Inforespace - No 97 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 97
Volume: 27th year
Date: December 1998
Publisher: Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux, asbl (SOBEPS)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, the review of the Belgian Society for the Study of Spatial Phenomena (SOBEPS), delves into the complex subject of ufology, with a particular focus on radar anomalies and scientific investigation methods.

Editorial: Intellectual Honesty and Scientific Rigor

The editorial, penned by Michel Bougard, addresses what he perceives as intellectual dishonesty and pseudo-scientific methodology among UFO detractors. He criticizes a specific article in the daily 'Le Soir' for creating a false equivalence between SOBEPS and less credible organizations, and for misrepresenting the society's rigorous approach to analyzing UFO sightings. Bougard highlights that SOBEPS collaborators, including university professors, have meticulously analyzed testimonies and provided explanations for phenomena, such as the radar echoes recorded by F-16 fighter jets in March 1990. He contrasts this with the simplistic interpretations offered by critics, who may be influenced by their backgrounds (e.g., military experts interpreting UFOs as drones). The editorial emphasizes that while SOBEPS does not claim UFOs are extraterrestrial, they acknowledge unexplained events and advocate for a scientific approach to investigate them. The editorial also touches upon the challenges faced by SOBEPS due to a lack of volunteer participation, impacting their ability to maintain regular operations and conduct investigations.

Service Librairie and SOBEPS Membership

This section provides information on books available for purchase from SOBEPS, including titles like "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard and "Actes du Premier Congres Europeen sur les Phenomenes Aeriens Anormaux." It also details the pricing and ordering process, including bank transfer and postal account information. The section also announces the arrival of the SOBEPS pin, a five-color enamel badge, available for purchase to support the organization.

Table of Contents

The table of contents lists the main articles: an editorial, a section for reader correspondence ('On nous écrit'), and a detailed analysis of mysterious radar recordings of F-16s by Auguste Meessen.

Correspondence: Jean Sider's Critique

This section features a letter from Jean Sider, who requests a clarification regarding the events of November 5, 1990. Sider challenges the interpretation of atmospheric re-entry for a specific object, citing the competence of witnesses and the anomalous descriptions that contradict a Russian rocket stage explanation. He suggests that official explanations might be influenced by state interests and criticizes Michel Bougard for supporting what he terms an 'étatique mascarade' (state masquerade). Sider points to media reports from November 1990 that described unusual trajectory changes and durations inconsistent with atmospheric re-entry, attributing these to an expert in atmospheric re-entry. He also criticizes the perceived incompetence of Scott W. Johnson in handling data related to object 20925/1990/094C, accusing him of either ignorance or willful omission of information.

Michel Bougard's Response to Sider

Michel Bougard responds to Jean Sider's criticisms, refuting the accusations of supporting an 'étatique mascarade' and asserting SOBEPS's independence from any official pressure. He argues that Sider's reliance on initial, emotional impressions of the November 5, 1990 event is methodologically flawed. Bougard also addresses the issue of object identification, explaining that the term 'plate-forme de connection' or 'fusée-parking' is a technical term within astronautics and that the object in question, regardless of its specific designation, was indeed object 20925/094C. He emphasizes that the size of the object is irrelevant to its atmospheric combustion and visibility.

Analysis of Mysterious F-16 Radar Recordings

This extensive article by Auguste Meessen, a physics professor at UCL, provides an in-depth analysis of the radar echoes detected by Belgian F-16 fighter jets during the UFO wave of March 30-31, 1990. Meessen recounts how the Belgian Air Force scrambled F-16s in response to anomalous radar signals, a novel event that garnered significant media attention. He notes that these radar echoes were considered more significant than visual sightings by some.

Introduction to the Belgian UFO Wave

Meessen describes the exceptional nature of the Belgian UFO wave, which began massively on November 29, 1989. He emphasizes the seriousness of the visual observations, often detailed and revealing structures different from classic disc-shaped or cigar-shaped UFOs, noting the presence of 'headlights' and silent, slow movements. He initiated an investigation into whether these objects were detectable by radar, acknowledging the possibility that UFOs might be difficult to detect due to their surface properties.

