Inforespace - No 86

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: n° 86
Date: April 1993, 22nd year
Type: Semestrial review

Article 1: UNE MINI-VAGUE "A LA BELGE"

This article, written by Michel Bougard, examines the concept of an 'OVNI wave' and critiques the limited data presented in a recent MUFON UFO Journal article about a 'Williamsport wave'. The Williamsport incident, occurring on the evening of February 5, 1992, involved 13 witnesses in the Lycoming County, Pennsylvania area. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise that vibrated windows and walls, and upon going outside, they saw a UFO which they followed until its disappearance. The observations, mostly between 18:05 and 18:30, occurred in locations like Linden, Williamsport, Lewisburg, Northumberland, and Selinsgrove. The investigator, Samuel D. Greco, suggested that multiple unknown objects were present due to the simultaneity of sightings in separated locations.

The object's shape was frequently described as a 'boomerang' (10 out of 13 cases), with others describing it as a 'triangle', 'bell', or 'disc'. The article notes that the triangular shape was reported by the only witness directly beneath the UFO. The most striking aspect for witnesses was the object's imposing mass combined with its slow, low-altitude movement (around 30 km/h). The object displayed two green lights at the rear and several white lights. Some witnesses also reported red or red-and-green lights accompanying the object, leading to speculation about escorting 'aircraft'. Radar stations in the region reported no aircraft in the vicinity during the observation period, and no unusual radar echoes were recorded.

The article draws parallels with recent observations in Belgium from November 1989 to Spring 1991, noting similarities in the phenomena. It also mentions that the MUFON article discussed secret aircraft and new prototypes with advanced performance, and that another article in the same issue presents an original and audacious hypothesis on this topic.

Article 2: ADIEU AMI MICHEL

This section is an obituary and tribute to Aimé Michel, a significant figure in ufology, who passed away on December 27-28, 1992, at the age of 73. Michel had a background in musical harmony, acoustics, philosophy, and letters, and a career in communication and radio. His entry into ufology began in the autumn of 1954 with the publication of "Lueurs sur les Soucoupes Volantes" (Lights on Flying Saucers), which compiled American and European UFO sightings. He also proposed the first coherent theory of a propulsion system for 'flying saucers'.

The article highlights Michel's role in popularizing the 1954 French UFO wave, which he documented on a map, correlating sightings within a 24-hour period. The author expresses initial skepticism about Michel's methodology, particularly the arbitrary 24-hour timeframe and the focus on France. However, he acknowledges Michel's later influence and his work on 'orthoteny'.

Michel's work is described as a 'rendezvous with history' in ufology. The article quotes Michel discussing the possibility of non-human intelligence behind UFO phenomena and the need to accept the 'absurd' and 'incredible'. It also touches upon his later work, including 'Le Mysticisme' and 'Métanoïa', which explored the connection between ufology and mysticism.

The author recounts his personal interactions with Michel, noting his kindness and professionalism. Michel's later years were marked by a retreat from public life, with his interventions becoming more sporadic. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the field, despite some methodological criticisms.

Article 3: MEDIA ET PHÉNOMÈNE OVNI - Approche statistique sur un éventuel effet de rumeur (1)

This article, by Franck Boitte, investigates the common belief that media-driven rumors can explain UFO waves. The study aims to verify this hypothesis by analyzing the relationship between media coverage and the number of UFO sightings. The author clarifies that the study is not strictly scientific but aims to provide documented insights into a controversial topic, using verifiable and objective parameters.

The research compares the volume of published information (articles), the number of witness calls received by SOBEPS (designated as 'A'), and the total number of recorded observations ('C'). The data for the study was compiled up to October 1, 1992, with 1038 cases in the SOBEPS file. Witness calls were recorded from December 14, 1989, onwards, and article information ('L') was quantified by line count, multiplied by 100 for absolute value.

The article acknowledges potential criticisms regarding the chosen quantification methods, noting that factors like media circulation were not fully accounted for. It also mentions the exclusion of German-language dailies from the Eupen region. The study focuses on characteristic moments of the 'Belgian wave' to assess the correlation between media coverage and sightings.

The initial phase of the Belgian wave, from December 1989, is discussed, with challenges in precisely tracking daily witness calls due to the early use of a phone answering machine. The media, particularly television, first announced the Eupen sightings on November 30, 1989. By December 1, 1989, major French-language newspapers were reporting on the events, including detailed articles in 'Le Soir', 'La Libre Belgique', and 'Vers l'Avenir'.

The article notes that journalists generally treated the subject seriously, which the author found surprising and reassuring. It highlights that many journalists chose to cover the story themselves, demonstrating a responsible approach. The media coverage is seen as having served the cause of the wave and SOBEPS, bringing the affair to public attention.

Article 4: La vague prend de l'ampleur

This section continues the analysis of the Belgian UFO wave, detailing its escalation between December 9 and December 22, 1989. The organization of witness testimony collection days by the Grenz-Echo newspaper on December 9-10, 1989, marked a step beyond simple information exchange, indicating the local population's engagement with the events. While this initiative did not generate significant journalistic coverage, it reflected the exceptional nature of the period for the inhabitants.

