the testimony.

Spanish Case (November 29-30, 1985) Pages 11-17 detail a 'radar-optical' case from Spain, focusing on observations around Tarassa and Sabadell, near Barcelona. The incident began on November 29, 1985, around 9:30 PM, when a police sergeant and an agent in Tarassa observed a large, stationary light in the sky. Numerous other citizens also reported the phenomenon. Two men from Sant Quirze del Valles described the light as powerful blue-white to the naked eye, and as a luminous, elongated object with less brightness at its extremities when viewed through binoculars. Some initially thought it was a bright star or Halley's Comet.

The police in Tarassa contacted the Civil Guard in Barcelona, who then informed the air traffic control center at Barcelona Airport. Initially, radar controllers could not detect the object. However, after disabling a filter that normally eliminates echoes from stationary objects, they detected a fixed echo north of Tarrasa, described as a bulbous, elongated object approximately 200 meters long. Its lack of movement led them to believe it was due to the mountainous terrain (Monts San Lorenzo-La Mola, 1000m altitude).

The radar used was an ASF-7 type, a 'TAR' (terminal area radar) operating in ultra-high frequencies with a range of about 110 km. This type of radar can provide distance and direction but not altitude, and is used for aircraft between 600 and 12,000 meters.

Later, around 10:30 PM, Barcelona police informed TV-3 (Independent Catalan Television), which sent a team to Tarrasa. The TV team, joined by local police, filmed the powerful, stationary light, which appeared three to four times larger than a normal star. They attempted to film other stars for comparison, but the film quality was insufficient.

Meanwhile, Barcelona air traffic control diverted several commercial aircraft (a DC-9, a Boeing-727, and another DC-9) towards the Sabadell-Tarrasa region. The pilots reported seeing nothing unusual. Meteorological conditions were clear, with moderate temperatures and excellent visibility.

At 1:30 AM on November 30, a Boeing-727 flying from Tenerife to Barcelona was asked to look 10 degrees to its left. The pilots reported seeing a linear, blue-white light, not very bright, northwest of Sabadell. They described it as 'like a chicken, in fact, an arrow, an elongated and blue-white light, with windows or compartments, and at the left end, a spot of orange light.'

Around 4:20 AM, a primary echo appeared on the Barcelona air traffic control radar, moving intensely about 4 miles (7.4 km) north of Sabadell, moving south at an estimated speed of 50 knots (90 km/h). This echo was extraordinarily large, with a calculated length of about five miles (9 kilometers) and imperceptible thickness. Approximately 50 seconds later, another echo, equivalent to a light aircraft (about 20 meters), appeared from its right, moving southeast at 900 km/h for 15 seconds before disappearing. The large object, moving south, was oriented with its longest dimension forward, presenting significant air resistance.

The radar indicated that the large object was moving at a very slow speed, comparable to an ultra-light aircraft (ULM), far below normal aircraft speeds. The article notes that the object's sudden disappearance from radar screens, rather than a gradual drift, is also mysterious.

Spanish military radars also detected these echoes. A C-212 Aviocar postal plane was rerouted to avoid a potential collision with the unknown echoes. The pilots of the postal plane reported seeing a bright white globe of light producing flashes every 2-3 seconds, which then moved erratically and disappeared. The phenomenon was consistently reported in the southwest region of Barcelona, towards Tarrasa and Sabadell.

The large object remained a fixed echo until approximately 6:00 AM. The article dismisses explanations involving conventional aircraft due to the object's immense size and slow speed, which would make stable flight impossible. It also notes that the radar equipment was verified and found to be functioning perfectly, and that military and civil radars detected the same phenomena, ruling out technical anomalies.

