Inforespace - No 73 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 73
Volume: 16
Date: November 1987
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, the semiannual review of ufology and spatial phenomena, delves into significant UFO reports and the operational aspects of the SOBEPS organization.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the end of the year, a traditional time for subscription renewals. It highlights the challenging economic climate and its impact on membership, noting a drastic decline in SOBEPS members over the past decade (four times fewer than ten years prior). Despite this, the organization has managed to maintain a stable financial situation. For 1988, SOBEPS plans to publish two issues of the magazine, one in March-April and another in November-December. The editorial also previews upcoming content, including a detailed look at the Roswell incident and the theories of Professor Auguste Meessen on UFOs. It bids farewell to Pascal Deboodt, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, thanking him for his dedication and wishing him well in his career change.

Membership and Subscriptions (Cotisations)

Details are provided for 1988 membership fees, with options for 'Membre d'Honneur' (Honorary Member), 'soutien' (Sustaining Member), and 'ordinaire' (Ordinary Member). Different rates apply for Belgium, France, and other countries. The two higher membership tiers include a book as a gift, chosen from a list on the cover page, or a complete year of back issues (1973-1987). Only the 'Membre d'Honneur' subscription includes a membership card. Information on obtaining past issues is also given, with the first year (1972) being out of print. Payments are to be made to the SOBEPS account in Brussels, with specific instructions for France and Canada regarding postal money orders or bank transfers.

Secretariat - Library

The SOBEPS premises are accessible to members every Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM for consulting the documentation, books, and journals. Appointments are required during July and August or outside of these hours, to be made with the Secretary General, M. L. Clerebaut.

SOBEPS Slides

SOBEPS offers a collection of 336 slides dedicated to various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, organized into 28 series of 12 documents each. These slides can be used to create illustrated presentations.

Investigations (Nos enquêtes)

This section reviews UFO witness testimonies collected by SOBEPS from 1985 to 1987. It notes a general decrease in reported UFO sightings in Belgium since the 1980s, contrasting with an increase in other countries. A table shows the number of investigated cases per year: 4 in 1980, 1 in 1981, 4 in 1982, a peak of 28 in 1983, 9 in 1984, 6 in 1985, and 9 in 1986. The report highlights that in 1985, one case was identified as a misidentification with the planet Jupiter (Waterloo, August 11, 1985). For 1987, only one testimony had been received by the time of publication. The article urges readers to share any UFO sightings they are aware of, whether recent or old, from any source, to aid SOBEPS's research.

International News: Strange Encounter in Alaska

This article details a significant UFO event involving Japan Air Lines (JAL) Flight 1628 on November 17, 1986. The Boeing 747 cargo plane, en route from Paris to Tokyo with stops in Reykjavik and Anchorage, was approaching Ft. Yukon, Alaska, at an altitude of 10,500 meters under clear night conditions. Captain Kenju Terauchi and his crew (First Officer Takanori Tamefuji and Flight Engineer Yoshio Tsukuda) reported seeing three objects or lights ahead of the aircraft. Initially thinking it was another plane, they observed white, yellow, and amber lights. After turning off the cockpit lights to avoid reflections, they confirmed the objects were independent and contacted Anchorage FAA. The FAA radar operators and those at Elmendorf AFB confirmed the presence of at least one large object. The article presents the experience as described by the crew, the FAA controllers, and FAA spokesperson Paul Steucke. Captain Terauchi, a 47-year-old pilot with 29 years of experience, described the objects as two smaller 'daughter ships' and a larger 'mother ship'. He noted their ability to appear, disappear, and move rapidly. He speculated about an extraterrestrial origin. The larger object was described as twice the size of a cargo plane, while the smaller ones did not appear on the aircraft's weather radar. Terauchi also mentioned seeing the silhouette of an object near Fairbanks at a distance of 13 km. The crew was not panicked, but rather wanted to distance themselves from the phenomenon. The FAA confirmed an object remained present despite the aircraft's evasive maneuvers. Terauchi humorously suggested the UFOs might have been interested in the Beaujolais wine being transported. The article includes reproductions of drawings made by Captain Terauchi, illustrating the objects' formation, shape, and radar signature. An interview with Larry King on CNN with Captain Terauchi is summarized, where Terauchi recounts the sighting duration (50 minutes) and the sizes of the objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, emphasizing rational observation and study. It highlights the importance of witness testimony and investigations, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by ufological organizations in terms of funding and public awareness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member participation and the reporting of sightings. The publication aims to provide detailed accounts of UFO encounters, analyze scientific and psychological aspects, and keep readers informed about international developments in the field.

