Inforespace - No 88

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: 88
Volume: 22nd year
Date: November 1993
Publisher: SOBEPS (Belgian organization for the study of unexplained aerial phenomena)
Language: French

Operation "Coronet Havoc": F-117A Deployment in Europe

The issue begins by detailing Operation "Coronet Havoc," a four-week exercise in the summer of 1993 where eight F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighters from the 415th Fighter Squadron "Nightstalkers" were deployed to the Netherlands. The operation, based at Gilze-Rijen airbase, involved approximately one hundred nocturnal flights. Despite the presence of these advanced aircraft, the exercise did not result in any reported UFO observations, disappointing those who sought to explain UFOs as secret American aircraft. The article highlights the sophisticated logistics and maintenance required for the F-117A, including over 200 technicians and the transport of spare parts via DC-8 and C-141B aircraft. The deployment was deemed a success by NATO, proving the feasibility of operating such unconventional aircraft from allied bases.

Pilot Experiences and European Skies

Pilots involved in the operation expressed appreciation for the night missions but noted their surprise at the lack of complete darkness compared to their training over the American desert. They attributed this to the proximity of cities and well-lit communication routes in Europe, which made achieving total darkness impossible.

Media Analysis: The F-117A and UFO Explanations

A significant portion of the magazine critically examines the media's handling of UFO phenomena, particularly in Belgium. The author, Jean Debal, revisits articles published in *Science & Vie* (issues 873 and 877) that suggested the F-117A was responsible for UFO sightings. Debal argues that these articles, and subsequent ones like in *Science & Vie* (issue 890) which proposed the TR-3A Black Manta as an explanation, are misleading and sensationalist. He criticizes the use of the term UFO in headlines and text when the articles primarily discuss experimental aircraft and 'Black Programs' without providing actual evidence for UFOs. Debal asserts that the 'secret American aircraft' hypothesis is outdated and insufficient to explain UFO phenomena, advocating for a more scientific approach.

Statistical Approach to UFO Phenomena: May-August 1990

The magazine presents a statistical analysis of UFO reports and media coverage during the summer of 1990, focusing on the period between May and August. The analysis highlights several key observations:

• May 1990: An initial surge in UFO reports occurred between May 1st and 5th, coinciding with media attention, though some publications were discreet. The article notes that the F-117A was again proposed as an explanation by some media outlets.
• June and July 1990: The analysis tracks media publications (e.g., *Science & Vie*, press conferences) and UFO observations. It notes that while media coverage sometimes correlates with an increase in reports, the relationship is not always straightforward. The magazine points out that observations in the latter half of July, following a press conference by the Belgian Air Force, showed interesting elements, with some reports coming from gendarmes.
• August 1990: Despite the outbreak of the Gulf War, which dominated media attention, SOBEPS continued to receive UFO-related calls. The data shows a different pattern compared to July, with some observations reported with a delay in communication to SOBEPS.
• September 1990: Similar to August, there were few notable publications. However, a news report about restrictions on foreign combat aircraft flying at low altitudes in Belgium is discussed, with the author questioning potential links to previous UFO events.

The statistical section emphasizes the need for careful analysis, cautioning against simplistic correlations between media hype and actual sightings, and suggesting that chance can also play a role.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to the study of UFO phenomena. It critiques sensationalist media coverage and speculative explanations, such as attributing all sightings to secret military aircraft. Inforespace advocates for in-depth investigation and analysis, presenting statistical data and detailed case studies to support its arguments. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a call for open-minded yet critical research into unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as issue number 14 and volume 11, covers events primarily from September, October, November, and December 1990, with a significant article extending to 1992. The magazine is published by SOBEPS and is in French, originating from Belgium. The cover headline, 'L'automne 1990: OVNI sans médias,' suggests a focus on UFO phenomena during a period of limited media attention.

UFO Sightings and Media Silence in Autumn 1990

The article 'L'automne 1990: OVNI sans médias' by Michel Bougard discusses the unusual quietness of the media regarding UFO reports in Belgium during October 1990. Despite a single article in *Science & Vie* at the start of the month, a noticeable increase in sightings occurred from mid-October onwards, particularly on the 16th and 18th, with many witnesses contacting SOBEPS directly. The author explains that SOBEPS chose not to alert the media to avoid potential confusion with reconnaissance aircraft like the AWACS and to prevent sensationalism. This decision, while defensible, meant that journalists remained largely ignorant of these events.

