SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 2 No 05 - jan 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of SVLT, a quarterly journal from the Study Group for Strange Aerial Phenomena (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen), is the fifth issue of its second volume, dated January 1983. The cover features an illustration of a UFO circling a pylon and includes a headline in Dutch: "The UFO circled the pylon twice..." and a reference to an English summary on page 22. The magazine is directed by Wim Van Utrecht and edited by Jacques Bonabot.

Editorial: The Questionnaire from SVLT 1/4

The editorial reflects on the second year of SVLT's publication, noting the continued interest in the subject despite a relatively small number of dedicated individuals. It highlights the positive trend of increased international cooperation in UFO research in Europe, which has led to better results. The editorial expresses optimism based on the responses to a questionnaire in the previous issue, thanking supporters for their moral and practical assistance. The questionnaire revealed that 'Recent Sightings' and 'International Sightings with High Strangeness' were the most popular sections. Readers suggested new sections, but the editorial team proposed that those with specific questions should write to the SVL address for assistance. The survey also indicated that a majority of readers favor the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFO origins, with another significant group preferring to wait for more evidence. Two members have volunteered to investigate UFO sightings on-site in West and East Flanders, which is expected to improve the quality of local investigations. The editorial also mentions a new Belgian sighting from the WWII era involving a strange light phenomenon.

BUFOI Becomes IGAP-België

The magazine announces the change of name from BUFOI to IGAP-België and thanks those who provided the new address. It references a previous article, 'The Adamski-Myth' in SVLT 1/4, and mentions a letter sent by the SVL Directorate to the association to gauge their opinion on Marc Hallet's critical article. Roel Franke, now heading IGAP-België, responded on October 18, 1982, stating that 'BUFOI' no longer exists and that he continues the work with a publication titled 'IGAP-België, Nieuwsbrief,' which shares the same objectives as the former BUFOI Newsletter. Franke politely declined to write an article for SVLT, expressing no desire to engage in polemics and emphasizing that individuals are free to believe what they wish. He offered to provide information about Adamski's legacy and IGAP-België's work to interested parties. A later letter and the IGAP-BELGIE NIEUWSBRIEF from December '82 highlighted Franke's view that the handling of George Adamski's claims has been unreasonable. SVL, however, is shifting its focus to more recent developments in UFOlogy.

Aspects of International Research: 'Abductions by UFOs' Reconsidered

This section critically examines the use of hypnosis to retrieve memories of alleged UFO abductions, referencing an article by Robert Wanderer in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL. Wanderer questions the reliability of hypnosis, citing the work of psychologist Elizabeth Loftus, who describes memory as a fluid and reconstructive process. Hypnosis, according to Loftus, can create a false sense of certainty about recovered memories, which may be distorted. Wanderer acknowledges that hypnosis can be useful for recovering lost items or overcoming mental blocks, but asserts that it is not a reliable method for determining objective truth and can even be dangerous. He notes that hypnotized individuals are highly suggestible and can be manipulated by the hypnotist through leading questions. The article also introduces Dr. Alvin H. Lawson's hypothesis, published in the English magazine MAGONIA, which proposes that UFO abduction experiences might be linked to the trauma of the birth process. Lawson compares characteristics of alleged abductions with findings from Dr. Stanislav Groff's research on the human unconscious, which explores patients reliving their own births. Parallels are drawn between the 'long tunnel' and 'delivery room' imagery in abduction accounts and the birth canal and womb. The foetus-like appearance of some ufologists and the hormone oxytocin, which may cause temporary memory loss during birth, are also cited as potential links. Lawson suggests that this perspective could offer a new understanding of abduction narratives.

UFO Profile 1980-1982 (1): A Statistical Overview of Belgian Sightings

This article presents a statistical analysis of 82 UFO sightings reported in Belgium between January 1980 and December 1982, collected by GESAG and SVL. The study acknowledges its preliminary nature, as new reports may emerge and some cases may be explained later. The sightings are categorized into three groups: explained (IFO's), unexplained (provisional UFO's), and those with insufficient data or where local investigation was not conducted. The analysis reveals that explained cases constitute the majority (48.78%), followed by unexplained cases (35.37%), and those with insufficient data (15.85%). The monthly distribution of sightings shows a peak in October 1980, which is attributed to the planet Venus and Jupiter being mistaken for UFOs due to their brightness. The article also analyzes sightings by province, noting that the Dutch-speaking Flanders region has more reported cases than Wallonia, possibly due to the SVL's focus and active presence in Flanders. Oost-Vlaanderen leads with 23 cases, 5 of which were classified as interesting. The 13 most interesting cases are highlighted, with a tendency for them to be located in western Belgium, though no clear explanation is offered.