This issue of the MUFON UFO JOURNAL, dated February 1987 (Issue 226), focuses on the JAL 1628 incident, a significant UFO sighting that occurred on November 17, 1986. The article details the events, witness testimonies, radar data, and subsequent investigations, presenting it as a compelling case for UFO research.

The JAL 1628 Incident

The core of the issue revolves around the observations made by the crew of Japan Air Lines (JAL) flight 1628, a Boeing 747 cargo plane, while flying over Alaska. The crew, including pilot Kenju Terauchi, reported seeing multiple unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that approached their aircraft and flew in formation with it. Initially, the objects appeared as lights, described as white and yellow, and were distinct from standard aircraft navigation lights. The pilot described one large object and two smaller ones. The larger object was estimated to be several miles away, while the smaller ones were closer.

Air Traffic Control and Radar Data

Air traffic controllers in Anchorage were contacted by the JAL crew. Radar data confirmed the presence of an unidentified object near the JAL flight. The FAA requested military radar support from the U.S. Air Force base at Elmendorf, which also detected an object. However, the military radar lost the object shortly after. The FAA controllers authorized the JAL aircraft to perform maneuvers, including altitude changes and a 360-degree turn, to observe the objects. During these maneuvers, the crew reported that the lights of the UFOs were no longer visible, but Air Force officers continued to track 'a flight of two' objects.

Another aircraft, United Airlines flight 69, was asked to observe the JAL flight and the UFOs, but its crew reported nothing unusual. A C-130 military aircraft also did not report any anomalies.

Official Investigations and Explanations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reopened its investigation into the JAL 1628 incident on January 2, 1987. Investigators re-examined radar recordings and re-interviewed Captain Terauchi. Paul Steuke, a spokesperson for the FAA, stated that the reason for reopening the case was a 'violation of airspace,' and the objective was to identify the object. However, he acknowledged that identifying the object was unrealistic given the available data.

Steuke also mentioned that the U.S. Air Force did not retain its radar recordings for long, and officials were not eager to search for the UFO signal. The 'split image' phenomenon observed on the FAA radar was later explained as a potential radar anomaly or 'rupture d'image,' which coincidentally appeared with the aircraft. This explanation was also reported by Marilyn Adams in US TO DAY, who titled her article 'Radar system to explain a UFO sighting.'

Different dimensions were reported for the smaller objects: Steuke estimated them at about 2.4 meters in diameter, while Captain Terauchi, in an interview with L. King, described them as the size of a DC-8. The larger object was described as significantly larger, possibly two to three times the size of a jumbo jet.

Media Coverage and Public Interest

The incident garnered significant media attention, with reporters from Anchorage's Daily News and other publications interviewing FAA controllers and officials. Sam Rich, an FAA controller, described the sighting as a 'trace' on radar and noted that the pilot seemed shocked. He also confirmed that the radar trace was not intense and that neither he nor his colleagues initially thought it was a simple double image.

The article highlights that the JAL 1628 case was considered one of the most interesting cases for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) to investigate. Walt Andrus, International Director of MUFON, expressed the network's commitment to studying UFOs globally and their efforts to inform the public.

Lack of Photographic Evidence and Confirmation

A point of discussion was the absence of photographic evidence. The article humorously notes that Japanese tourists are known for carrying cameras, yet no photos were taken during this observation. It is suggested that even photos might have been considered weak evidence, and a solid radar confirmation would have been ideal.

Conclusion and Ongoing Enigma

The article concludes that the FAA in Washington would eventually issue a conclusion after reviewing the documents from Anchorage. The media pressure had prompted the FAA to reopen the case, which they might not have otherwise done. The phenomenon of UFOs is presented as very much alive and remaining an enigma on a global scale. The text was published in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL, translated and written by Pascal Deboodt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed analysis of a specific UFO sighting (JAL 1628), the role of radar in detecting and confirming such phenomena, the challenges of official investigations, and the public's right to know about UFOs. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the difficulties in definitively identifying the objects. The article emphasizes the ongoing mystery and global interest in UFOs, positioning MUFON as a key organization dedicated to researching and informing the public about these events.

