Inforespace - No 89 - 1994

Magazine Overview

This issue of inforespace, identified as number 89 and from March 1994, marks the 23rd year of publication. It is a semestrial review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena, published by the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS).

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the fourth anniversary of the 'Belgian wave' of UFO sightings that began in 1990. The author, Michel Bougard (President of SOBEPS), notes that sufficient time has passed to allow for analysis and reflection. He highlights SOBEPS's previous reports and emphasizes the ongoing refinement of their critical approach to ufology, aiming for a more effective, open, and neutral methodology. The editorial mentions recent meetings with the Belgian Gendarmerie and the Air Traffic Center (ATC Radar) to improve UFO reporting procedures and collaboration for verification. This collaboration is seen as a significant step, solidifying SOBEPS's role as an official interlocutor and necessitating a reorganization of their investigation network. The editorial also announces the release of the second volume on the 'Belgian wave,' which aims to provide an objective overview of the events and analyses.

Key Articles and Reports

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS

• This section lists several books available for purchase from SOBEPS, including:
• 'DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES AUX OVNI' by Michel Bougard (SOBEPS edition), a collective work on ufological research.
• 'ACTES DU PREMIER CONGRES EUROPEEN SUR LES PHENOMENES AERIENS ANORMAUX' (SOBEPS edition), proceedings from a 1988 congress.
• 'MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES' by Fernand Lagarde and others (Albatros edition), a collective work on UFOs.
• 'BLACK-OUT SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES' by Jimmy Guieu (Ommiun Littéraire edition), a reissued French ufology classic.
• 'ET SI LES OVNI N'EXISTAIENT PAS ?' by Michel Monnerie (Les Humanoïdes Associés edition), which proposes a socio-psychological hypothesis for UFO explanations.

SOBEPS Pin

A promotional item, a five-color SOBEPS pin, is announced as available for purchase to support the organization.

Table of Contents

• The table of contents lists several sections:
• Editorial
• A press conference, 2 public conferences
• Our investigations
• The Spanish armed forces and UFOs
• Letters to the editor
• Media and the UFO phenomenon (4)
• Latest news in brief

Important Press Conference

A press conference was scheduled for April 13th at the IPC, exclusively for the professional press. It was to cover the analysis of the 'Belgian wave,' including the F-16 affair, the Petit-Rechain case, and cooperation with air traffic and gendarmerie services.

Public Conferences

Two public conferences were announced: one in Brussels on April 22nd and another in Liège on April 29th. These conferences would detail the subjects discussed at the press conference, presenting new information and original documents not published in books. A Q&A session would follow each conference.

Our Investigations

This section details several UFO sighting reports from 1993:

• WODECQ, January 13, 1993: A radio amateur and meteorology enthusiast observed a bright light that resolved into three distinct lights forming a triangle, moving silently against the wind. The object was described as unusual and pulsated with a red-orange light.

• WODECQ, January 15, 1993: The same witness and his mother observed a new phenomenon: six yellow-orange lights surrounding a central white light. The object was described as solid, silent, and moved against the wind.

• ELLEZELLES, May 30, 1993: A couple witnessed a luminous object in the sky that moved erratically, then descended to hover about 1.5 meters above a garage. The object was described as having a luminous, possibly triangular shape with colored lights (blue, red, green) that pulsed and changed.

• LA LOUVIERE, October 25, 1993: A series of observations occurred in the La Louvière region. Witnesses reported seeing triangular objects with white lights and a red central light, moving silently and at low altitudes. One witness described a large, square object the size of a hectare flying silently. Another reported seeing a cigar-shaped object with white and red lights.

• MAINVAULT, October 18, 1993: A woman and her children observed a large, luminous orange ball with a surrounding circle. The object moved majestically, accelerated rapidly, and tilted before disappearing.

• LA LOUVIERE, October 25, 1993 (continued): Further details from the La Louvière sightings include descriptions of triangular craft with rounded corners, three white lights at the corners, and a blinking red central light. One witness described an object that seemed to be searching for something, emitting a powerful beam of light.

• LA LOUVIERE, October 25, 1993 (continued): Another witness reported seeing a large, diamond-shaped object with white and red lights, described as having a granulated surface and emitting a low humming sound. The object was estimated to be 150 meters long and 75 meters wide.

• LA LOUVIERE, October 25, 1993 (continued): A witness observed three white lights forming a triangle, with a red light in the center, moving slowly and silently. The object was described as having a metallic, galvanized appearance.

