Inforespace - No 83 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 83
Date: March 1992
Volume: 21st year
Publisher: Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a semestrial review dedicated to ufology and space phenomena, presents a comprehensive look at recent developments and ongoing investigations. The magazine emphasizes a rational and scientific approach to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena, driven by volunteerism and a commitment to disseminating accurate information.

Editorial

The editorial section highlights recent activities and reflections within the ufological community. It mentions collaborations with researchers and media, including an appearance on a television news program and participation in conferences. The editorial underscores the importance of laboratory work and systematic observation, referencing the analysis of radar recordings of F-16 intercepts. It notes that these findings confirm the confrontation with unknown, large material objects exhibiting spectacular aerial maneuvers. The editorial suggests that such evidence helps elevate ufology from a fringe activity to a more scientifically testable field, potentially supporting the extraterrestrial hypothesis. It also emphasizes the need for intellectual freedom and diversity of thought in scientific exploration, contrasting the approach of new researchers with that of earlier pioneers.

SOBEPS Activities and Resources

The magazine details the operational aspects of SOBEPS, including its secretariat and library, which are accessible to members on Saturdays. Administrative inquiries can be directed to a specific phone number, while witness testimonies are handled through a dedicated line with a 24-hour answering service. SOBEPS also offers a collection of 360 slides on UFO phenomena, organized into 30 series, to help members create illustrated presentations. Additionally, guides for investigators and observers are available, providing tools for analyzing sightings, estimating altitudes, documenting traces, and understanding astronomical data relevant to ufology.

Feature Articles and Reports

Unsolved Mysteries and the Belgian UFO Wave

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the American television series "Unsolved Mysteries" and its coverage of the Belgian UFO wave. The article details how the show's producers contacted SOBEPS, leading to a collaborative effort to document and reconstruct key events from the wave, particularly the "fateful night" of March 30-31, 1990. The production involved gendarmes and the Belgian Air Force, with reconstructions filmed on location. The article critically analyzes the show's portrayal, noting both its strengths in bringing attention to the phenomena and its weaknesses in certain interpretations and special effects, particularly regarding the visual representation of the objects. SOBEPS expresses that while the show was impressive, it did not always satisfy their standards for accuracy, especially in post-production where creative liberties were taken. The article highlights specific cases, such as the observations by gendarmes Nicoll and von Montigny, and the involvement of F-16 radar data, referencing Professor Meessen's detailed analysis.

Case Studies and Investigations

Several specific cases are presented:

• The Alleur Flying Wing: This report details an observation on November 27, 1991, by a gendarme and his family of a luminous object described as a 'flying wing' with a massive upper volume, hovering motionless before accelerating rapidly. The object was observed for approximately seven minutes.
• St-Georges-sur-Meuse Landing Case: This investigation revisits an event from May 4, 1990, involving a luminous, orange, conical structure observed hovering above a field. The case is notable for potential ground traces and alleged effects on local animals, though the initial investigation by another group is critiqued for missing details. SOBEPS conducted a follow-up investigation.
• Genval Spectacular Observation: An engineer from Genval describes a detailed observation on December 26, 1989, of a silent, stable, luminous object with a clear trajectory. The observation was made under clear skies, with the object estimated to be between 500-600 meters away and moving at a speed comparable to a large aircraft.

Congress Reports

The issue also includes a report on the sixth international ufology congress, "The Global View," held in Sheffield in August 1991, summarizing various presentations on topics ranging from UFO phenomena meaning to abductions, crop circles, and data analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of eyewitness testimony, and the critical analysis of media portrayals of UFO events. SOBEPS maintains a stance that ufology should be treated as a serious scientific endeavor, free from preconceived notions and driven by evidence. The magazine advocates for intellectual freedom and a commitment to accuracy, even when critiquing productions like "Unsolved Mysteries." The editorial emphasizes that science thrives in an environment of liberty and diversity, encouraging imagination and individual interests to drive discovery.

