Inforespace - No 90 - 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: n° 90
Volume: 23rd year
Date: November 1994
Publisher: Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux, asbl (SOBEPS)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of "inforespace" is a semestrial review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena. It features a collection of detailed investigations into various UFO sightings, primarily from Belgium, that occurred in the early to mid-1990s. The magazine also includes an editorial, a tribute to a member, and subscription renewal information.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by President Michel Bougard, reflects on the cyclical nature of discouragement in research and the potential for new discoveries. He highlights the "Belgian wave" as a significant event that yielded unprecedented ufological data. Bougard discusses the importance of open-minded researchers like General Wilfried De Brouwer and Isabelle Stengers. He expresses disappointment over the limited success of a second book on the Belgian UFO wave, fearing a return to "obscurantism." The editorial criticizes perceived anti-ufology sentiments from figures like astronomer Pierre Magain and meteorologist Alain Gillot-Pétré, who dismiss UFO research as subjective or unscientific. Bougard concludes by expressing wishes for the new year and reaffirming the goal of elevating ufology to a scientific status.

Subscription Renewal

Information is provided for renewing subscriptions for 1995, offering two issues (n° 91 and 92) at specific rates for members in Belgium, France, and other countries. A higher "member d'honneur" (honorary member) rate is also available, which includes a membership card. Payment details for bank transfers and postal checks in Brussels are listed, with specific instructions for international payments from France and Canada.

In Memoriam François Verhoeven

This section is a tribute to François Verhoeven, a deceased member of SOBEPS. It recalls his dedication, willingness to help with various tasks, and his positive contributions to the organization. Verhoeven, a chemist by training, is remembered for his humor and his active participation in the management of SOBEPS. The text describes his brave battle with a serious illness and his peaceful passing, emphasizing his acceptance of the inevitable and his desire for his atoms to rejoin the cosmos. The author expresses gratitude for his contributions and notes that his smile will be missed.

Investigations (Nos enquêtes)

This section presents detailed reports on several UFO sightings:

Couillet, February 24, 1990

Three witnesses observed a luminous object in Couillet. Rudy D.R., a social worker, along with his mother and father, reported seeing a triangular object with three powerful white lights at its corners and other blue and green lights. The object was described as large, possibly like a Boeing 747, but stationary and at a low altitude (around 150 meters away, 50 meters high). The witnesses noted the absence of sound, which could have been masked by strong winds. The object disappeared suddenly.

Auderghem, March 22, 1991

A witness in Auderghem reported seeing a dark, generally rectangular object moving slowly near the rooftops. The object was described as having an unknown shape, no visible lights or halo, but emitting a continuous whistling sound, possibly ultrasonic. The witness felt temporarily paralyzed by the sound. The object moved towards an autoroute, and the whistling ceased as it turned. The witness described seeing irregular, lighter-colored parts on its ventral side.

Erbisoeul, December 5, 1991

This remarkable observation involved at least nine distinct objects and dozens of luminous balls over a farm near Jurbise. The observation, lasting from 18:10 to 19:30, was reported by five witnesses. The area is flat, near the NATO headquarters (SHAPE) and a military airfield. The initial sighting involved a luminous, unusual ball of rose color. Later, three "immense platines" shaped like diamonds were seen, one flying lower than the others. These objects were described as having lower parts with lights that scintillated red, green, or yellow-orange, and two white forward beams. A faint humming sound, like a kitchen hood, was noted. The objects moved slowly and disappeared. Some witnesses considered the possibility of military maneuvers.

Zellik, August 31, 1992

Two witnesses, Mme V.U. and M. E.C., observed irregular, dark, matte quadrilaterals in the sky. The phenomenon consisted of five shapes: one large, followed by three smaller ones, and then another large one. They appeared to have no thickness, made no sound, and showed no movement. The sky was clear and it was still daylight.

Strepy-Bracquegnies, February 2, 1994

An institute teacher reported seeing a luminous phenomenon described as four round balls, three white and one red, forming a discontinuous line approximately 5 meters long. The object was estimated to be about 100 meters high. The white balls had the brightness of electric bulbs, and the red ball resembled a traffic signal. The witness felt fear but continued to walk under the object, noting a complete silence and no other sensory effects. The object remained stationary and disappeared when the witness turned her back.

Ensival, February 6, 1994

Mme B. observed a luminous, elliptical object flying at a low altitude (40-50 meters) towards Lambermont. The object had a crown of about thirty white-yellowish points resembling "hublots" and three red triangle-shaped lights below that blinked simultaneously. The object moved slowly (about 30 km/h) without emitting any sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO sightings and investigations, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the attempt to analyze these phenomena systematically. The editorial stance, as articulated by Michel Bougard, is to advocate for ufology as a legitimate scientific pursuit, challenging what he perceives as skepticism and dogmatism from established scientific circles. The magazine aims to present evidence and encourage open-minded inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of Inforespace, dated 1994, focuses on UFO (OVNI) sightings reported in Belgium and France. The cover prominently features the word "Feignies" and an illustration of a dark, triangular object with lights, suggesting a key report from that location.