• VILLERS-LE-BOUILLET, November 19, 1993: A mother and daughter observed three red lights in a triangle and a green light, which moved towards them and then stopped, emitting a monotonous sound. The object was described as being about 4 meters in size and hovering at an altitude of about 20 meters.

Call for Investigators

SOBEPS issued an urgent call for investigators, particularly for the Flemish provinces, emphasizing the need for simple data collection and verification skills.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the methodology of ufological investigation, and the growing collaboration between civilian researchers (like SOBEPS) and official bodies. The editorial stance is one of promoting a more scientific, critical, and open approach to ufology, moving beyond mere speculation towards rigorous data collection and analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the 'Belgian wave' as a significant phenomenon worthy of in-depth study and public awareness, countering potential 'black-out' or 'debunking' efforts.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 103
Volume: 10
Date: October 1994
Publisher: Inforespace
Country: Belgium
Language: French
ISSN: 0771-0893
Price: 150 FB

This issue of Inforespace, a Belgian ufological magazine, delves into the complex relationship between military forces and the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), with a particular focus on Spain. The cover story highlights the Spanish Armed Forces and UFOs, featuring an article by Antonio Ribera, founder of the Centre d'Etudes Interplanétaire. The magazine presents a detailed account of witness testimonies, official investigations, and the historical context of UFO secrecy within military and governmental structures.

Witness Accounts and Investigations

The issue begins with an analysis of a witness report from Belgium, where discrepancies are noted between a telephone interview and a later official inquiry concerning a strange observation. The witness, Mme A., describes a bizarre humming sound and an immobile object, followed by sudden movement and disappearance. The report questions the witness's initial claim of not being scared during the event, contrasting it with her later statement of intense fear.

A detailed account of a sighting by 12-year-old Nicolas T. in Grand-Rechain, Belgium, on November 3, 1993, is presented. The boy describes a large, triangular object with a white central light and three red lights in a triangle formation, emitting a light humming sound. The object moved slowly before accelerating rapidly and disappearing. The investigator, Guy Bleser, notes the witness's lucidity and the detailed description, suggesting the object was not a conventional aircraft.

Spanish Military and UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Spanish military's involvement with UFOs. Antonio Ribera's article outlines the history of UFO investigations in Spain, including the role of organizations like the Centre d'Etudes Interplanétaire. It details how the Spanish military, through the Junta de Jefes de Estado Mayor (JUJEM), began to declassify UFO-related dossiers in 1992, releasing 63 files. However, the process is described as slow, with many documents remaining classified due to security concerns, including those related to aircraft prototypes and defense systems.

Several notable cases are presented, including an incident in 1968 involving a Spantax aircraft and an unknown light, and a 1979 case in Gran Canaria where a photographer captured images of a light rising from the sea, initially identified as a Polaris missile. The magazine also recounts the famous "Manises case" of November 11, 1979, where a TAE Supercaravelle encountered a large, unidentified object, leading to parliamentary inquiries.

Parliamentary Interpellations and Secrecy

The issue details parliamentary interventions regarding UFOs in Spain, starting with socialist deputy Enrique Mugica Herzog in 1980, who questioned the government about unexplained aerial incidents. Later interpellations by Gabriel Elorriaga in 1983 further pressed for information. The government's responses are often characterized as evasive, citing national security and the need to avoid public panic. The magazine highlights the tension between the public's desire for information and the military's insistence on secrecy, particularly concerning advanced technology that might be outmatched by UAP.

Notable Cases and Research Efforts

Further cases are documented, including sightings in the Bardenas Reales (Navarre) and near Burgos in 1975. The magazine also touches upon the "Area 51" phenomenon in the United States, with a visitor's account of a trip to Rachel, Nevada, and observations near the Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range. The visitor describes seeing military vehicles and installations, and notes the presence of other individuals interested in UAP.

Letters to the Editor

The "On Nous Ecrit..." section features correspondence from readers. Claude Mauge critiques a bibliography of French-language ufological literature, defending the inclusion of certain works and explaining his selection criteria. André Raes engages in a debate about whether ufology is a scientific activity, arguing for a broader, more integrated approach to understanding UAP and suggesting that the field is evolving towards greater scientific rigor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are military secrecy surrounding UFOs, the challenges of witness testimony and investigation, the potential for advanced technology to be involved, and the ongoing debate about the scientific status of ufology. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts while also acknowledging the complexities and limitations of current knowledge. There is a clear emphasis on the need for more objective data and a scientific approach to understanding UAP, while also recognizing the persistent nature of the phenomenon and the potential for future breakthroughs.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as issue 87 from 1992, published by SOBEPS in Belgium, delves deeply into the complex world of UFO phenomena. The cover headline, "OVNI. Les Belges n'ont pas rêvé" (UFOs. The Belgians did not dream), suggests a focus on Belgian sightings and their reality. The magazine's primary objective appears to be the rigorous analysis of UFO reports, media influence, and statistical data, often critiquing prevailing hypotheses and methodologies within ufology.

