SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 1 No 03 - juli 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: SVLT
Issue: Volume 1, Number 3
Date: July 1982
Publisher: SVL-GESAG Belgium
Type: Quarterly magazine of the Study Group for Strange Aerial Phenomena.

Editorial: BUFOC GAAT DOOR!

The editorial discusses the 'BUFOC proposal' from SVLT 1/1, which advocated for better cooperation among different UFO groups in Belgium to create a unified sightings list. It highlights the positive reactions and subsequent meetings, including one in Brugge organized by Jacques BONABOT of GESAG, attended by representatives from UFO 21 (Hasselt), SOBEPS (Brussels), and SVL (Antwerp), as well as French researchers from AIHPI. The primary goal was to consolidate sightings data to better understand the UFO situation in Belgium. The editorial notes that while direct exchange of documents was already occurring, the new proposal aimed for a more integrated approach. To manage administrative workload, SVL suggested focusing on cases from January 1980 onwards. Jean-Luc VERTONGEN of SOBEPS initially expressed reservations but later confirmed that SOBEPS reports are available for consultation, effectively making the 'Belgian UFO Center' official. GESAG and SOBEPS will continue their existing level of cooperation, which involves information exchange. The editorial concludes with a call to smaller Belgian UFO groups to join the effort by writing to SVL or Luc DEVINCKE.

Collaboration with AIHPI

This section details the objectives of the French group AIHPI, which aims to collect UFO phenomena from before 1946, considering political, social, and religious contexts. AIHPI believes current UFO theories are based on flawed data and unreliable accounts. They meticulously document historical testimonies and incorporate them into a classification system, emphasizing source verification. GESAG-SVL has pledged full cooperation, having already shared approximately 100 Belgian cases with AIHPI, some accompanied by original texts. SVL plans to inform its members when AIHPI launches its own quarterly magazine.

Paranormal Days in Antwerp

On May 22-23, the 'International Days of the Paranormal' were held in Antwerp, initiated by Professor Henri VAN PRAAG. The event aimed to foster greater unity and cooperation between Dutch and Belgian parapsychology associations. Professor Van Praag, a renowned parapsychologist, prefers the term 'paraphenomenology' to encompass a wide range of unusual phenomena, from spontaneous human combustion to UFOlogy. The first speaker, J. DOUWE BOSGA, formerly of the Dutch Bureau for Unidentified Flying Objects (NOBOVO), now focuses on paraphenomenology. While his presentation provided an overview of the HYNEK classification system, it was criticized for not including recent developments and for being somewhat outdated. The presentation included slides illustrating categories like Nocturnal Lights, Daylight Discs, Radar-Visual, and Close Encounters I, II, and III.

UFO Congress in Hasselt: Some Reflections

This article reflects on the UFO Congress '82 held in Hasselt on April 25, 1982. The event provided an opportunity for SVL to connect with other Dutch-speaking UFO organizations and for attendees to learn about the UFO situation in the region. The organizing group, UFO 21, is commended for its efforts. The congress was primarily informative, with various speakers presenting information. The editorial notes that despite years of research, a clear pattern in UFO behavior remains elusive. It suggests that UFOs are often sighted in remote areas, at night, and associated with light phenomena, but these are not universal characteristics. Many researchers tend to select cases that support their preferred theories, neglecting the contradictions that might hold the key to solving the mystery. The state of UFO research is described as critical, with a lack of active researchers and interested individuals in both the Netherlands and Belgium. The complexity of the UFO problem after 35 years makes superficial interest insufficient, and concrete evidence remains elusive. The rise of skepticism has led to many classic cases being explained away, diminishing the popularity of UFOs. Financial crises have also impacted UFO groups, with many publications struggling for financial aid and new members. Since 1980, nearly all UFO groups have lost about half their subscribers. SVLT, founded during this difficult period, is now the only magazine in Flanders exclusively dedicated to UFOs.

The article quotes UFO researchers who compare the current situation to the 'silent period' of the early sixties. The author expresses gratitude to Marc BROUX, the organizer of the Hasselt congress, for a trophy awarded to SVL for having the best magazine, acknowledging it as an honor and encouragement. The article wishes Mr. Broux success with a potential UFO Congress in 1984. Contact details for UFO 21 (Marc BROUX) are provided.