Key Reports and Investigations

Gosselies, February 13, 1994 A diamond-shaped object with red and green lights was observed by M. and Mme S.A. at low altitude. The object made a sudden upward leap before disappearing behind trees. Investigator Francis Frerard noted the object's estimated wingspan of 33 meters and its constant altitude. The unusual upward leap and a cone of light projected downwards were highlighted as unusual characteristics.

Freyneux/Manhay, February 15, 1994 M. M., a gamekeeper, reported seeing a dark, disc-shaped object, approximately 5 meters in diameter, rotating and emitting a whistling sound. It was observed at a very low altitude of about 10 meters. The object had a defined structure with luminous "portholes" and appeared to have little thickness.

Haversin, March 19, 1994 Investigator Christian Robin documented a sighting by M. S. The object initially appeared as three lights in a triangle, then transformed into a "saucer" shape. It later displayed multiple violet lights and a rectangle with a dome. The object was estimated to be about 8 meters in size.

Heusy, April 2 or 3, 1994 Investigator Guy Bleser reported on M. J.B.'s observation of a triangular object with colored lights at its corners and a white light in the center. The object was observed hovering at a low altitude (60-100 meters) and later moved laterally.

Villers-la-Ville, April 11, 1994 Mme H.B. and her daughter, along with Mme B. M.M., witnessed a slow-moving, voluminous object emitting a turbine-like noise. The object was described as having white lights and a dark triangle shape. Its apparent size was considerable, estimated at 40 cm at arm's length with a thickness of 4 cm.

Cortil-Noirmont, April 16, 1994 Mme F.D. reported seeing a large, oval-shaped luminous structure that appeared to be divided into two parts with varying light intensity. The object was observed at a low altitude, about 15 meters, and was described as having a greyish, non-reflective surface.

Polleur, April 16, 1994 Two young people, Stéphanie and Jérôme C., observed a triangular object with a white "headlight" and blue lights at the rear. The object performed a remarkable maneuver, including a complete 360-degree rotation. Investigator Guy Bleser documented this sighting.

Forest, April 25, 1994 Witnesses observed three bright white lights forming a triangle, moving slowly and emitting a sound described as a "turning engine at idle." The object was seen near the rooftops.

Hotton, May 21, 1994 M. A.D. reported seeing an object with three lights in an isosceles triangle formation, moving towards Melreux. The object was described as orange-colored, like embers in the wind.

Limelette, July 2, 1994 A witness, M. R.D., described seeing a formation of about ten rectangular, non-luminous objects, described as translucent white like jellyfish. These objects moved erratically and were observed hovering over a football field. A darker band was perceived beneath the formation, and the ground beneath showed signs of a vortex-like disturbance.

Feignies, March 16 or 17, 1990 This report, investigated by Jean-Marie Bigorne, details a sighting of a large, dark triangular object with rounded corners and lights. The object was described as having a surface with rectangular plates and protuberances, resembling a mosaic. It was observed at a low altitude and moved silently. The object's width was compared to that of a Concorde aircraft.

Hamburg, February 2, 1990 A report from Germany describes an object with three soft pink rings directed downwards, observed from Hamburg. The object was described as greyish and faintly luminous.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of unusual aerial phenomena, often described as non-conventional aircraft or unidentified flying objects (OVNIs). The magazine emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, thorough investigation, and the exclusion of mundane explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting detailed reports and analyses without immediate dismissal. The recurring mention of investigator Jean-Marie Bigorne and the organization SOBEPS highlights a dedicated effort to document and understand these events. The issue also touches upon the international nature of sightings, with reports from Belgium, France, and Germany.

This issue of Phénomèna focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1991 and an interview with sociologist Christophe Campiglia.

Belgian UFO Wave Dossier

The magazine presents an exceptional dossier on the Belgian UFO wave, compiled by SOBEPS. It covers the period from autumn 1989 to summer 1991, detailing the history of events day by day, the best investigated cases, and the media coverage. The dossier includes analyses of radar data in collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie, the evolution of official and scientific interest, and a comparison with triangular UFO sightings abroad, including the American wave of 1983-1984. It also features statistical analyses and personal conclusions from the authors.

Interview with Christophe Campiglia

Christophe Campiglia, a sociologist, discusses his master's thesis on UFOs, which he chose due to his long-standing interest in the subject and its under-exploration in sociology. He explains that his research focused on understanding why people *don't* believe in UFOs, rather than why they do, a perspective that initially clashed with his thesis advisor's views. Campiglia highlights the influence of Jean Pierre Petit's "Enquête sur les Ovnis" and Bertrand Méheust's "Soucoupes Volantes et folklore" on his work. He acknowledges the existence of various schools of thought in ufology, including rationalists and extraterrestrial hypothesis proponents, and believes that a comprehensive approach requires considering multiple perspectives.