A significant surge in sightings occurred on the evening of October 21st, especially over Brabant wallon. The lack of media coverage in the preceding days allowed these reports to be considered with greater attention, free from the risk of 'media contamination.' The graphical data for October shows a peak in reported cases on the 21st, with continued reports until the 26th, and a notable spike on the night of the 22nd-23rd. During this period, the only media coverage related to the creation of 'Eurufon,' a splinter group from SOBEPS.

The November 1990 Event and Media Response

November 1990 presented a significant case study in the relationship between media and UFO reports. On the evening of November 5th, thousands of witnesses across Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany observed what was later identified as the atmospheric re-entry of debris from a Soviet rocket. This event triggered numerous calls to SOBEPS, with people reporting UFOs. The article notes that while some media outlets, like *La Meuse-La Lanterne*, reported on 'UFOs returning,' others like *Nord Eclair* and *La Libre Belgique* also covered the phenomenon. The RTBF broadcast 'Babel,' which discussed extraterrestrial life and the Belgian UFO wave, and TF1 featured SOBEPS on 'Ciel, mon mardi!' Despite this exceptional media attention, the following week was unusually calm, with only a few scattered reports.

The article suggests that after this period, the Belgian UFO wave largely ceased to interest journalists. However, sporadic UFO events continued, exhibiting different structures. The data for December 1990 is presented to illustrate three typical structures: sightings reported shortly after occurring (December 5-7), isolated events reported hours later (December 13-16), and numerous calls with few retained cases, often explained as misidentifications of laser beams (December 26-31).

The Moriches Bay Crash Retrieval Case

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to 'The Moriches Bay Crash Retrieval Case,' an article translated from the British UFO Magazine *UFO Magazine* by Tony Dodd. The author expresses skepticism about the sensational nature of many Anglo-Saxon UFO cases, particularly those involving crashed saucers. The LIUFON (Long Island UFO Network) reported an incident in Moriches Bay in September 1989, claiming the US government recovered a triangular extraterrestrial craft, approximately 172 meters wide, as part of a five-year conflict with alien entities. The article details the alleged operation, the technology involved, and the context of a supposed war between Earth and 'Invaders' since 1985.

It recounts numerous sightings of large, boomerang-shaped objects in the Long Island area, including reports of low-altitude daytime and nighttime observations. Specific incidents mentioned include a cross-shaped UFO filmed in June 1986, a large object filmed in July 1984, and the discovery of mutilated animal remains in October 1987, similar to cases in the southwestern US. The article also touches upon alleged alien abductions and encounters with 'grey aliens.'

Further details are provided about military helicopter activity in the Long Island area, increasing in correlation with UFO sightings and alleged abductions. A scientist from Brookhaven Laboratory is quoted suggesting that the government was aware of and tracking these objects, and that the Moriches Bay incident was planned. The event itself on September 28, 1989, involved a bright yellow, semi-circular object observed by a witness, and later, a large, dark mass with multiple headlights seen by motorists and airport workers. The latter event reportedly involved five extraterrestrial creatures descending from the object via a beam of light, with airport personnel allegedly ordered to remain silent.

Other related incidents discussed include reports of periodic TV cable and electricity outages in the Moriches Bay area, attributed by some to strange lights seen on the bay. The article also mentions a break-in at the home of Richard Stout, co-founder of LIUFON, where photographic equipment was stolen.

Other Incidents and Reports

The magazine also includes reports on other UFO-related phenomena:

• Animal Mutilations: The article details a wave of animal mutilations (dogs, cats, sheep, deer) in the southern Suffolk area in late 1987 and early 1988, with reports of animals being drained of blood and parts surgically removed. Government agencies, including the FBI and National Guard, were reportedly investigating.
• OVNI Activity and Military Response: The presence of military helicopters, particularly 'Huey' models, increased in the Long Island area, engaging in maneuvers that some witnesses linked to UFO activity.
• Smiths Point Bay Incident (August 1989): The local government announced the early closure of Smiths Point Beach due to budget constraints. However, the article implies this closure might have been related to an incident occurring there, as it occurred shortly before the Moriches Bay event.
• West Hampton Air National Guard Maneuvers: Media covered unique training exercises by the Maritime and Aerial Rescue Unit of the New York State National Guard, involving parachute jumps from an aircraft, presented as part of a new space program initiative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace highlights the complex relationship between UFO phenomena, media coverage, and official investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensationalized accounts, particularly those from the Anglo-Saxon UFO community. The magazine emphasizes the importance of direct witness testimony and the role of organizations like SOBEPS in collecting and analyzing this data. There is a clear concern about media influence and the potential for misinterpretation or suppression of information. The detailed reporting on specific cases, like Moriches Bay, alongside statistical data from Belgium, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO activity and its societal impact during the period.

This issue of OVNI magazine, published in French, delves into several alleged UFO incidents, with a significant focus on events occurring around Moriches Bay and Long Island, USA, primarily in September 1989 and 1992. The magazine presents witness testimonies, investigative findings, and critical commentary on the nature of these events and the information surrounding them.

Key Incidents and Witness Accounts

Calverton, Long Island, September 28, 1989

The issue begins with an account from Mme P.G. and her 15-year-old son, who observed two large, triangular objects hovering in the sky near Calverton. They described the objects as being about 2.5 km away, very large, triangular, with a smooth, jet-black surface, and lacking visible engines, wings, or windows. The objects were stationary until one moved with astonishing speed to join the other, covering the distance in approximately one second.

Moriches Bay, September 28, 1989, 8:45 PM

Paul Peterson reported seeing strange yellow lights through his patio door, which he initially mistook for car headlights or an airplane. Upon closer inspection, he realized they belonged to a huge triangular object, twice the size of a football field. He believed it might be from the nearby Calverton test center. Later, photographs of the object were shown to him, which he identified as the same one he saw earlier that night.

Moriches Bay, September 28, 1992, 6:45 PM

Paul Peterson, while watching television, noticed six bright yellow lights appearing cyclically through his patio door. He heard sounds resembling large military helicopters passing overhead. Looking outside, he saw dark green Sikorsky military helicopters flying low, circling the bay towards the lights. He estimated the lights to be part of an object about 18 to 25 meters in diameter. His wife also witnessed the spectacle. Peterson attempted to film the lights with a video camera but was unsuccessful. He later retrieved an Instamatic camera and, with his son, went to the dock. They observed two bright yellow lights about 15-30 meters above the water, approximately 275 meters away. The lights pulsed and illuminated the entire bay. Peterson, a Vietnam veteran, stated the lights were not parachute flares and was convinced he witnessed a UFO incident. The helicopters were identified as possibly belonging to the Suffolk County police and the army, with one light being blue-green and illuminating the dunes.

Box Tree Road, Long Island, September 28, 1992, 9:30 PM

Kathy O'Donnelly, a secretary, reported seeing six to eight bright yellow lights high in the sky that rapidly lost altitude, reaching treetop level. The lights followed her car, illuminating its interior. Frightened, she drove away and saw the large yellow lights stationary above fields across the street. Her husband and a friend also witnessed the lights, which then rose and moved away towards Moriches Bay. They had the impression the lights were attached to something enormous and silent.

Drug Enforcement Administration, Nassau, Suffolk County Line, September 28, 1992, 9 PM

Information from two confidential sources indicated that the air guard at West Hampton alerted the drug squad about a large, unidentified aircraft echo on radar above Moriches Bay. The DEA was asked to investigate, fearing smugglers. However, the authorization for the drug squad to intervene was canceled due to a military operation in the bay, and the airspace was closed to civilian traffic. The pilot was warned that the air force would prevent entry if he attempted to enter the zone.

Franck D., September 28, 1992, Midnight

Franck D., an officer for the New York State, reported being near Moriches Bay beach in response to numerous parachute flares. He observed a C-130 military aircraft flying over the ocean and firing flares into the water around midnight. He noted that subsequent military and coast guard documents did not mention this flare deployment.

George Dickson, October 4, 1989

George Dickson, an amateur anthropologist and UFO investigator, contacted LIUFON with information about an incident near Moriches Bay. He reported hearing from a friend, who claimed to be a colonel in the air force attached to the Pentagon, that a UFO incident occurred on September 28, 1989. This incident allegedly involved the interception and destruction of a UFO, described as enormous and boomerang-shaped, which crashed into the dunes and was later recovered. The report also mentioned casualties among military personnel due to an experimental sonic weapon. Dickson's source refused to reveal his identity.