This issue of INFOR-ESPACE, identified by the number 19, features an article titled "Les OVNI: sujet tabou aux U.S.A.?" (UFOs: A Taboo Subject in the USA?). The article, originally a transcription of an A.F.P. dispatch published in the Belgian newspaper "Le Soir" on June 27-28, 1987, suggests that the apparent calm surrounding ufology in the world hides significant ongoing activity in research, conferences, and investigations. The issue also includes a note about an upcoming INFOR-ESPACE number dedicated to Professor A. Meessen's research.

Article: "Les OVNI: sujet tabou aux U.S.A.?"

The article begins by referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine brilliant objects, which he termed "flying saucers," sparking a global wave of UFO observations. Forty years later, the article notes a renewed American interest in the subject, evidenced by three successful books: "Communion" by Whitley Strieber, "Intruders" by Budd Hopkins, and "Light Years" by Gary Kinder. These books, according to the article, focus on "third kind" encounters with extraterrestrials piloting UFOs, often describing a recurring scenario where witnesses recall seeing a UFO while alone in a remote area. Under hypnosis, witnesses sometimes describe "hydrocephalic creatures with exaggeratedly large eyes."

Budd Hopkins, speaking at a Washington symposium, highlighted the traumatic nature of these experiences, stating that only five out of 140 people interviewed for his book agreed to be named.

The interest in UFOs has also been fueled by the upcoming publication of a book claiming a flying saucer crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, killing its four occupants. Author William Moore asserts that the American government has deliberately kept this affair secret, despite the official explanation being a weather balloon crash. Moore supports his claims with a 1952 anonymous letter, purportedly intended for President-elect Eisenhower, which allegedly establishes the existence of non-human intelligent beings.

The article mentions the "conspiracy of silence" surrounding UFOs, citing a US Northwest association, PSAPR, which claims to have obtained about 500 documents related to UFO presence near military installations through official archives. This group is reportedly seeking parliamentary support to compel the administration to release its files, boasting the backing of figures like former astronaut John Glenn.

Over 40 years, estimates range from 60,000 to 100,000 UFO sightings. While most are explained by meteorological balloons, will-o'-the-wisps, or natural phenomena, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a military scientist, suggests that "10 to 20% of observed cases are difficult to explain."

NOS COMMENTAIRES (Our Comments)

This section provides commentary on the main article:

• (1) It questions the assertion that Kenneth Arnold instigated UFO observations and that the subsequent wave was worldwide, suggesting these claims are "folkloric" and primarily limited to the USA.
• (2) It identifies Symposium 87 in Washington, organized by MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), as the event attended by Budd Hopkins, who is noted as a specialist in abductions for MUFON. The magazine promises to cover the symposium's conferences in a future issue.
• (3) It references William L. Moore's 1980 book, "The Roswell Incident," and notes that a future issue of INFORESPACE (nº 74, March 1988) will detail recent developments regarding the declassification of secret documents related to the Roswell case.
• (4) It states that the document mentioned in the article is vaguely referenced in Moore's book.
• (5) It speculates that the acronym PSAPR might stand for "Aerial Phenomena Research."
• (6) It identifies Dr. Bruce Maccabee as President of the UFO Research Foundation, a physicist, a laser specialist at NAVY, and the president of the 1987 MUFON Congress in Washington.

En bref... (In Brief...)

This section presents a brief A.F.P. dispatch about a UFO sighting by a young Frenchman, Laurent Pasgrimaud, from Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique). He reported seeing a "large orange, round, slightly blinking mass" and provided a sound recording. Jean-Jacques Velasco, a French expert, called it an "interesting case" and the "first time" a sound document has been available. The article notes that while Velasco is the current head of GEPAN, there are precedents for UFO sound recordings, citing Belgian observations from 1974. It mentions that a favorable "wind" allowed them to obtain the recording, and analyses will be conducted in Belgian universities.

A communiqué announces an interesting document from the Institut de Recherches et d'Applications de Méthodes Psycho-Educatives (I.R.A.M.E.) of the University of Tours, titled "Classification des témoins en fonction de leur appartenance à des types psychologiques" (Classification of Witnesses Based on Their Psychological Types). Written by Claude Gaudeau and Jean-Louis Gouzien, it is available for 150 FF plus postage. Ordering instructions are provided for readers in France and Belgium.