UFO's and Pylons

This section details two interesting UFO sightings that share similarities: UFOs observed circling electricity pylons. The first case, reported near Namen-Dinant, involved two witnesses who photographed the event. Due to delays in contacting the witnesses and their subsequent move, a full on-site investigation was not possible. The witnesses reported seeing two oval-shaped UFOs that maintained a constant distance from each other and the pylon, with one appearing in front of the mast while the other was behind it. The second case is not fully detailed in this excerpt but is implied to be similar.

Year Report 1982

The magazine mentions the release of the second annual report from the Dutch NOBOVO working group for unidentified flying objects. This report includes contributions on UFOs in China, an overview of official UFO research in France (GEPAN), a discussion on extraterrestrial life, and an analysis of UFO landing traces (patterns in flattened vegetation). The report also contains a press review and book reviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs from multiple angles: statistical analysis of sightings, theoretical explanations (extraterrestrial hypothesis vs. other), the psychological aspects of witness testimony (hypnosis, memory), and the potential link between UFO experiences and psychological phenomena like birth trauma. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and international cooperation while maintaining a critical approach to evidence, particularly concerning the reliability of hypnosis. The magazine also shows a commitment to documenting and analyzing local (Belgian) sightings, as evidenced by the UFO profile study and the ongoing reporting of specific cases.

This issue of UFO-NIEUWS, published by SVL, focuses on "Close Encounters with Nasty Consequences," detailing several intriguing UFO sightings and landings primarily in Belgium, with one case from France. The magazine presents reports from field investigators and witness testimonies, exploring potential explanations and the impact of these events.

Case 1: Terrest Landing (1951)

The issue begins with a detailed account of a spectacular landing in Terrest, West Flanders, in late 1951. The witness, Mr. H., returning home with his wife, observed a red fireball that descended and landed a disc-shaped object, described as a typical flying saucer, flattened at the bottom. The object landed approximately 25 meters from the witnesses. Intense heat emanated from it, making it difficult to approach. When Mr. H. attempted to get closer, red light beams, about 15 cm in diameter, shot out from the object's center, hitting the ground near his feet. The craft opened like a scallop shell, revealing seven beings, each about 80 cm tall, with fiery red skin and large heads with small eyes. They appeared to be wearing a skin-like covering. One being was seen rubbing its fingers over a landing strut, while others sat on the edge of the craft. After about 20 seconds on the ground, the object ascended vertically, changed direction, and flew east. The object had been on the ground for approximately 20 seconds. The witnesses reported no aggression from the beings, interpreting the light beams as a warning. The landing site showed four blackish, oval impressions, each about 15 cm in diameter, forming a square approximately 1.5 meters on each side. Mr. H. reported this to the gendarmerie. His wife was so traumatized that she had not fully recovered 26 years later.

Case 2: Frank Fontaine Abduction Claim (1979)

Following the Terrest report, the magazine mentions the story of Frank Fontaine, a French man who claimed to be abducted by a UFO on November 26, 1979, near Cergy-Pontoise, France. Two co-workers allegedly witnessed this. The report notes that in the weeks following, various European UFO groups received hoax UFO photos, suggesting that Fontaine's case might have been part of a series of deliberate mystifications. However, the questionnaire filled out by witnesses J.V. and E.W. in a separate case gives the impression of a genuine experience, pending further investigation.

Case 3: West Flanders Sighting (1980)

On October 12, 1980, a Mrs. X reported a strange phenomenon observed two days prior with her husband and daughter. Field investigator Luc DEVINCKE investigated the case. The sighting occurred around 6:50 PM. Mrs. X noticed a bright light while moving her car. A red rotating light pulsed with varying intensity, accompanied by five or six yellow lights that seemed to move in sequence. The object was described as having a left-to-right rotation of the yellow lights and a counter-rotation of the red light. It hovered very low, making Mrs. X think it had just taken off. Pine trees partially obstructed the view. Later, Mrs. X and her daughter observed the object circle a defunct high-voltage mast twice. The object then approached closely, causing Mrs. X to retreat indoors. Her husband and daughter also witnessed it. Through binoculars (Zeiss 10x40), the object appeared to be dish-shaped with the red light on top and yellow lights along the bottom and underside. The object hovered for about five minutes, then moved away slowly towards the southeast. The witnesses followed in their car but lost sight of it. Mrs. X's husband also saw the lights, initially thinking it was a helicopter, but he did not use binoculars and did not observe the entire event. The object's height was estimated at about 5 meters, and its closest approach was about 50 meters. Its size was estimated to be about 9 meters long and 2 meters high.