On Saturday, December 9, many newspapers published new articles, with the emergence of 'specialists' and 'experts'. D. Conraads interviewed an astronomer, while other articles explored explanations involving laser projections or the intervention of the military. Specifically, reports mentioned 'diffuse' radar echoes detected by military bases at Glons and Semmerzake on December 2 and 5. Military personnel suggested that atmospheric conditions (thermal inversion) could have caused these echoes, noting they did not coincide with visual sightings.

An investigation by the Air Force Staff was initiated, though details were scarce. The article points out that military personnel experienced a difficult period, particularly on the evening of December 2, 1989, when unusual radar echoes appeared, leading to a military intervention procedure that was ultimately halted as the echoes did not correspond to a conventional threat. The media reported on the possibility of secret military prototypes or even extraterrestrial craft.

The article also discusses the media's role in amplifying the phenomenon, with newspapers like 'Het Laatse Nieuws' and 'De Standaard' publishing articles. The author notes the media's tendency to treat the subject seriously, avoiding sensationalism. The article mentions the hypothesis of a sophisticated ultralight aircraft developed by an ingenious hobbyist as a possible explanation, alongside the extraordinary possibility of an extraterrestrial reconnaissance mission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on ufology and unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting case studies, historical analyses, and statistical investigations. There is a clear interest in the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO sightings, as well as the role of media in shaping public perception. The publication appears to adopt a serious and analytical approach, seeking to understand the phenomena through data and witness accounts, while also acknowledging the more speculative and theoretical aspects of the field. The tribute to Aimé Michel underscores the magazine's respect for the pioneers and historical figures in ufology.

This issue of "La Revue du Mystère" (Issue 13, dated December 1989) heavily focuses on the OVNI (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomenon that captivated Belgium. The cover headline, "OVNI: le mystère ne cesse de s'épaissir," sets the tone for an in-depth exploration of the events, media coverage, and public reaction.

The Belgian OVNI Wave of December 1989

The magazine details a significant surge in OVNI sightings across Belgium, particularly during December 1989. The article highlights the media's role in disseminating information and shaping public perception. It notes that on Saturday, December 9, 1989, Dutch-language newspapers published articles like "UFO's boven België?" and "Ost-België in de greep van UFO's," indicating widespread reporting.

On Monday, January 11, 1989 (note: the text states 1989 here, but contextually it refers to the December 1989 wave), two particularly interesting events occurred: the first massive extension of sightings outside the Liège region, with dozens of witnesses reporting a large, silent, low-altitude triangular object. The article considers these observations among the most serious and coherent gathered during this wave.

The F-117 Hypothesis and Media Response

For the first time, the hypothesis of an F-117 stealth aircraft being responsible for the OVNI sightings was proposed. The "Vers l'Avenir" group of newspapers published an interview with Michel Bougard, president of SOBEPS, and an article by Thierry Degives questioning whether a secret aircraft, natural phenomenon, or illusion could explain the OVNI reports. Other newspapers like "La Dernière Heure" and "La Meuse-La Lanterne" also explored the F-117 theory.

André Dumoulin, a research attaché at GRIP (Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix), played a key role by sending a fax to various news outlets proposing the F-117 explanation. This explanation was widely picked up and commented on, suggesting that secret prototypes could be flying over Belgium without official notification. The article notes the strategic timing of Dumoulin's fax, sent on a weekend to facilitate media coverage.

Alternative Explanations and Skepticism

While the F-117 hypothesis gained traction, other explanations were also considered. The AWACS radar plane was suggested by a gendarme from Amay, an explanation that was widely generalized. However, the article criticizes this generalization as potentially misleading. The military, through the Belgian Air Force, initially denied any unusual aerial activity.

Media Analysis and Witness Accounts

The magazine provides an analysis of the media's role in the first month of the OVNI wave (December 1989). It notes a correlation between media publications and witness reports, suggesting that media attention encouraged more people to come forward. The article also highlights the geographical spread of sightings, initially concentrated around Liège, Verviers, and Eupen, then expanding to the Brabant Wallon and Hainaut regions.

Several newspapers are cited for their coverage, including "La Libre Belgique," "La Nouvelle Gazette," "La Cité," "La Dernière Heure," "Nord-Eclair Hainaut," and "L'Echo du Centre." Weekly publications like "Le Vif-L'Express" also joined the discussion. The article points out the competitive nature of media coverage, with television channels RTL-TVI and RTBF airing reports on the same evening.