Radar Detection and Initial Investigations

Meessen details his efforts to obtain radar data, contacting air traffic control at Zaventem airport and the Belgian Air Force. He eventually gained access to over 180 hours of civil airport radar recordings and data from the F-16s, requiring authorization from the Minister of National Defence. He found that while some radar echoes showed alignments, they did not directly correspond to visual sightings. However, he observed that variations in atmospheric humidity could affect radar wave propagation, a phenomenon he had considered even before the F-16 intervention.

The Events of March 30, 1990

On the night of March 30, 1990, gendarmes observed a bright, moving object. This visual sighting was corroborated by radar data from Glons and Semmerzake, which detected an anomalous echo moving systematically. The source of the echo was estimated to be at an altitude of approximately 3000 meters and moving at about 45 km/h, ruling out conventional aircraft or weather balloons. This led to the deployment of two F-16s.

F-16 Encounters and Perplexity

The F-16 pilots, experienced professionals, reported extraordinary experiences. They described objects exhibiting movements impossible for existing aircraft, changing speed dramatically from 280 km/h to over 1800 km/h in seconds, and evading radar lock-ons. These observations suggested an unknown technology. The article notes that around 500 significant visual UFO observations had been reported in Belgium by March 1990, making the radar findings particularly noteworthy.

The Role of Atmospheric Conditions

Meessen explains that the radar echoes could be influenced by meteorological factors, specifically variations in atmospheric humidity. He discusses how these variations can cause radar waves to bend or reflect, creating 'mirages' or 'anomalous propagations.' He differentiates between gradual humidity changes, which cause bending, and abrupt changes at the boundary of the atmospheric boundary layer, which can lead to partial reflections, similar to how light reflects off water. These reflections can create 'ground clutter' echoes that radar systems attempt to filter out.

Invisible Clouds and Radar Filters

Meessen further investigates the possibility of 'invisible clouds' (deformable humid air masses) affecting radar signals. He notes that while military radars are generally less susceptible to 'mirage' echoes than civilian radars, they can still detect other types of anomalous echoes, as evidenced by data from Semmerzake. He explains that the F-16's radar system, with its continuous tracking and Doppler effect capabilities, is highly sophisticated and designed to eliminate anomalous echoes. However, he suggests that certain types of echoes, possibly from these 'invisible clouds,' might bypass the F-16's electronic filters.

Conclusion on Radar Data

Meessen concludes that the F-16 radar data, combined with visual observations, presented a complex puzzle. While some data could be explained by meteorological phenomena, the rapid and evasive maneuvers observed by the F-16 pilots pointed towards something more unusual. He acknowledges that the conclusion of his study, based on the available data, was that the phenomena were compatible with the hypothesis of UFOs, while also noting the need for further investigation and the potential for misidentification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, intellectual honesty, and objective investigation in the field of ufology. SOBEPS positions itself as a serious research organization, distinct from more sensationalist or commercially driven groups. The magazine advocates for a cautious yet open-minded approach, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while prioritizing evidence-based analysis. There is a clear critique of those who dismiss UFOs outright or offer simplistic explanations without thorough investigation. The recurring theme is the need for continued, methodical research into anomalous aerial phenomena, even when faced with skepticism or official reluctance to engage.

This issue of the magazine, identified as issue number 37, focuses on the phenomenon of anomalous radar echoes, particularly those detected by F-16 fighter jets. The cover headline, 'L'ÉCHO STRANGE,' and a subtitle, 'Le radar des F-16 face à l'inconnu,' clearly indicate the central theme. The content delves into the technical aspects of radar technology and explores potential meteorological explanations for unusual radar signatures.

Anomalous Radar Echoes and F-16 Deployment

The primary focus is on a specific incident that occurred on the night of March 30-31, 1990, near Semmerzake, Belgium. Military radar detected anomalous echoes, which were significant enough to warrant the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. The article presents a diagram (Figure 2) illustrating the trajectories of these anomalous echoes as detected by the radar at Semmerzake and Glons.