Previous SVLT Issues

Summaries are provided for SVLT 1/1 and SVLT 1/2, detailing their contents, which include editorials, articles on UFO congresses, specific sightings (e.g., CE III in South Wales, Grobbendonk, Nevele), and reports from organizations like NOBOVO.

Erratum

An error in SVLT 1/2 is corrected, where a portion of an article by Luc DEVINCKE about the Nevele sighting was omitted. The corrected text describes the UFO making a slight turn, revealing a transparent dome through which stars were visible, and a yellow lamp before and after.

Valencia (Spain) UFO, UFO-nauts, and Traces in Turis

This article, authored by Joan A. Fernandez PERIS, describes interesting observations from eastern Spain, based on an article published in the Spanish UFO magazine "STENDEK". The case was investigated by AVIU, a research group focusing on UFO sightings around Valencia. The report details an incident on July 25, 1979, in Turis, near Valencia. Federico IBANEZ, a 54-year-old farmer, observed a brilliant white object in a carob field. Initially mistaking it for a friend's car, he soon realized it was an unusual object, half-egg shaped, about 2.50 by 2.50 meters, with a smooth, white surface. Two beings, approximately 90 cm tall, emerged from the object and walked towards a carob tree. They were dressed in white, ankle-length garments, and wore dark, forward-protruding goggles. After the beings re-entered the object, it ascended rapidly, kicking up a large cloud of dust. IBANEZ noted that the object's legs were no longer visible. He left his car and watched the object disappear like a 'pearl' in the sky within about 10 seconds. Later, he returned to the site with his family and others, where they found two peculiar grooves in the ground near the carob tree. Three weeks later, an AVIU team discovered four circular impressions forming a rectangle of 176 cm by 130 cm, suggesting the object weighed approximately 4,000 kg. Soil samples showed no signs of radioactivity or intense temperature increase. The article notes that IBANEZ, a local farmer, was unfamiliar with the term 'UFO'. The investigation was also conducted by researchers Vicente Juan BALLESTER OLMOS and Miguel GUASP, whose findings corroborated those of AVIU.

Cited Groups

Contact information is provided for the following organizations: GESAG (Brugge, Belgium), SOBEPS (Brussels, Belgium), AIHPI (Brunoy, France), and NOBOVO (Uithuizermeeden, Netherlands).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes collaboration among UFO research groups, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to cataloging and analyzing sightings. It highlights the challenges facing the field, including financial difficulties and a lack of active researchers, while striving to maintain a dedicated publication for UFO enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of earnest investigation and a desire to advance the understanding of UFO phenomena through shared effort and rigorous documentation.

This issue of SVLT, identified as volume 1, issue 1/3, dated December 1980, is a Dutch-language publication from the Netherlands focusing on UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights a military sighting of a "SILVER ELLIPSE" in Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Book Reviews

DE RECONSTRUCTIE VAN TRECOROSS by Martin Holwerda

This review discusses a privately published book from 1980 detailing an unusual aerial object observed by the author above Rotterdam on September 27, 1979. Holwerda's study, based on numerous reactions to his newspaper articles, reconstructs the event using graphics, interviews, drawings, and simulation photos. The book concludes that Rotterdam was visited by an extraterrestrial probe between September and December 1979. While the study is considered interesting, the reviewer notes that the conclusions drawn at the end of the book are perhaps too hasty. The book includes 11 slides illustrating the reconstructed UFO, described as a formation of three cylinders with a retractable platform, leading to the name "Trecoross." The book is available for 39 guilders.

SPOOKLICHT - STUDIE VAN EEN ANGSTWEKKEND FENOMEEN by Hans van Kampen

This is the third book by Van Kampen, following "UFO's boven de Lage Landen." It critically examines various UFO reports from the Netherlands and abroad, employing the research methodology of Philip Klass. Van Kampen identifies a residue of cases that are difficult to explain, referring to them as "spooklicht" (ghost light) phenomena. These phenomena are suggested to have characteristics similar to ball lightning, potentially causing "visions" that are then described as flying saucers and beings. Paranormal phenomena are also included in this category. Van Kampen's intention was to present the phenomenon in a new light, free from the preconceptions associated with the term "UFO."

UFO'S IN HET VERLEDEN - EEN DOKUMENTATIE by Julien Weverbergh

This is the fifth book by the author, published in 1980. It covers historical UFO observations in an informative manner, serving as an interesting and comprehensive reference work.