The SOBEPS Investigation and a 1992 Case

The article mentions that SOBEPS was preparing to release its initial conclusions. It also details a specific OVNI observation that occurred on Sunday, October 4, 1992, in the Brabant Wallon region. Two witnesses, Mr. and Mrs. C., described a luminous, stationary object with a yellow light, appearing as a large, rectangular bay window on a grey, blurry structure. They observed it at low altitude and slow speed. The witnesses were cooperative and sought rational explanations, but the object's characteristics, such as its size, brightness, and the contrast between the clear bay window and the blurry structure, defied easy explanation. Mr. C. felt a sense of unease and noted that the object's slow movement ruled out the possibility of a conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive nature of OVNI sightings, the significant influence of media coverage on public perception and witness reporting, and the ongoing debate between official explanations (military denials, technological hypotheses like F-117 and AWACS) and the persistent, often inexplicable, eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon and the potential for misinformation, while giving credence to detailed witness testimonies and investigative efforts by organizations like SOBEPS and GRIP. The article emphasizes the need for careful analysis and cautions against hasty generalizations or dismissals of sightings.

This issue of Inforespace, dated April 1991 (Issue n°80), delves into the phenomenon of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the 'Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique' (Belgian UFO Wave). The magazine features detailed witness accounts, investigator notes, and analyses of various aerial phenomena observed primarily in Belgium.

Key Articles and Observations

Case Study: M. and Mme C.

The issue begins with the detailed account of an observation by M. and Mme C. The witness, M. C., describes seeing an object with a speed seemingly double that of conventional aircraft. The altitude and distance were difficult to determine, but the object was observed from within a vehicle. M. C. reported experiencing severe insomnia for several days following the event, though he later had a vivid dream that felt like a real experience. The observation was characterized by the presence of a large rectangular window and an inexplicable blurring of the structure's contours.

Rectangular Bay Window Phenomenon

The article highlights the recurring feature of a "large rectangular bay window" in UFO reports, linking it to several documented cases:

• Ohain (March 12, 1991): An observation of a luminous rectangle, approximately 10 meters long, with a grey dome, seen at night. The object was initially immobile before moving and changing aspect.
• Boisfort-Bruxelles (April 9, 1990): A woman reported seeing two large, luminous rectangles with yellow-orange light moving slowly at less than 500 meters for two minutes.
• Verviers Region (November 29, 1989): A secretary observed three luminous rectangles in a line on a biconvex body, emitting strong yellow-gold light.
• Tiège: An observation of a dark mass composed of two adjoining rectangles, possibly the side faces of a flat object with unlit rectangular windows.
• Eupen (November 11, 1989): An object was seen stationary, followed by a dark grey triangular object with rounded angles, illuminated by red lamps and a central white spotlight.

Historical Context and Similar Cases

The article draws parallels with other observations, including those from the "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" and references Auguste Meessen's work. It also looks back to earlier sightings:

• 1977 (Tihange): Two observations involving rectangles were reported near the Tihange power plant.
• Ampsin (March 17, 1977): An automobilist observed a large, luminous white rectangle with a faint halo, moving with his vehicle.
• Ampsin (September 18, 1977): A cigar-shaped object, 7-8 meters long, with distinct contours and three illuminated rectangular hublots, was observed.

International and Historical Comparisons

The phenomenon of luminous rectangles is also noted in international literature. A notable case involves astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto. In 1949, he, his mother, and wife observed a group of geometric, pale blue-green luminous rectangles moving in the zenith.

The Blurry Contour Characteristic

This characteristic, noted in the initial M. C. observation, is also discussed in relation to other cases:

• Tirlemont (October 29, 1972): A dark grey, torpedo-shaped object was described with an elongated window emitting yellow light and a fin-like structure. The rear of the object was estomped (blurred).
• Jupille-sur-Meuse (December 11, 1989): An egg-shaped object with a large rectangular window and a rear fin was observed. The witness found the contours indistinct, describing it as if seen through a slightly translucent screen.

Observations in the Durbuy Region

Two significant observations occurred in the Durbuy region in November 1992:

• Oppagne (November 8, 1992): M. Ronald D. and his mother observed a very bright orange ball of light, which disappeared rapidly. Later, a large, anthracite grey triangular object, about 50-100 meters away, was seen moving laterally. The object had red lights at the rear and a metallic bar. It disappeared instantly.
• Barvaux sur Ourthe (November 18, 1992): A ten-year-old witness, Benjamin, described a very dark object, triangular with rounded angles, moving horizontally at low altitude. It stopped, then became vertical, illuminated by red lamps and a large white spotlight. The object's structure was described as having intersecting lines. Benjamin insisted it was not an airplane.

Commentary and Analysis

Michel Warnier provides commentary, noting that the triangular objects observed were dark and had multiple light sources. He highlights their low-altitude, slow, rectilinear movement, and abrupt disappearance. He also points out that the Oppagne triangle's lateral movement was unusual for the Belgian UFO wave.

Book Review: "Vague" by Michel Carrouges

The issue includes a review of Michel Carrouges' book "Vague," a 504-page work detailing the Belgian UFO wave, including case studies, photographic evidence, and analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of specific geometric shapes (rectangular and triangular) in UFO sightings, the unusual luminous qualities of these objects, and the often abrupt or inexplicable manner of their appearance and disappearance. The magazine adopts a serious, investigative stance, presenting witness testimonies and attempting to correlate them with other documented cases, both recent and historical, within Belgium and internationally. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis.