Petit-Rechain Triangle Photo
During the Belgian wave, a photograph was taken showing a triangular craft with lights. For 21 years it was considered the best UFO photo ever—until the photographer confessed it was a hoax in 2011.
The Belgian Triangle Photo
During the 1989-1990 Belgian UFO wave, a photograph emerged showing a triangular craft with three lights. For over two decades, it was considered among the best UFO evidence—until the photographer confessed to a hoax in 2011.
The Belgian Wave
1989-1990:
- Massive UFO wave
- Triangular objects
- Thousands of witnesses
- Military involvement
- Historic event
The Photograph
April 4, 1990:
- Petit-Rechain, Belgium
- Triangular object
- Three corner lights
- Central light
- Classic image
The Image
What it showed:
- Black triangle
- White lights at corners
- Red/orange center light
- Against night sky
- Detailed structure
Initial Reception
Response:
- Widely published
- Considered authentic
- Matched witness accounts
- Physical evidence
- Belgian wave validation
Analysis
Over the years:
- Studied extensively
- Computer analysis
- No tampering found
- Seemed genuine
- Best evidence
The Confession
July 2011:
- Photographer came forward
- Patrick Maréchal
- Admitted hoax
- Styrofoam model
- Painted, photographed
The Method
How it was done:
- Styrofoam sheet
- Painted black
- Christmas lights
- Time exposure
- Simple fake
Impact
The revelation:
- Embarrassed researchers
- Damaged credibility
- Wave still real
- But key photo fake
- Lesson learned
The Real Wave
Despite the hoax:
- Wave was genuine
- Military radar confirmed
- F-16 chases occurred
- Thousands saw triangles
- Photo irrelevant to reality
Lessons Learned
For UFO research:
- Evidence can be faked
- Don’t rely on single piece
- Multiple sources needed
- Verification essential
- Skepticism healthy
Why Confess?
Maréchal’s reason:
- Tired of deception
- Cleared conscience
- 21 years later
- Wanted truth known
- Ended speculation
The Context
Important to note:
- Belgian wave was real
- Witnesses credible
- Military involved
- One photo fake
- Rest remains unexplained
Significance
Demonstrates how a single hoaxed piece of evidence can persist for decades despite genuine phenomena occurring.
Legacy
The Petit-Rechain photo serves as a cautionary tale—even extensively analyzed evidence can be faked, and the Belgian wave’s reality doesn’t depend on this proven hoax.