Analysis and Conclusions The article, authored by J.P. Crivillén (C.E.I. Barcelona) and Pascal Deboodt, and originally published in Spanish in 'CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA IV,' suggests that the facts presented are extraordinary and indicate a genuine UAP case, given the credibility of the sources. It mentions that some facts remain classified for national defense and security reasons. The article also notes that while the main text states no visual confirmation was reported, Toni Ribera did report seeing the OVNI with the naked eye above the Barcelona region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The issue delves into the philosophical aspects of UAP research, questioning whether reported phenomena represent genuinely new empirical observations that require new scientific paradigms. It highlights the common misinterpretations of UAPs as mundane objects like balloons or planets. The article emphasizes that the combination of properties reported for UAPs, such as high speed and stationary hovering, cannot be explained by conventional objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UAP phenomena, advocating for a more serious scientific approach and criticizing the current dismissal of the subject by the mainstream scientific community. The recurring theme is the challenge of explaining anomalous aerial phenomena that defy current scientific understanding and the reluctance of authorities and scientists to fully investigate and acknowledge them.

This issue of Inforespace, number 72, published in October 1983, focuses on UFO (OVNI) investigations, particularly in Brussels. The magazine, published by SOBEPS, emphasizes empirical research and critical thinking over blind acceptance of authority.

Distinguishing UFOs from UVIs: A Call for Empirical Evidence

The lead article questions the fundamental difference between UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and UVIs (Identified Flying Objects). It uses the analogy of authenticating a Shakespearean play by comparing its style and language to known works. The author argues that if the properties of reported UFOs match those of known objects (UVIs), then distinguishing between them becomes impossible. The article criticizes the reliance on 'authorities' who make pronouncements without empirical testing, likening it to medieval monks debating the number of teeth in a horse's mouth without direct observation. It urges readers to conduct their own investigations and not be misled by unsubstantiated claims, even when faced with independent witness testimonies.

J.A. Hynek's Research and the Scientific Paradox

An article by J.A. Hynek, presented posthumously, discusses the dominant findings from an analysis of 400 UFO cases. The results indicate that many reported properties of UFO phenomena differ from those used to explain them, suggesting that UFOs represent new empirical observations that do not fit the current scientific paradigm. Hynek quotes Niels Bohr, stating that 'Progress in science is impossible without paradox,' and posits that UFOs represent a first-class paradox, something that does not fit into current scientific frameworks. He believes that, like other concepts initially decried, the scientific community will eventually recognize the significance of the UFO phenomenon.

Acknowledgements and Ongoing Research

Pascal Deboodt, in the 'Remerciements' section, acknowledges the correspondence received following a previous article on Professor A. Meessen's work concerning UFO propulsion. He relays Meessen's request to thank those who sent remarks and encourages further research into UFO propulsion. Deboodt also appeals to readers and researchers to share any UFO cases involving electromagnetic effects (cars, compasses, etc.) to aid in confronting Meessen's ideas with current data.

Communiques and Case Files

Several communiques are featured:

• Communique n°1 announces a systematic collection of press clippings related to the Marius Dewilde case, initiated by Claude Gaudeau and Jean-Louis Gouzien. Readers are asked to contribute any available press cuttings not already listed to ensure a comprehensive compilation.
• Communique n°2 details the upcoming publication of Jean Sider's work, "L'Airship de 1897: Contribution à l'étude socio-historique de la vague de dirigeables-fantômes aux Etats Unis." This 373-page book, based on extensive research, is available for subscription.
• Communique n°3 announces a forthcoming document from the University of Tours, detailing observations used in a study on witness psychological types. This work is presented as a complement to previous research on UFOs in the Touraine region.

Obituaries

The issue marks the passing of two prominent figures in ufology: Jim Lorenzen, co-founder of APRO, who died on August 28, 1986, and Dr. J.A. Hynek, described as one of the founding fathers of modern ufology.

Investigation: Brussels Sightings, October 1983

The "NOS ENQUETES" (Our Investigations) section details a series of UFO observations by Mr. and Mrs. R. in Anderlecht, Brussels, in October 1983.