This issue of OVNI magazine, issue number 82, published in November 1991 by Inforespace, focuses on UFO sightings and explores the concept of the 'initiation process.' The magazine presents detailed witness testimonies from Norway and the United Kingdom, alongside an in-depth analysis of the psychological implications of these encounters.

Witness Accounts from Norway

The magazine features several detailed accounts from Norway. In January 1989, a sighting in Sande involved a luminous ball that reappeared, followed by a large, dark object with lights approaching a house. Later that month, in Andebu, a woman and her children observed a bright object transform into a sphere and parallel their car. In May 1989, Tom Arne Kristensen reported being followed by an intensely bright light on his moped near Kodal. In November and December 1989, Ivar Spilde observed a massive, dark object with lights near Sandefjord on two separate occasions. In June 1990, an agricultural worker and others in Højanger witnessed a luminous object that ascended vertically at incredible speed. In February 1991, Vidar and Beate Gjøsund reported a 'gigantic thing' with brilliant lights near Trengereid.

Witness Accounts from the United Kingdom

Several reports from the United Kingdom are also included. In February 1988, multiple sightings occurred in South Yorkshire. Near Ecclesfield, a retired driving instructor and others observed two bright lights that behaved like aircraft but were silent. In Sheffield, an oblong object with lights was seen at low altitude. A series of observations on February 10, 1988, across South Yorkshire described large, non-conventional objects, some with humming sounds. Later that month, near Penistone, Dorothy Hill and friends saw a brilliantly illuminated, diamond-shaped object that stopped and started. In Sheffield, Elise Oxley observed an object with lights that moved rapidly. Near Barnsley, Jeff Goodwin described a large, triangular object with lights and a humming sound. Margaret Gamble reported a large, dark mass with brilliant lights over Wombwell, and M. Hoyle observed an object moving slowly over the rooftops.

Analysis of UFOs and the Initiation Process

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the 'initiation process' in relation to UFO phenomena. Jacques Antoine, in an article titled 'L'HYPOTHESE AUTO-INITIATIQUE,' suggests that UFO encounters might not be external interventions but rather catalysts for a self-initiated psychological and conceptual evolution. He draws parallels with the developmental stages of human consciousness, where new experiences force a reorganization of one's understanding of the world. The magazine posits that UFOs could be 'machines for making people think,' prompting individuals to question their reality and undergo a form of mental 'death and resurrection.' This process is described as an inherent mechanism within humans, triggered by fundamentally new elements encountered throughout life, from infancy to old age. The article contrasts this 'auto-initiation' with external, deliberate initiation processes, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon might be a natural, endogenous force driving human evolution.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the psychological impact of these encounters, and the exploration of consciousness and personal evolution. The magazine adopts a stance that is open to unconventional explanations for UFO phenomena, moving beyond simple misidentification. It emphasizes the transformative potential of these experiences, framing them as initiatory events that can lead to a deeper understanding of reality and the self. The editorial suggests that the UFO phenomenon, rather than being solely about extraterrestrial visitors, might be intrinsically linked to the development of human consciousness and societal evolution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNI magazine strongly advocates for the idea that UFO sightings are significant events that can trigger profound psychological and conceptual shifts in individuals. The editorial stance leans towards viewing UFOs not just as physical objects but as phenomena that serve a purpose in human development, potentially acting as catalysts for a form of 'auto-initiation.' The magazine consistently questions conventional explanations and encourages readers to consider more complex, perhaps even philosophical or psychological, interpretations of these aerial mysteries. The focus on the 'initiation process' suggests a belief that humanity is undergoing a period of learning and evolution, with UFOs playing a role in this transformation.

This issue of Phénomèna focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations, primarily from early 1988 in the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on the Sheffield and Barnsley areas of South Yorkshire. The magazine presents detailed witness testimonies, sketches of observed objects, and analysis by investigators.