Medewerking (Collaboration)

SVL actively seeks collaboration from its members on various levels. This includes:

• UFO Case Investigations: Members can receive a questionnaire and instructions to conduct local investigations. They will be kept informed of significant UFO sightings in their area.
• Article Translation: Members proficient in languages other than Dutch are invited to assist with translations.
• Foreign Correspondence: SVL can provide addresses of foreign UFO groups and researchers, and members can help facilitate correspondence.
• Writing Own Articles: Personal studies or observations on UFO phenomena are welcome for publication in SVLT.
• Submitting Newspaper Clippings: Members are asked to copy and send in newspaper clippings about UFOs, including the source and date.
• Bringing in New Subscribers and General Advertising: Members can help by gifting subscriptions or advertising SVLT in local media.

SVL emphasizes that active contributors have become scarce in UFO circles and encourages a positive response to their call for help.

Case Study: TONGERLO (ANT) - METAALACHTIGE UFO BOVEN HET DORP (Metallic UFO Above the Village)

This report details a UFO experience reported by Paul Peelaers in a letter dated February 26, 1982, concerning an event in late 1978. Peelaers saw a metallic object above Tongerlo in November 1978. An investigation was conducted by SVL on March 6th. The witness, 25 years old at the time, described the object as a "disc with a dome," approximately 10 to 20 meters in diameter, metallic in appearance, and moving "very fast." The sighting lasted about 8 seconds. The object was seen at an estimated height of 200 meters and a distance of 850 meters from the witness. The object tilted, revealing a fel-white aspect, and then a bright orange flame shot out from its side before it moved rapidly southeast. Peelaers had been interested in UFOs prior to this event, influenced by authors like Von Daniken, and later subscribed to "UFO INFO" and became an SVL member.

Negative Elements: Lack of other witnesses, Peelaers' prior superficial interest in UFOs, and delay in reporting the sighting to SPW.

Positive Elements: Peelaers made a sympathetic and credible impression; the description of the orange flame is hard to fabricate; the color change from dark grey to fel-white matches the reflection of sun rays.

Case Study: NACHTELIJKE LICHTEN BOVEN DEZELFDE STREEK (Nocturnal Lights Above the Same Area)

This section reports on a sighting on January 19, 1979, near Varendonk-Zammel, about 2 km southeast of Tongerlo. Mevrouw T. observed a blindingly white, elongated oval hovering motionlessly above the landscape, with red light visible above and below. The object was seen from a moving car around 8:00 PM. The report notes that while a plane explanation cannot be entirely ruled out, the description is intriguing.

Case Study: ZEEBRUGGE (W-VL) MILITAIREN ZIEN ZILVEREN ELLIPS (Military See Silver Ellipse)

This report, taken from the "BULLETIN DU GESAG" (March '82), describes an event on July 4, 1981, where eight military personnel working in the port of Zeebrugge observed an aerial phenomenon. The witness, Marcel Nevejans (46 years old, professional military), described the object as an ellipse with a flame at the rear, appearing to come from the sea and heading inland. Using binoculars, the object was seen as a clearly defined, silver-colored ellipse. Nevejans, familiar with aircraft, stated it was not a plane. The object moved at a speed comparable to a commercial aircraft. It maintained a constant elevation of 40° and moved in a straight line without sound. The dimensions were estimated at approximately 12 meters in length and 2.50 meters in height. A flame, about 2 meters long, appeared to emanate from a jet pipe. The observation lasted about two minutes before the object disappeared behind harbor buildings. The report notes the similarity to the Tongerlo sighting and expresses surprise at the lack of additional witnesses.

Evaluation

The "Daylight Disc" sightings are considered important, often providing rich details and more reliable descriptions than night sightings. The Tongerlo case is deemed significant, with the witness apparently observing a solid "flying saucer." The similarity to sightings above Nevele on September 28, 1981, is noted. For these reasons, the Tongerlo sighting is provisionally classified as UNEXPLAINED.