• October 13th: The witnesses observed an orange, star-like light hovering for four minutes. It reappeared, moving at a 45-degree incline, and later approached them slowly, revealing a lenticular shape with dazzling lights. The object then moved away silently.
• October 23rd: An orange light was seen moving and changing direction. Later, a red luminous point was observed following and passing an airplane, followed by three white luminous points in a triangle formation.
• October 24th: Two luminous headlights and a small light below an elliptical, matte object were observed. Later, two luminous points reappeared, one stationary and the other moving with an airplane. Several photographs were taken of these phenomena.

The investigation into the photographs involved analysis of exposure times and the estimated distance between flashing lights, leading to speed estimates of 100-200 km/h. Contact with the Régie des Voies Aériennes (Civil Aviation Authority) confirmed that aircraft lights have specific flashing frequencies, and the observed phenomena were compared to these standards. The report suggests the possibility that the lights were part of an aircraft, possibly one authorized to fly over the city, or that the object might have tilted, affecting the perceived positions of its lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology. It champions independent investigation, critical analysis of witness testimony, and the application of scientific methodology. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a strong belief in the importance of empirical data, even when it challenges existing paradigms. The issue highlights the ongoing nature of UFO research, the collaborative efforts of researchers, and the need for continued data collection and analysis. The passing of key figures like Hynek and Lorenzen underscores the historical depth and evolution of the field.

This issue of "L'OVNI DU 23 SEPTEMBRE 1986" focuses on the widely reported aerial phenomenon that occurred in Belgium on September 23, 1986. The magazine details the events, the public's reaction, and the scientific investigations that followed, drawing heavily from an article published in the "Ciel et Terre" review.

The September 23, 1986 Event

The article recounts that on the morning of September 23, 1986, as the sun was rising, numerous Belgians on their way to work witnessed luminous objects silently traversing the sky. This event, described as an "unusual procession," was observed by hundreds, possibly thousands, of people. The initial reaction was to determine the nature of these objects: UFOs, meteors, or something else.

Chronology and Witness Accounts

By 7:45 AM, the Royal Observatory of Belgium's intelligence service was inundated with phone calls from observers reporting luminous objects seen through their windows or car windshields. The RTBF (Belgian Radio-Television) and the secretariat of SOBEPS also received calls. By 9:00 AM, a preliminary assessment indicated that around 7:30 AM, one or more bright luminous spots had crossed the sky from east (or northeast) to west (or southwest) in a matter of seconds. Sightings were reported chronologically above Brussels around 7:25 AM, then Halle and Nivelles around 7:30 AM, followed by Charleroi, Namur, and Arlon by 7:40 AM. This suggested a displacement at a relatively low altitude and a high speed (approximately 800 km/h).

A significant problem arose concerning the directions reported: the object, initially moving east to west over Brussels, appeared to change direction near Halle to head towards Namur and Arlon (southeast). Furthermore, the lack of detection by the radar at Zaventem Airport raised questions about a low-altitude object.

Throughout the morning, calls continued to flood the Observatory and SOBEPS, prompting specialists to analyze the gathered information. The press also covered the event extensively, with the Secretary General of SOBEPS, Lucien Clerebaut, being interviewed by RTBF and the daily newspaper "Le Soir."

Scientific Hypotheses

In the afternoon, specialists from the Observatory, the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM), and the Space Aeronomy Institute (IAS) proposed a geophysical phenomenon, such as plasma or ball lightning, related to magnetohydrodynamics or matter ionization.

As more observation points emerged, particularly in western Belgium and the Flanders provinces, the idea of a low-altitude phenomenon became less tenable. The typical observation time remained consistent, between 7:30 AM and 7:35 AM. Witnesses described a very bright main spot followed shortly by four to ten smaller spots moving in a rectilinear, almost horizontal trajectory. The east-to-west movement was rapid, lasting no more than 10 seconds. Some witnesses reported seeing pieces detach from the main spot, with the smaller spots following parallel trajectories like "little ducklings following their mother" or moving "as if on rails." Some reported a trace left behind, while others did not. All observers unanimously reported hearing no noise, though one later recalled hearing a detonation about three minutes after the phenomenon passed.

The main spot was exceptionally bright, outshining the full moon, with a magnitude estimated to be around -15. The colors reported varied: green-blue for some, and yellow, red, green, blue, or incandescent white shifting to bright yellow for others.