Nabeschouwing (Afterthought) on West Flanders Sighting

Investigator DEVINCKE notes that while the description is intriguing, Mrs. X might have unconsciously embellished her account with details from UFO literature, particularly resembling the Adamski saucer. However, the unusual maneuvers are considered particularly interesting. The possibility of it being a searchlight aircraft is considered, but the description of the lights and their movement is unusual. The case is classified as "INTERESSANT."

Case 4: Kontich Car Crash (1979)

Another incident, reported via Jean-Luc VERTONGEN of SCBEFS, involved a car crash in Kontich, Antwerp province. The witness, Mr. L.G., was driving at night when a luminous object approached him rapidly. He swerved to avoid it, crashing into a tree and sustaining injuries requiring hospitalization. The investigator, Wim VAN UTRECHT, was unable to interview Mr. L.G. directly as he had moved, but spoke with his brother. The brother recalled the event, noting that Mr. L.G. had been driving through Kontich around 3:00 AM in September 1979 when he saw the object. The brother believes his sibling was not drunk but suggests a natural explanation might exist.

Nabeschouwing (Afterthought) on Kontich Crash

VAN UTRECHT suggests the incident could be a case of ball lightning. More details are needed for a definitive assessment, including the exact date to check weather conditions and a more precise description of the object. The witness, Mr. L.G., reportedly did not wish for further investigation.

GESAG-SVL Research Team

The magazine introduces the GESAG-SVL research team, which offers UFO questionnaires to witnesses who prefer not to have on-site investigations or whose cases are not deemed significant enough for personal visits. The team also provides a guide for field investigators and encourages readers to contribute by sending letters to the SVL address. A questionnaire can be obtained for 30 BF.

Case 5: Vollezele Transparent UFO (1981)

This section details a sighting by Mr. S. from Tollembeek, Brabant, on a night in October 1981, near Vollezele. Mr. S., a computer operator, was driving on the N 55 road towards Herne around midnight. He observed two white border lights, blinking at regular intervals, moving slowly from right to left in front of him. He initially thought it was an aircraft but was surprised by its slow speed and low altitude. He stopped his car and exited. About 10 meters in front of him and 20 meters high, a peculiar object crossed the road. Mr. S. described it as an oval glass egg, approximately 4 meters long and 2 meters wide, which was transparent with a vague internal structure. The border lights reflected off the surface but did not illuminate the interior. He compared it to the nose cone of a Sud Aviation Alouette II helicopter but ruled out a helicopter due to the complete lack of sound and air displacement. The navigation lights were also described as unconventional. The object moved very slowly, less than 10 km/h, in a straight line from 230° west to 70° east. Mr. S. noted that the object's hull was illuminated by its own border lights and the streetlights, but the observation site was unlit, making it difficult to pinpoint the location later. The object disappeared into the distance. Mr. S. was excited by the event and regretted not having the chance to interact with the object if it had landed. He did not feel scared during the sighting. No secondary effects like car malfunctions were noted.

Personal Impression of Mr. S.

Investigator Luc DEVINCKE found Mr. S. to be honest, noting his hesitation in drawing the object, difficulty in recalling the exact date and location, and his willingness to provide information as proof of his sincerity. A detail that struck DEVINCKE was when Mr. S. saw another car approach the observation site and wondered if it was the same driver from the night of the sighting, reinforcing the reality of the event for Mr. S.

Assessment of the Vollezele Sighting

DEVINCKE considers misinterpretation as a possibility, suggesting a "Good Year" balloon due to the shape and slow speed, with distance misjudgment. However, the lack of sound and unconventional navigation lights rule out a dirigible. The transparency of the object and the way the lights illuminated the hull but not the interior present a puzzle. DEVINCKE concludes the object is UNIDENTIFIED.

Postscript by W. VAN UTRECHT

VAN UTRECHT confirms the reliability of Mr. S.'s account, acknowledging some contradictions but arguing they do not detract from the witness's credibility. He suggests that the border lights could have reflected off the hull without illuminating the interior, possibly due to an opaque plate mounting the lights. This hypothesis aligns with the witness's description and does not necessarily make the account contradictory. A map of the observation site is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the persistent interest in UFO phenomena, particularly "close encounters." The magazine emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and, where available, physical evidence. It acknowledges the challenges in investigating older cases and the possibility of misinterpretation or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various cases and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing tools and information for further research through organizations like GESAG-SVL and UFO 21.