Copley News Service, October 22, 1989

Copley News Service reported that LIUFON had transmitted information to local media, leading to a search operation in the dunes. The police and coast guard confirmed the presence of helicopters near Moriches Bay on the night of September 28, 1989. The Suffolk County Sheriff's office reportedly admitted the existence of the UFO incident.

John D., Quoque, September 29, 1989

John D., a Wall Street commodities broker who requested anonymity, reported being awakened by the sound of helicopters. He observed two large military helicopters with lights on, flying over trees. Large cables were attached beneath them, but he could not discern what they were carrying. The helicopters slowly lowered their load over about 45 minutes. He later learned from an associate that alien bodies, an anti-matter reactor, and advanced electronic equipment had been recovered from the craft.

Recovery in 1984 at Long Island?

An anonymous caller, claiming to be a retired air force officer, stated that in late 1983 or early 1984, the air force recovered another object on Long Island. He claimed to have observed a 6m x 6m boomerang-shaped object being transported by helicopter to West Hampton. The object reportedly weighed over 4.5 tons and glowed with an orange fluorescent light in the sun. It was heavily guarded for 24 hours before being transported by a C-147 to Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

The Scientist's Encounters ('Dr. Nick')

The identity of the scientist involved in the Moriches Bay incident, referred to as 'Dr. Nick', is kept secret due to government threats. He participated in the study of recovered UFOs since the 1970s, working on the electronics of UFOs stored at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Dr. Nick was convinced of the advanced nature of UFO technology, particularly its use of crystals for propulsion systems. He stated that the US had intercepted and shot down a boomerang-shaped UFO over Moriches Bay on September 28, 1989, an event he witnessed firsthand. He also mentioned a test of the weapon system five weeks prior at Fort Meade, Maryland, which successfully demonstrated its capability.

Dr. Nick described the weapon as a Doppler radar system capable of 'bending' to penetrate the plasma field surrounding an UFO, neutralizing its propulsion. He also alluded to a five-year conflict with an extraterrestrial civilization due to a treaty expiration. He was unsure of the UFO's fate after crashing but mentioned the recovery of alien bodies and advanced technology. He also noted that the incident occurred during a period of tension with an extraterrestrial civilization.

Dr. Nick described being taken with two colleagues to Smiths Point Beach to assist in a weapon test. They observed military trucks and equipment, including a radar Doppler site on a peninsula. The weapon system was activated, and the UFO appeared over the bay. Dr. Nick witnessed the object being shot down and breaking in two upon impact. He and his team were ordered to leave the area immediately.

Critical Commentary

Jean Lejeune and Jacques Antoine offer a critical perspective on the reported incidents, particularly the Moriches Bay event. They question the reliability of the sources, noting the reliance on anonymous informants and second-hand accounts. They point out the lack of originality in the reported incidents, which often mirror common UFO tropes like military involvement, animal mutilations, and alien abduction narratives. The commentators suggest that the information might be a deliberate attempt to mislead the UFO community, to discredit it, or to prepare the public for the idea of extraterrestrial presence for various reasons, including technological advancement or geopolitical agendas.

They express skepticism about the 'Thor 2 laser Cannon' and the idea of easily intercepting and shooting down UFOs, contrasting it with the historical difficulty in obtaining credible UFO evidence. The commentary highlights the tendency within some UFO circles to readily accept extraordinary claims without sufficient scrutiny, especially when they involve military sources or sensational details. The authors urge for more rigor and caution in evaluating UFO reports, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and potential misinformation or misinterpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged military involvement in UFO incidents, the concept of government cover-ups, and the exploration of advanced extraterrestrial technology. The magazine presents a narrative that suggests a hidden reality concerning UFOs, often involving military secrecy and advanced alien capabilities. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the inclusion of critical commentary, appears to be one of presenting information while also encouraging readers to critically evaluate the evidence and sources. The critical section, in particular, serves to temper the more sensational claims with a dose of skepticism and a call for methodological rigor in UFO research.