Part One: Construction and Deconstruction of the Strange

The issue begins with Claude Maugé providing a historical overview of ufology, followed by a review and refutation of various hypotheses, including the 'Human Species Paradigm' (HSP). Pierre Lagrange re-examines the K. Arnold case, suggesting specific circumstances contributed to its significance. Michel Monnerie analyzes a classic case using original reports, while Michel Bougard discusses the Belgian UFO wave. Several other contributors, including Dominique Caudron, Yves Bosson, Michel Figuet, Gianni Favero, and Thierry Pinvidic, dissect various well-known cases, often reducing them to more mundane explanations or questioning the integrity of witnesses and investigators.

Part Two: A Problem of Method

This section tackles fundamental questions about the nature of unidentified aerial phenomena and the scientific tools available for their study. Hilary Evans asserts that unidentified phenomena do challenge our sagacity, and the discussion explores the existence of scientific analysis tools and material evidence. Claude Maugé critiques Claude Poher's statistical file, deeming it unreliable and self-serving for the HSP. Bruno Mancusi examines Swiss case files, and Denys Breysse demonstrates how observation duration can render UFOs indistinguishable from 'known objects' (OVIs). Maurizio Verga addresses the issue of false traces, and Gilles Durrand debunks 'crop circles' as hoaxes.

Part Three: Psychological and Sociological Approaches

This part explores the human element in UFO reports. Paolo Toselli discusses the indiscernibility between UFOs and OVIs, suggesting that folklore and myth transform OVIs into UFOs. Ronald Westrum examines the human factor in witness evaluation, narrative impact, and the sociological aspects of UFO experiences, using the Cergy-Pontoise case as an example. Jacques Scornaux critiques ufologists themselves, questioning their credibility and critical thinking. Westrum further analyzes social perception and the 'OVNI experience,' which reframes the observer into someone who 'knows' an OVNI experience, shifting focus from objective reality to subjective interpretation.

Part Four: Historical Perspective

Gilles Durrand critiques the modern tendency to interpret historical accounts of prodigies and diableries as extraterrestrial phenomena, questioning the marginalization of established ufological reference points. Frédéric Dumerchat draws parallels between historical accounts of demonic raptures and modern UFO abductions, posing the question of whether it's science fiction or a misplaced amalgamation. Jacques Scornaux suggests that historical texts, if not for the HSP, could have been interpreted differently, reinforcing the idea that the past primarily serves to support the HSP. Thierry Pinvidic equates ufology with sorcery, noting the evident analogy but questioning the dismissal of other potential realities for modern UFO phenomena.

Part Five: Anthropology of the Extraterrestrial Myth

Bertrand Méheust describes a 'socio-ufological bricolage' in Gabon, measuring the population's susceptibility to Western UFO themes and concluding that the UFO universe is Western and interdependent with its socio-cultural milieu. Michel Boccara posits that Western culture generates technological myths. Méheust further explores the concept of 'mythical experience' for abductees, suggesting that if one only investigates psychiatric hospitals, one could 'demonstrate' that Napoleon exists only as a mythical concept. Jean-Bruno Renard links dreams, fantasies, and aspirations of the technological era to the UFO myth, seeing it as a messianic aspiration adapted to the modern environment. Alain Schmitt attributes the rise of UFO phenomena to Copernicus, arguing that without him, there would be no UFOs in the HSP sense. He emphasizes that folklore interpretation is insufficient, and a broader analysis including mythology, sociology, psychology, politics, and socio-culture is necessary.

Conclusion

Thierry Pinvidic concludes that UFOs hold significant scientific interest for the human sciences, though the extent of this interest is debated. The issue includes a presentation of the authors and a bibliography of French ufological literature. The final section, 'NOS CONCLUSIONS,' reiterates that the HSP approach is a valuable tool but not the sole explanation. It criticizes the notion that some witnesses being frauds means all observations can be reduced to lies. The authors express reservations about the 'new ufologists' who exclusively promote the HSP.