This issue of the SVL-MAGAZINE, number 2/5, is summarized by Wim Van Utrecht and published in 1983. The SVL, or 'Studygroup for Strange Aerial Phenomena', was founded in 1979 and is the sister organization of GESAG. The magazine is published trimonthly in Flemish and includes English and French summaries for foreign researchers. An annual subscription costs 300 Belgian Francs for four issues.

Aspects of International Research (p. 4-5)

This section features an article by GESAG-director Jacques Bonabot, discussing theories on UFO abductions, birth trauma, and hypnotism. It also references Robert Wanderer from MUFON UFO JOURNAL, who expresses skepticism about hypnosis being a reliable method for obtaining objective UFO-related information, citing Professor Elizabeth Loftus. Wanderer suggests hypnosis is flawed and potentially dangerous for uncovering objective reality, though it might help in interpreting situations. The article also notes remarkable similarities between UFO abduction accounts and the birth process, with Dr. Alvin Lawson suggesting this could offer a new perspective.

A Statistical Analysis of Recent Belgian Observations (p. 6-8)

The GESAG and SVL have recorded 82 Belgian UFO cases from 1980 to 1982. Wim Van Utrecht conducted a preliminary study, categorizing the reports by strangeness and reliability. The analysis includes graphic drawings showing the cases by time and location (province). A map on page 8 highlights 13 of the most interesting investigated reports. However, the author notes that there were insufficient interesting reports to draw definitive conclusions.

UFO's and Electricity Pylons (p. 9-12)

This section details two independent observations involving UFOs and electricity pylons. The first incident occurred on December 13, 1979, near Namur and Dinant, where two triangle-shaped objects were seen circling an electricity pylon. The objects were dull grey, with a ball-like protuberance underneath, and maintained a consistent distance from each other. The observation was photographed, but the image lacks detail. This incident occurred shortly after the widely reported abduction case of Frank Fontaine in France. The second sighting took place on October 10, 1980, in West-Flanders, where a family witnessed a flying saucer with yellow and red lights hovering close to the ground, estimated at 9 meters long and 2 meters high. The object circled an electricity pylon and flew towards the witnesses before disappearing. An on-site investigation by Luc Devine revealed discrepancies, but the case was classified as interesting.

Close Encounters with Unpleasant Consequences (p. 13-14)

This section covers two cases with negative outcomes. The first involves a man, Mr. H., who in October/November 1951 encountered a craft that landed near him, opened like a seashell, and released seven small creatures. The object radiated intense heat, and a light beam struck the ground when Mr. H. approached. The craft then ascended and flew away. Mr. H.'s wife was reportedly severely traumatized by the experience. The second case, from September 1979 in Kontich, involves a witness who, to avoid a shining object, swerved and crashed his car, sustaining injuries. The details provided were too poor for a meaningful evaluation.

Close Encounter with a Transparent UFO at Vollezele (p. 15-19)

In October 1981, a witness named Mr. S. observed two strange yellow lights that formed an egg-shaped object flying very slowly at a low altitude (20 meters) and close to the ground. The object had transparent sides, allowing the witness to see the starry night sky within, and a vaguely discernible structure inside. The sighting lasted about one and a half minutes. An investigation by Luc Devine was conducted, and a drawing based on the witness's description is included. Mr. S. initially reported the experience to UFO 21.

Report from Holland (p. 20)

This section details a sighting by 18-year-old J.D. from Huissen, Netherlands, on June 9, 1980. While lying in bed, he noticed his room illuminated by a red light. Looking out the window, he saw a large, motionless red fireball, about 1.5 times the size of the full moon. As he called his sister, the fireball shrank, turned soft white, and moved in a zigzag pattern before vanishing. An on-site investigation has not yet taken place.

Recent Sightings (p. 21)

This regular column summarizes recent UFO reports. Two observations by the same witness were deemed "probable hallucinatory in origin" after investigation by Luc Devine, with the witness described as unstable or paranoid. Another interesting sighting from March 3, 1982, in Stekene, involved a young man who saw a bright ball of light stationary in the sky that suddenly disappeared. On October 18, 1982, newspapers reported a green beam of light observed on October 16, which was later explained as a disco-dancing laser projection in Tongeren.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and investigations, with a focus on cases from Belgium and the Netherlands. There is an emphasis on detailed case studies, including witness testimonies, investigator's notes, and evaluations. The publication also touches upon broader themes in ufology, such as abduction theories, the role of hypnosis in research, and the potential for misidentification (e.g., the Bierset incident). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging local investigations and the exchange of information among UFO organizations, while also acknowledging the challenges in verifying reports and the possibility of psychological factors influencing sightings.