Characteristics of the Anomalous Echoes

According to the analysis, these anomalous echoes were characterized by their persistence, lasting for over three hours. Their altitudes were generally constant, though the upper trace showed variation. The speed of these echoes was approximately 45 km/h, consistent with the wind speed at altitude, suggesting they were being carried by atmospheric movement. The author initially proposed in 1991 that these might be localized masses of humid air that produced partial reflections due to sudden variations in humidity.

Meteorological Context

The issue highlights the stable meteorological conditions present during the night of the incident. The Royal Meteorological Institute reported a high-pressure system over England and Belgium, leading to slow eastward movement of air. This stable atmospheric situation, described as air moving in a block from east to west, is presented as a key factor enabling the persistence of these unusual phenomena.

The 'Invisible Clouds' Concept

To explain the persistent nature of these humid air masses, the concept of 'nuages invisibles' (invisible clouds) is introduced. These are theorized to be masses of humid air that, under specific conditions, can remain localized for longer than typical convection bubbles. The article suggests that industrial sources like factory chimneys or power plants could contribute to the formation of these warm, humid air masses, potentially explaining visual observations made by gendarmes who reported seeing Sirius.

Doppler Radar Technology and its Application

The magazine provides a detailed explanation of Doppler radar technology, particularly as used in F-16 fighter jets. The APG-66 radar system, equipped with ECM capabilities, is described. The fundamental principle of the Doppler effect is explained: the change in frequency of a wave reflected by a moving object. This effect is crucial for measuring the speed of targets relative to the aircraft.

Doppler Effect in Radar

The article uses diagrams (Figures 3 and 4) to illustrate how the Doppler effect works. It explains that when a reflector is moving, the frequency of the reflected signal changes. This change, known as Doppler shift (AF), is directly proportional to the relative velocity (v) of the target. The radar measures this shift to determine the target's speed. The text notes that a moving reflector amplifies the Doppler effect by a factor of two compared to a stationary one.

Measuring Radial Velocity

The measurement of radial velocity is achieved by comparing the received signal with the internal oscillator signal of the radar. The system analyzes the frequency spectrum of the reflected waves to determine the speed and direction of targets. The article explains how F-16 radars use Doppler measurements to distinguish between different types of targets, such as aircraft and ground clutter.

Challenges and Limitations of Doppler Radar

Despite its sophistication, Doppler radar can be misled. The article discusses how atmospheric phenomena, like humid air masses, can create complex reflection patterns. These 'invisible clouds' might not be eliminated by the radar's filters because their movement relative to the F-16 could be similar to that of ground clutter (vs). The concept of 'blind zones' and the use of 'Kalman predictors' to extrapolate data when a target is temporarily lost are also mentioned.

The Case of the Anomalous Echoes

The author presents a theory to explain why the F-16 radar might have failed to eliminate these anomalous echoes. It is suggested that the radar receives a sum of waves reflected from various interfaces within the humid air mass. These reflections can interfere constructively or destructively. If the interference is destructive, the echo might not be detected. If it is constructive, the radar might detect a signal but attribute to it an instantaneous speed that differs from the average speed of the air mass. This could lead to the echo not being filtered out as anomalous.

Broader Implications and Research

The article touches upon the broader implications of such phenomena, referencing the work of Philip Klass, an editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, who advocates for natural explanations for UAP sightings. The author, however, maintains that the Belgian wave of sightings warrants serious consideration due to numerous visual observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of advanced radar technology, meteorological phenomena, and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking scientific explanations for unusual observations while acknowledging the limitations of current technology and the possibility of phenomena not yet fully understood. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding atmospheric physics and radar principles to correctly interpret radar data and avoid misidentification of natural atmospheric events as UAP.

This issue of Inforespace, published by SOBEPS, focuses on the Belgian UFO wave, presenting detailed analyses of radar data and theoretical considerations regarding unidentified aerial phenomena. The magazine delves into specific cases, including radar detections by F-16 fighter jets and civil radar systems, and explores potential explanations for the observed phenomena.