Media and the UFO Phenomenon: Statistical Approach to a Rumor Effect

This section analyzes the media's role in the Belgian UFO wave of 1991. It notes that during the Gulf War, media coverage of UFOs was minimal, with only a brief mention in 'Le Soir.' However, statistical diagrams show a continuation of UFO testimonies and unidentified cases. The article highlights specific dates with increased reports, particularly in Brabant Wallon, and notes a pattern of 'phone call rushes' correlating with weekends. The wave saw a resurgence in March 1991, coinciding with the end of the Gulf War, with reports of large structures emitting noise. The media's response was varied, with some newspapers covering the events and others remaining silent. The analysis includes tables detailing monthly publication volumes in various Belgian newspapers between December 1989 and June 1992, showing fluctuating media interest.

Complementary Analysis

Van Vlodorp's analysis of the media coverage of the Belgian UFO wave is presented, illustrating the flow of information from witnesses to SOBEPS, the gendarmerie, and news outlets (Schema 1). It highlights how SOBEPS acted as a filter. A later schema (Schema 2) shows a shift where witnesses began contacting SOBEPS directly, reducing direct contact with the gendarmerie and media. This change reportedly frustrated journalists, who then turned to 'specialists' and national defense for information. The analysis concludes that SOBEPS and certain media outlets were central to the circulation of data during the wave. The issue also presents a table (Tableau 14) showing the volume of media publications related to UFOs in Belgian dailies and weeklies, indicating varying levels of media 'sensitivity' and interest throughout the period.

Other Quantitative Approaches

This part discusses studies on information diffusion and rumor propagation. It references a 1982 study by the Laboratory of Bio-Informatics of Tours on models of information diffusion, which applied mathematical concepts to UFO rumors. The issue also mentions C. Stuart-Dodd's work on rumor diffusion, proposing a logarithmic function. The magazine presents an integral curve of witness testimonies during the Belgian wave, comparing it to historical UFO waves in France (1954). It notes that the Belgian wave's pattern does not fit Dodd's model, starting abruptly rather than showing exponential growth.

Latest News in Brief

This section provides brief reports on recent UFO sightings:

• Mellet, Belgium (November 5, 1993): A family observed a powerful white light, followed by a triangular mass with lights.
• Wavre, Belgium (November 5, 1993): Two individuals witnessed an intense white light that appeared stationary and later changed its appearance.
• Evere, Brussels (December 17, 1993): Numerous schoolchildren saw an unidentified object over their playground.
• Comines, Belgium (January 28, 1994): Four adults reported seeing two powerful headlights moving at high speed.
• Ensival, Belgium (February 6, 1994): Two women observed a luminous object shaped like a crown of lights.
• Wanfercée-Baulet, Belgium (February 13, 1994): A witness reported a diamond-shaped object with red and green lights.
• Floreffe, Belgium (February 14, 1994): A dark, diamond-shaped object with white and green lights was observed.
• Profondville, Belgium (February 15, 1994): A witness filmed a stationary light source that changed color rapidly.
• Vezin, Belgium (February 15, 1994): Witnesses saw a low, very white, large light above fields.
• Leverkusen, Germany (February 16, 1994): A witness reported seeing two large lights resembling aircraft, one stationary and the other moving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the limitations of various hypotheses, particularly the 'Human Species Paradigm' (HSP). The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a call for more rigorous, multi-disciplinary research. The magazine emphasizes the complexity of UFO reports and the need to consider psychological, sociological, and historical factors alongside potential physical explanations. There is a clear effort to debunk sensationalism and to present a more measured, analytical approach to the subject.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 115
Volume: 13
Date: March 1994
Publisher: SOBEPS
Country: Belgium
Language: French
ISSN: 0771-0823
Price: 250 FB

This issue of Inforespace, published by SOBEPS, delves into UFO phenomena in Belgium, featuring witness testimonies, investigative reports, and promotional material for SOBEPS's publications and activities.

Witness Accounts

Near Cologne, Germany

Two individuals, driving on the A1 towards Cologne, reported observing a slow-moving, hexagonal, black object. The object maintained a position ahead of their car on the right side of the highway, approximately 80 meters above the ground. It was described as having strong, forward-projecting lights, similar to projectors, but without any flashing or blinking lights (red or green). The witnesses noted the absence of characteristic engine or propeller noise, distinguishing it from a police helicopter. The object appeared smooth and was seen in profile. They lost sight of it around 21:54.

Bruxelles, Belgium

On Thursday, February 17th, at approximately 6:15 AM, M. D.R. and his wife in Brussels witnessed a luminous object at 35° elevation towards the south. Initially mistaken for a chandelier, M. D.R. observed a complex, perfectly stationary construction at an estimated altitude of 600 meters in a clear, moonless sky. The object appeared to have five sides, with bright, white, non-dazzling 'balls' at each corner, diffusing light downwards. The vertical edges were distinct, suggesting a frontal view. In the center, two crossed tubes connected the edges, surrounded by points of light that changed color (red, blue, green). The center itself was described as intensely scintillating. The witness concluded, "The sight of the object was magical."