Quelques cas avec des effets électromagnétiques (Some Cases with Electromagnetic Effects)

This section explores UFO cases involving electromagnetic interference (EM), aiming to guide scientific models. The SOBEPS organization is seeking information on such cases, particularly those involving effects on compasses, gyroscopes, or radios.

• February 2, 1973: Captain Peter Telling, flying a DC-8 over New Zealand, reported his right engine catching fire and observed a luminous, bluish-white ball. During this time, his automatic direction finder (ADF), gyroscope, and magnetic compass "panicked," spinning at about 12 revolutions per minute and rendering navigation equipment unusable until the aircraft left the Wanganui region.
• November 28, 1974: Hugo W. Feugen, an engineer flying a personal plane in Illinois, USA, observed a disk or ellipse-shaped object flying parallel to his aircraft. His magnetic compass spun at about 4-5 revolutions per minute, and navigation instruments were affected.
• March 6, 1975: A commercial airline pilot flying from Melbourne to Perth, Australia, reported a greenish, rapidly descending object. During the sighting, the aircraft's compasses and gyroscopes were affected, and unusual Morse code-like activity was detected on the ADF frequency, followed by silence. The ADF needle pointed towards the object's location.

Autopsie d'UFOCAT (Autopsy of UFOCAT)

This section critically examines the UFOCAT project, initiated by Dr. Willy Smith and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, which aimed to create a global, credible database of UFO observations. The project's goal was to select cases based on criteria like multiple witnesses, residual effects, or documented investigations.

The article explains that UFOCAT is a "computerized catalog of UFO reports and related information." Its basic element, an "entry," is stored in a 256-hexadecimal character record, with about 200 characters for raw data. The user interface requires interpreting coded lines, necessitating a complex coding booklet.

A fundamental flaw highlighted is UFOCAT's nature as a catalog of sources rather than a database of verified UFO cases. The article quotes the UFOCAT coding booklet: "each entry reflects the contribution of A witness to AN event, as reported by A source... a certain entry should reflect with precision the data mentioned by its own source, even when we know that this data is inaccurate."

This approach, focusing on quantity over quality, led to the inclusion of numerous sources without critical evaluation. Allan Hendry's critique is cited, noting that essential information like terrain, weather, object shape, movements, witness credibility, and other details are often not coded. Furthermore, the inclusion of all cases from the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which constitutes 22% of UFOCAT entries and is 95% comprised of unidentified objects (OVI), is seen as significantly undermining the database's value for authentic UFO observations.

The article also discusses the difficulty of extracting information from UFOCAT, requiring specialized programs and significant resources. It uses the example of the Antonio Villas Boas abduction case, noting that UFOCAT has 22 entries for this incident, many of which are incomplete or erroneous. The article concludes that statistical conclusions drawn from UFOCAT are unreliable due to data inconsistencies and methodological flaws.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance on UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the continued interest and research in UFOs, it scrutinizes the methodologies and claims made within the field, particularly regarding databases like UFOCAT and the interpretation of witness accounts. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and data analysis, questioning unsubstantiated claims and highlighting the challenges in establishing the credibility and scientific validity of UFO reports. The inclusion of detailed case studies, alongside critical commentary and analysis of research projects, suggests a commitment to exploring the subject matter thoroughly while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensationalism.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number 29 and dated January-February 1971, is titled "L'ufologie et les confins de la science" (Ufology and the Frontiers of Science). It features contributions from Dr. Willy Smith and a translation by Jacques Scornaux. The issue includes a "REFERENCES" section listing several UFO-related books and a "HUMOUR!!!" section with a cartoon.

Scientific Context of Ufology

The main article explores the scientific perspective on ufology, beginning with the Big Bang theory and the formation of the universe. Cosmologists are debating the exact timing of the universe's origin, estimating it between 11 and 15 billion years ago. The early universe, after the Big Bang, was characterized by the expansion and dissipation of energy, leading to the formation of elementary particles and light atoms. Over a long period, gravity caused galactic clusters to form, and about 10 billion years ago, our galaxy, the Milky Way, "solidified" around a central nuclear event.

Initially, the Milky Way was sterile, composed only of light atoms. The heavier elements necessary for life, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, were formed later through fusion within the stars of the first generation. Some of these young stars, particularly "Blue Giants," burned rapidly and exploded as spectacular supernovae. These explosions dispersed heavy elements, or "star dust," throughout the galaxy, paving the way for the future development of life. Over billions of years, the galaxy's density increased, forming giant molecular clouds from which the first life-bearing systems would eventually emerge.