The Fluctuations of Doppler Velocities

The article discusses the analysis of Doppler velocity measurements from F-16 radar, particularly concerning anomalous echoes. Figure 13 illustrates the relative speed recording of the first F-16, showing high relative velocity. Figure 14 presents a statistical analysis of measurement points, distinguishing between the first F-16's data (open symbols) and anomalous echoes (closed symbols). It highlights that anomalous echoes often occur outside the expected range of air mass speeds relative to the F-16, suggesting they are not purely meteorological.

The analysis by M. Gilmard aimed to determine the geographical locations of echo sources for different interception attempts. He used two methods: a direct method based on the second F-16's data and an indirect method combining azimuth and distance with the first F-16's trace. Gilmard concluded that the detected targets likely did not represent a single object and that interceptions 8, 9, and 10 were related to F-16s, possibly for formation flying.

Figure 15 plots distance versus relative velocity for anomalous echoes, showing a wide dispersion that makes elimination by clutter suppressors difficult. The article suggests that meteorological explanations, such as humid air masses, are plausible for some observations, but the wide dispersion and the nature of the echoes warrant further investigation.

The OVNI Phenomenon: Two Exceptional Radar Detections

This section details two significant radar events. The first, occurring on the night of March 30/31, 1990, involved an F-16 flight where military radars detected an anomalous linear trace. This trace is presented in Figure 16 and is described as being difficult to explain conventionally. The object appeared to move rapidly, with speeds between 820 and 1200 km/h, exceeding that of the F-16s. Notably, the civil airport radar at Bertem did not detect this object.

The second event, illustrated in Figure 17, concerns a civil radar detection on March 18, 1990, near Eghezée. This echo displayed a rapidly changing, zig-zagging trajectory, which was unusual. The object was tracked for several minutes, moving in a generally south-easterly direction before appearing to follow an aircraft. The average speed was estimated at 780 km/h, higher than that of the F-16s.

The Surface of Belgian Wave UFOs

This part of the article explores the physical characteristics of UFOs observed during the Belgian wave. The author posits that these UFOs represent a technology not yet understood, possibly of extraterrestrial origin. The propulsion system is theorized to be magnetohydrodynamic, involving the ionization of ambient air and the generation of forces via electric and magnetic fields. A key hypothesis is that classic UFOs might have superconductive surfaces, which would explain their detectability by radar. However, the author notes that the UFOs of the Belgian wave were often difficult to detect by radar, suggesting their surfaces were not electrically conductive, unlike metals or superconductors.

The article contrasts the Belgian wave UFOs with classic 'flying saucers'. The former are described as triangular platforms with large 'headlights' that projected beams, possibly for ionizing air, and did not produce the 'electromagnetic effects' associated with oscillating magnetic fields. This lack of electromagnetic effects suggests their surfaces were electrically insulating, leading to weak radar backscatter.

Conclusions and Acknowledgements

The author concludes that the study of UFOs, even when seemingly understood, can lead to new insights. The Doppler effect and radar technology, for instance, revealed aspects not previously considered. The author emphasizes the need for continued objective research into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the cooperation of civilian and military authorities. Thanks are extended to Professor Schweicher, Colonel Salmon, and Professor Quinet for their contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a rational and scientific approach to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of objective data analysis, theoretical modeling, and critical thinking, even when dealing with controversial subjects like UFOs. The editorial stance promotes open-mindedness while maintaining a skeptical rigor, encouraging further research and collaboration. The publication also highlights the work of the SOBEPS organization in collecting and analyzing UFO reports, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

SOBEPS Information

SOBEPS is presented as a non-profit association dedicated to the rational observation and study of unidentified aerial phenomena. Its activities include investigating testimonies, disseminating information through its journal 'Inforespace', and organizing conferences. The magazine also provides contact information for the secretariat, library, and a dedicated line for testimonies. Information is also given about SOBEPS's collection of UFO slides and guides for investigators and observers. The issue promotes two books published by SOBEPS on the Belgian UFO wave: 'Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique. Un dossier exceptionnel' and 'Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique. Une énigme non résolue'.