Campiglia outlines ten hypotheses for UFO phenomena, narrowing them down to four: rational explanations, the extraterrestrial hypothesis (which he considers a certainty), and sociological experiments by governments. He dismisses theories involving secret societies or future inhabitants of Earth. Regarding the 5% of unexplained cases, he argues that they should not be ignored, citing the Trans-en-Provence case as an example of an inexplicable event with physical traces.

He discusses the restrictive French regulations on accessing gendarmerie reports, noting that while initially believing they were meant to suppress information, he now accepts they are intended to protect witnesses. Campiglia also touches upon the potential political implications of UFO phenomena, dismissing claims that they are used to distract from real-world issues.

When asked about the role of ufological groups, he emphasizes the importance of training in observation techniques and the need for a European federation. He expresses skepticism about contact experiments and the idea of extraterrestrials influencing politics. He believes that phenomena like alleged alien abductions, animal mutilations, and crop circles belong more to science fiction than reality, though he acknowledges Jean Sider's work on the Roswell crash.

Campiglia foresees two scenarios for the future of ufology in Europe: either it will fade away as scientific progress explains more phenomena, or Europe will see a rise in abduction cases similar to those in the US. He suggests that programs like Mégaséti might lead to a gradual disclosure of information about UFOs.

German TV Documentary on the Belgian Wave

The issue also covers a German TV documentary by ARD about the Belgian UFO wave, featuring interviews with physicist Illobrand von Ludwiger and astronomer M. Lehr. The documentary aimed to demonstrate the reality of the phenomenon through scientific approaches and witness testimonies. The program generated significant debate, with critics focusing on emotional rather than analytical aspects. A follow-up debate was organized, highlighting the differing viewpoints between proponents and skeptics.

Other Content

Brief mentions are made of specific UFO sightings in Belgium and France, including a case in Boussu involving a pulsating light and a photo, and an observation in Xhoris with luminous beams and a dark structure. The issue also includes notes and references, a bibliography, and advertisements for SOBEPS publications and the "Phénomèna" magazine itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the sociological aspects of belief and perception, the influence of media, and the challenges of accessing official information. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, while acknowledging the complexity and multifaceted nature of the subject. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation, and on encouraging further research and open-mindedness.

This document is issue number 24 of 'Inforespace', a publication by SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Aériens). SOBEPS is described as a non-profit association dedicated to the observation and rational study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and related issues. Its activities are based on volunteerism and include investigations, information dissemination through its semiannual review, and conferences or debates. The publication of 'Inforespace' is dependent on the goodwill of its volunteer collaborators, and therefore, its release schedule may have occasional delays.

SOBEPS Activities and Services

The association actively seeks collaboration from its members, inviting them to share information relevant to the topics covered in the review. Members are also encouraged to participate in the promotion of SOBEPS and to contribute to its work through translation, writing, investigations, or secretarial tasks. Members are urged to report any unusual aerial phenomena they observe or become aware of.

Secretariat and Library

The SOBEPS premises are accessible to members on Saturdays between 2 PM and 6 PM for consulting their documentation, which includes books and magazines. Members are requested to make an appointment in advance. For administrative matters, contact can be made by phone at 02/525.04.04 (available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10 AM and 6 PM) or by fax at 02/520.73.93. A dedicated phone line, 02/524.28.48, is reserved for witness testimonies and features a 24/7 automated answering service.

Diapositives (Slides) Collection

SOBEPS has developed a collection of 360 slides dedicated to various aspects of UFO phenomena. This collection is organized into 30 series, each containing 12 slides, accompanied by descriptive comments. The slides are presented in plastic sleeves. SOBEPS offers a detailed list describing each series and its special conditions. Two additional series, comprising 24 slides in total, are specifically focused on the 'Belgian wave' of sightings and are offered together for 750 Belgian Francs (FB).

Guides for Investigators and Observers

Two complementary guides are available:

1. The Investigator's Guide: This handbook provides a comprehensive set of 200 questions to address during UFO observations. It explains techniques for estimating altitude and dimensions using triangulation, how to handle potential traces, and how to write reports, including assigning credibility and strangeness indices to each case.
2. The Observer's Guide: This guide covers essential astronomical data on stars and planets, discusses common confusions, explains the visibility of the Moon and Sun, and offers a solid introduction to the astronomical concepts necessary for any ufologist.

These two documents can be purchased separately for 250 FB each (equivalent to 60 French Francs). Orders should be sent to SOBEPS, with payment details specified on page 2 of the cover.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the systematic and rational study of unidentified aerial phenomena. SOBEPS positions itself as a neutral, non-confessional, non-philosophical, and non-political organization focused solely on observation and rational analysis. The editorial stance emphasizes volunteerism, the importance of member contributions, and the dissemination of information through its publication, 'Inforespace'. The availability of detailed resources like the slide collection and guides underscores a commitment to providing tools and information for both experienced investigators and novice observers in the field of ufology.