In Ons Volgend Nummer (In Our Next Issue)

A triangular object above Oudenaarde is announced for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed case studies of UFO sightings, often involving eyewitness testimony from ordinary citizens and, in some cases, military personnel. There is a clear emphasis on investigation and analysis, with SVL attempting to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and evaluate the credibility of reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena while also critically examining potential explanations and biases. The publication encourages reader participation in research and reporting, highlighting the ongoing nature of UFO investigations. The recurring theme is the presentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a particular interest in metallic objects, unusual lights, and the potential for extraterrestrial or unknown origins.

This issue of SVL, identified as issue number 20 from volume 3, dated May 1982, focuses on the phenomenon of "BOLBLIKSEMS" (Ball Lightning), with a prominent cover headline asking "DOOR BLIKSEM GETROFFEN VOGELS ?" (Birds Struck by Lightning?). The magazine is published by SVL and appears to be from the Netherlands, written in Dutch.

Ball Lightning Phenomenon

The "Gazet van Antwerpen" is cited for an article describing ball lightning as a luminous, moving, spherical mass, 10 to 50 centimeters in diameter, with colors ranging from reddish to blue-white. It lasts for a few seconds to minutes and disappears with a hiss, a loud bang, or silently. The article suggests that ball lightning is related to thunderstorms and may be caused by strong electromagnetic fields or the sudden heating of matter in a lightning strike. The disappearance of the phenomenon often leaves behind the smell of ozone or sulfur.

Two Types of Ball Lightning

The issue details two types of ball lightning:

1. Conductive Type: This type seeks out and attaches to good electrical conductors such as water, trees, animals, and humans, causing severe burns similar to a direct lightning strike.
2. Free-Floating Type: This type drifts freely, avoids good conductors, and prefers enclosed spaces like halls and rooms. It may enter through windows or doors, or even chimneys, and typically disappears silently, much like a ghost.

The Bird Hypothesis

A significant portion of the article explores a hypothesis regarding the origin of ball lightning, suggesting it might be related to a bird struck by lightning. The theory posits that the electrical conductivity of organic matter in a bird is higher than that of the surrounding air, causing the lightning strike to be concentrated within the bird. This intense heat rapidly vaporizes the moisture in the bird's cells, creating a high internal vapor pressure that causes the cells to burst. The entire matter is then atomized into fine particles, which then float in a cloud of water vapor. Approximately 0.2 to 0.4 seconds after the lightning strike, a superheated gas volume remains, containing finely dispersed solid particles, largely composed of carbon. This explanation is presented as the most plausible one.

The article from "Gazet van Antwerpen" unfortunately does not mention the researchers, their location, or the methodology. For further information on ball lightning, readers are referred to "Science & Vie" No. 770 (November 1981).

Recent Sightings

The magazine also features a section on recent UFO and meteor sightings:

• Arnemuiden, Netherlands (January 10, 1982): A witness reported seeing a 'teardrop-shaped', lemon-yellow light phenomenon moving horizontally at an altitude of about 30 degrees above the horizon. It was visible for 4 seconds and covered approximately 5 to 6 degrees. The SVL evaluation suggests this was a meteor, possibly with a broad, triangular tail, and its slow speed might indicate a distant object.

• Hoboken, Belgium (February 2 or 9, 1982): Two employees of a free radio station in Antwerp observed a bright light flashing across the sky for 1.5 seconds at an altitude of about 80 degrees. This was also evaluated as a meteor.

• La Louvière, Belgium (Early March 1982): Mr. and Mrs. Y reported seeing several disc-shaped objects in the sky. The Y family is noted for having experienced other UFO encounters, including a supposed 'abduction' on December 5, 1978. The SVL evaluation is 'Insufficient' as the investigation is ongoing, conducted by Michel BOUGARD, director of SOBEPS.

• Ekeren, Belgium (March 13-14, 1982): Witness M.L. described a phenomenon resembling a falling star but brighter, moving horizontally rather than vertically. This was evaluated as a meteor.

• Flight from London to Corfu (June 22, 1982): Passengers on a tourist plane saw a strange, black-glossy, pancake-shaped object the size of a car. A British center evaluating the sighting concluded it was likely a weather balloon, possibly distorted by its altitude of 9,000 meters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ball lightning, its potential causes (including a novel hypothesis involving birds), and the reporting of recent unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the SVL evaluations, is to analyze these sightings critically, often attributing them to known phenomena like meteors or weather balloons, while acknowledging cases that require further investigation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about UFO and related phenomena, referencing scientific publications and investigative bodies like SOBEPS.