Key Sightings and Reports

Sheffield Sightings (February 18, 1988)

The issue details two significant sightings from February 18, 1988. The first, by Mme Oxley in Millhouses, Sheffield, described a large, triangular object with red lights at each corner and along the base, emitting a loud noise similar to a Spitfire engine. The object moved rapidly from south to north, disappearing within 30 seconds. Mme Oxley noted the object's unusual flight path and its low altitude, questioning whether it was a very large object close by or a gigantic one at a higher altitude.

The second sighting, occurring around the same time (18:30), was by Mme Caroline Glossop, a 45-year-old artist in Stannington, Sheffield. She described a massive, low-flying object that occupied two-thirds of her car's windshield view. It moved slowly, appeared to rotate, and had lights on its exterior. She described its shape as "marrow-shaped" with lights at the ends and underside. This sighting was potentially of the same object reported in Millhouses, and Mme Glossop also noted slight interference on her television screen.

South Yorkshire and Humberside Sightings (March-April 1988)

March 3, 1988: Near Langsett, South Yorkshire, four students on the A628 reported a triangular object with six to seven bright red lights, moving at an estimated altitude of 900 meters towards the Emley Moor television relay. Another passenger described it as a triangular object with equidistant red lights, moving south to north.

April 13, 1988: In Scunthorpe, Humberside, two witnesses reported two triangle-shaped objects with bright white flashing lights, moving slowly east to west at an altitude of about 600 meters. They were described as illuminating the rear of the objects.

April 20, 1988: A particularly intriguing report from Staincross, Barnsley, involved Sharon Cook, an 18-year-old, who witnessed a triangular object pursued by several cars with powerful headlights. She and her boyfriend observed a man with an antenna-like device near a parked car before the triangular object appeared, flew low, and then accelerated away, followed by the cars that searched the fields.

Investigation and Analysis

Investigator Andy Roberts interviewed Sharon Cook and was impressed by her sincerity. He noted that the area was isolated. The presence of the man with the antenna, the triangular object, and the pursuing cars led Roberts to hypothesize that a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) might have been tested secretly in the Barnsley region.

The magazine discusses RPVs in detail on page 44, describing them as mini-drones for military purposes, including reconnaissance, target designation, and surveillance. Several countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Switzerland, and Israel, are mentioned as developing these technologies. The article suggests that RPVs, especially if triangular and equipped with lights, could be mistaken for UFOs.

Other News and Features

International Ufology News

• Canada: Jean-Luc Vertongen was scheduled to represent Belgium in Canada, participating in radio and TV shows and giving lectures in Montreal and Quebec, focusing on Belgian UFO events from November 1989, particularly F-16 radar "lock-ons."
• USA: Patrick Ferryn was invited to present at a ufology congress in Boulder, Colorado, discussing the Belgian UFO wave.
• Brazil: Léon Brenig, a physicist from the Free University of Brussels, was planning a trip to Brazil to connect with researchers there.

Service Librairie SOBEPS

The issue includes a detailed catalog of books available for purchase from SOBEPS, covering various aspects of ufology, including:

• "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard
• "La Chronique des OVNI" by Michel Bougard
• "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" by Aimé Michel
• "Actes du Premier Congrès Européen sur les Phénomènes Aériens Anormaux"
• "Les O.V.N.I." by Michel Dorier and Jean-Pierre Troadec
• "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes" by Fernand Lagarde
• "Les Soucoupes Volantes Viennent d'un Autre Monde" and "Black-Out sur les Soucoupes Volantes" by Jimmy Guieu
• "Et Si les OVNI N'Existaient Pas ?" by Michel Monnerie
• "Soucoupes Volantes, 20 Ans d'Enquêtes" by Charles Garreau

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a strong focus on physical descriptions of objects and witness accounts. The magazine appears to maintain an open but analytical stance, presenting evidence and exploring potential explanations, including conventional aircraft, RPVs, and the possibility of unknown phenomena. The inclusion of detailed book listings and international news suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive resource for ufology enthusiasts. The editorial stance leans towards presenting credible witness reports and encouraging further investigation, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentifications and the role of advanced technology like RPVs in potentially explaining some sightings.