News agencies reported that the phenomenon was also observed in the southern Netherlands and West Germany, reinforcing the hypothesis of an object at high altitude (50-100 km). For astronomers and meteorologists, this suggested either satellite debris or a particularly bright meteorite.

Satellite Debris and Meteorite Hypotheses

Information from the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in Toulouse suggested that the observed phenomenon was likely fragments from the re-entry of two Soviet satellites, scheduled for mid-September. This explanation was widely disseminated by the media and presented as the "official" explanation, appearing in newspapers and specialized reviews. The AFIS bulletin also reported this explanation.

However, the article strongly refutes this hypothesis. M. Vercheval of the Space Aeronomy Institute stated that two personal testimonies excluded the satellite hypothesis because they reported a northeast-to-southwest movement. He explained that most artificial satellites move in the direction of Earth's rotation (west to east), not the other way around. Furthermore, North American defense system radars did not report any such re-entry.

The "Bolide" Hypothesis

Dismissing the satellite debris theory, and given the aversion of astronomers to the term UFO, a new explanation emerged: a 'bolide' (meteor) that traversed the atmosphere at an altitude of approximately 70 km, following a trajectory parallel to the Dortmund-Brussels line, about 35-40 km south of this direction. To support this, J. Sauval cited a case from the July 1974 issue of "Sky and Telescope," which published a photograph of a daytime 'bolide' observed in the United States on August 10, 1972. This phenomenon moved slowly across the sky for over a minute, with a magnitude of -18, and calculations indicated it entered the atmosphere tangentially, grazing the planet at an altitude of about 60 km before continuing its orbit around the sun. The object was estimated to be at least ten meters in diameter with a mass of several thousand tons.

The article includes a photograph of this "bolide" and cautions against interpreting it as a UFO.

Lingering Questions and the "Unidentified Flying Object" Designation

Despite the various explanations, the phenomenon of September 23, 1986, has not received a truly satisfactory explanation. The author, Michel Bougard, argues that it is appropriate to call it an "unidentified flying object."

The article presents sketches of the phenomenon by various witnesses from SIVRY, CHARLEROI, LAEKEN (Brussels), and BRUXELLES.

Analysis of Witness Testimony and Ufological Models

Michel Bougard discusses the difficulty in reconstructing a precise "robot portrait" of the phenomenon due to the disparity in details reported by witnesses. However, he notes that common points allow for further research. He asserts that in cases involving multiple witnesses, human testimony regarding unusual aerial phenomena is generally reliable.

Bougard suggests that the study of such cases with multiple witnesses, based on reliable investigations, should be developed to test competing UFO models: the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) and the socio-psychological hypothesis (HSP). He argues that the HSP model currently focuses too much on perceived failures of witness perception, neglecting cases where perception systems can be verified as reliable. Furthermore, examining errors and biases in multiple-witness cases can help HET proponents be more critical in selecting characteristics for their physical models.

Service Librairie

The magazine includes a section on available books, highlighting "Soucoupes Volantes et Folklore" by Bertrand Méheust, published by Mercure de France. This book is described as a captivating and original work that examines alleged alien abduction experiences and the emergence of a technological supernatural within lived experiences. It is recommended for those interested in UFOs, science fiction, or human sciences.

Several other books on UFOs are listed for sale through SOBEPS, including works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Gérard Dohmen, Aimé Michel, Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Jimmy Guieu, Michel Monnerie, Charles Garreau, and Jacques Vallée. Prices are listed in Belgian Francs (FB).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent mystery surrounding the September 23, 1986, aerial phenomenon in Belgium. The magazine adopts a stance that, despite scientific investigations and proposed explanations, the event remains fundamentally unexplained and warrants the designation of an "unidentified flying object." The editorial implicitly encourages continued research and critical analysis of witness testimonies, while also promoting ufological literature. The inclusion of book sales and contact information for SOBEPS indicates a commitment to fostering interest and engagement within the ufology community.