The Arrival of Life

Later, stars formed from clouds of gas and heavy dust gave rise to the first planets. The article posits that rocky spheres with water and atmospheres would eventually populate the galaxy, initiating the process of life and its evolution towards intelligence. These systems, with their first heavy elements, likely formed in regions beyond the intensely active galactic center, in areas rich in dense gas. At that time, our Sun was merely a faint light in the galactic eye, located about 20,000 light-years away. Planetary systems with heavy elements began to form approximately 7 to 8 billion years ago, 2 to 3 billion years before our solar system appeared. The early life forms in these bio-systems may have been short-lived and violent due to stellar flux density and proximity to the galactic nucleus, which could have "washed out" early ecologies with deadly radiation. However, in healthier, more distant regions, life took root and developed.

Galactic Timeline and Hypotheses

The article presents a hypothetical "Galactic Timeline" graph, with the horizontal axis representing duration and the vertical axis representing quantities in billions. The graph illustrates the hypothetical evolution of planets similar to Earth, systems conducive to life, and stages of life's evolution. Based on these hypotheses, the author estimates that there could be between 300 and 400 million technologically advanced civilizations in our galaxy. This implies that within a 50 light-year radius, there is at least one "neighbor," and within a 100 light-year radius, there could be nine technically advanced civilizations.

The "LES HYPOTHESES" (The Hypotheses) section outlines several key assumptions:

1. The galaxy was sterile in its early history (a conservative view).
2. Approximately one billion systems are suitable for evolved life, a conservative estimate that could be 5 to 10 times higher.
3. Stellar systems formed at a uniform rate during this period.
4. Stellar systems are not destroyed (99% certainty for those studied).
5. Life forms rapidly and spontaneously.
6. Elementary life forms do not go extinct.
7. Life becomes more complex over time, a concept supported by Ilya Prigogine's work on self-organization in open systems.
8. While specific species may disappear, not all advanced forms go extinct.
9. Intelligence is inevitable.
10. Intelligence never truly disappears.
11. Technological civilizations are inevitable over time.
12. Technological civilizations do not disappear. This point is debated:
* A) Advanced civilizations might disappear due to environmental catastrophes (e.g., supernova, black hole), which are rare.
* B) Civilizations might self-destruct, which is difficult to predict scientifically. The author believes this is unlikely due to the adaptability of intelligent beings.
* C) Even if humanity disappeared, life would likely re-emerge elsewhere, and other civilizations would attempt evolution.

Implications for Ufology

The implications for ufology are significant: there are likely many intelligent lives elsewhere, some very ancient. If they have not self-destructed, these civilizations have likely evolved into forms that are practically undetectable.

The article is followed by a section attributed to Michael Swords, identified as a Professor-Associate of Natural Sciences at Western Michigan University. This text was published in MUFON UFO Journal, issue #225.

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS

This section lists various UFO-related books available for purchase through SOBEPS, providing titles, authors, publishers, and prices in Belgian Francs (FB). Titles include works by Michel Bougard, Jean-Gérard Dohmen, Aimé Michel, Jean-Claude Bourret, Fernand Lagarde, Michel Monnerie, Charles Garreau, Raymond Lavier, Jacques Vallée, and Bertrand Méheust. The list covers a range of topics from general UFO phenomena and historical cases to specific investigations and extraterrestrial encounters.

Advertisements and Affiliations

The issue also contains advertisements for "ovni présence" (UFO presence), a publication associated with the "Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes" in Switzerland. Another advertisement is for the "MUFON UFO JOURNAL," the official publication of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), based in Seguin, Texas. Finally, there is information about SOBEPS itself, encouraging readers to contact local private radio stations to announce the society's existence and solicit testimonies of unusual aerial phenomena. The contact details for SOBEPS in Brussels are provided. A listing for "MAGONIA" edited by John Rimmer, with an address in England, is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of scientific understanding (cosmology, astrophysics, astrobiology) and the phenomenon of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, attempting to ground ufological discussions within scientific frameworks while acknowledging the profound implications of potential extraterrestrial intelligence. The inclusion of a humor section and the listing of numerous books suggest an effort to engage readers on multiple levels, from academic exploration to popular interest in the subject. The emphasis on scientific hypotheses and the potential for advanced, undetectable civilizations points towards a forward-looking and speculative approach to ufology.