Title: NOS ENQUETES

Issue Date: November 8, 1990

Publisher: SOBEPS (Belgian organization for the study of unexplained aerial phenomena)

Country: Belgium

Language: French

Cover Headline: The "triangles" organize an aerial meeting.

This issue of NOS ENQUETES details a significant series of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings that occurred across Belgium on the evening of November 8, 1990. The reports, collected and investigated by SOBEPS, describe numerous luminous objects, with a particular emphasis on triangular formations, suggesting a coordinated 'aerial meeting'.

Detailed Sightings and Testimonies

Braine-le-Comte Observation

One of the most unusual reports comes from Braine-le-Comte, where a witness observed a triangular object flying in tandem with a cube-shaped object emitting a ruby-red light. The triangular craft was surrounded by blinking red and blue lamps. The witness observed the objects for several minutes before they moved away.

Houdeng-Goegnies Observation

Another witness in Houdeng-Goegnies reported seeing a golden sphere with a lighter golden cone underneath. This phenomenon remained stationary for about 20 seconds before the cone retracted, the sphere extinguished, and a dark, indistinct mass appeared and then vanished.

Near Bois-de-Lessines Observation

A young computer scientist returning home from Brussels reported observing a large, star-like object resembling Mars, with variable magnitude. This was followed by two headlights that resolved into a formation of white, yellow, and red lights, appearing as a triangular object. The object was described as silent and moving laterally at an estimated altitude of 50 meters.

Messancy Observation

In the province of Luxembourg, a witness observed a white light, similar to a large car headlight, hovering over a field. The light suddenly moved at high speed towards the southwest and disappeared.

Tubize Observations

Starting around 18:10, multiple observations were reported in the Tubize area, continuing until 20:09. These included various luminous phenomena.

Woluwé-St-Etienne Observation

A witness returning from work noticed lights in the sky that initially resembled an airplane preparing to land. However, upon closer inspection, they appeared as a cluster of lights that, as they moved overhead, formed a triangular shape with a central red blinking light.

Hellebecq Region Observations

An evening observation in the Hellebecq region involved three lights arranged in a triangle, with a red blinking light at the center, moving towards the horizon. Later, a similar formation reappeared and was observed for a few minutes.

Mainvault Observation

Approximately ten kilometers west of Hellebecq, a couple observed several white lights that approached their home. They distinguished a triangular formation of white lights with a yellowish, non-blinding illumination. The triangle moved forward with a darker tail and emitted a faint noise, similar to an electric razor, before disappearing towards the southeast.

St Géry Observation

Near Chastres, in the province of Brabant, an observation occurred around 20:30 where witnesses reported a powerful gust of air, causing one of them to lose balance. They observed a 'triangle' composed of lights passing overhead and moving towards Mellery. This incident is notable for reporting physical effects.

Soignies Observation

The final observation detailed took place in Soignies around 22:00. Two witnesses observed a very bright, abnormally large point that rapidly transformed into a diamond shape. It hovered for a few minutes before receding, becoming a white point, and then departing at high speed. The witnesses were certain they saw a diamond shape formed by three white points and one green point.

Analysis and Characteristics

The collected testimonies reveal several recurring characteristics of the observed phenomena:

• Shapes: Primarily triangles, but also cubes, spheres, discs, and diamond shapes.
• Colors: Red, blue, white, yellow, orange, gold, and dark.
• Behavior: Slow and fast movements, hovering, lateral motion, pivoting, receding, and silent flight.
• Size and Altitude: Estimates varied, with some objects described as the size of a football field or having a length of about 50 meters, at altitudes ranging from 50 to 400 meters.
• Sound and Physical Effects: Most objects were reported as silent, but one incident mentioned a faint noise like an electric razor, and another reported a powerful gust of air.

Related Incidents and Methodology

The article also references other UAP sightings, including a 'cube' illuminated object observed near Ittre and Clabecq in March 1991, and mentions the methodology used by organizations like CUFOC for UAP identification, emphasizing detailed analysis of case files.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the prevalence of triangular UAP sightings, consistent with a broader wave of such reports in Belgium. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and investigator notes without overt skepticism, aiming to provide a factual account of the events and encourage further research. The issue highlights the diversity of shapes and behaviors observed, suggesting a complex and multifaceted phenomenon.