Bouillon, Belgium

On Monday, February 21st, around 8:15 PM, two friends walking near the Semois river in Bouillon observed a very bright, distant point in the starry sky, initially thought to be an airplane. A few minutes later, one of them noticed the phenomenon closer, at an estimated distance of 400 meters and an altitude of 300 meters. They were concerned by its low altitude and size, noting it did not resemble an airplane and made no sound. The object was described as diamond-shaped, solid, with a distinct dark stripe running from corner to corner. Two red lights blinked or rotated on this stripe, while the other two extremities featured fixed white lights, one brighter than the other. The object moved in an arc, following the Semois river, and also exhibited a vertical zigzag motion. It maintained an upright position at 45°. The observation lasted 40 seconds, during which the object covered 80° of the sky. This case was investigated by Albert Pemmers.

Tamines, Belgium

Around 9 PM on Monday, February 28th, 1994, two inhabitants of Fosses-la-Ville, M. P. and Mile B., were in a car near Tamines. They first observed a triangular configuration of lights. They were able to approach the object, and M.B. stopped the car, turned off the engine, and left the door open. Mile B. felt uneasy and remained in the vehicle. M.B. observed a dark triangle, approximately 4 to 5 meters on each side, hovering 7 to 8 meters above a house, partially obscured by it. The object had white lights in its angles and a red light in the center. It was stationary, and M.B. heard a muffled 'vacuum cleaner' sound. Mile B., despite the open car door, heard nothing. Suddenly, the object accelerated at enormous speed, emitting a whistling sound. M.B. also heard this sound. Yves Mine was tasked with investigating this case.

SOBEPS Activities and Publications

Call for Collaboration

SOBEPS appeals for volunteers to assist with their extensive workload, which includes investigating testimonies and disseminating information. They emphasize that their activities are based on volunteer work and are not commercially driven, which may lead to occasional delays in publication. They invite individuals to contribute their time, even for just an afternoon per week, in areas such as translation, writing, investigation, and data entry.

Secretariat - Library

The SOBEPS premises are accessible to members on Saturdays between 2 PM and 6 PM for consulting their documentation. Appointments are recommended for administrative inquiries, which can be made by calling 02/525.04.04 on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10 AM and 6 PM. Fax inquiries can be sent to 02/520.73.93. The general testimony line is 02/524.28.48, which operates 24/7 with an answering machine.

SOBEPS Slideshows

SOBEPS offers a collection of 360 slides, divided into 30 series of 12 documents, all dedicated to various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. These slides are accompanied by commentary lists and can be used to create illustrated presentations. Two additional series, comprising 24 slides, are specifically dedicated to the Belgian UFO wave, available for 750 FB.

Investigator and Observer Guides

SOBEPS provides two complementary guides: the "Guide de l'enquêteur" (Investigator's Guide), which includes 200 questions for UFO observations, techniques for estimating altitude and dimensions, and methods for assessing case credibility; and the "Guide de l'observateur" (Observer's Guide), which covers essential astronomical data, potential confusions, and lunar/solar visibility. Each guide costs 250 FB (60 FF), or 350 FB for foreign members. Orders should be sent to SOBEPS.

"Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" Book

The magazine heavily promotes the recently published two-volume book, "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" (Volume 1 is described in detail). This exceptional dossier covers the Belgian UFO wave from autumn 1989 to summer 1991. It includes a preface by Jean-Pierre Petit (CNRS) and a postface by General Wilfried De Brouwer. The book features the history of the events, SOBEPS's activities, media coverage, analysis of photo and video documents, radar data analysis in collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie, official and scientific interest, a chapter on triangular UFOs abroad (including the 1983-84 American wave), technological insights (Stealth), statistical analyses, and personal conclusions of the authors. The book is 504 pages long with over 200 illustrations, including color photos. It is available for 1050 FB (shipping included for Belgium) or 200 FF for France (international postal money order only). Orders can be placed with SOBEPS or through the diffusion society A.M.P.

"Phénomèna" Magazine

An advertisement for "Phénomèna," a new ufological magazine, is included, directing inquiries to SOS OVNI in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of witness testimony, detailed case analysis, and scientific rigor. SOBEPS positions itself as a key organization for collecting and disseminating information on UFOs in Belgium. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation and collaboration in their research efforts. There is a clear focus on the "Belgian UFO Wave" as a significant and ongoing phenomenon worthy of detailed study and documentation. The magazine also highlights the need for volunteers and resources to support their mission.