LDLN Contact Lecteurs - 1968 096

Magazine Overview

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT, dated November 1968, is the 11th year of publication, issue number 96 bis, priced at 2 French Francs. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of a large, oval-shaped UFO with two figures visible beneath it, set against a stylized background. The main cover headlines highlight "MYSTERIOUS CELESTIAL OBJECTS" and "READER CONTACT."

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The magazine's editorial stance, as articulated by its founder R. VEILLITH, is one of passionate pursuit of truth regarding unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The publication aims to shed light on these mysteries and guide readers towards a deeper understanding. A central theme is the critique of official science's skepticism and its perceived reluctance to investigate credible witness accounts. The issue emphasizes that science should not dismiss facts simply because they do not fit current paradigms, citing historical examples where scientific consensus was later proven wrong.

Key Articles and Features

"AUTANT EN EMPORTE LE VENT" (As the Wind Carries It)

This section addresses reader letters and critiques the arguments presented by Professor Schatzman, who, in a broadcast on Europe 1, dismissed many UFO observations as misinterpretations of astronomical or terrestrial phenomena, or as radar 'phantoms.' The author acknowledges the objectivity of the presenter, Michel LANCELOT, but strongly refutes Schatzman's conclusions.

• Critique of Scientific Explanations: The article challenges Schatzman's assertion that science cannot explain extraterrestrial origins for UFOs (M.O.C.). It argues that science has historically declared many things impossible that later became reality. The author criticizes the reliance on established scientific frameworks to deny observable facts.
• Radar Observations: Regarding radar sightings, the article notes Schatzman's general dismissal but points out that on August 18, 1968, while thousands observed UFOs, official services like Bourget, Orly, and Brétigny reported nothing. The author finds this official denial questionable, especially when contrasted with witness reports.
• Antigravity: The article discusses the concept of antigravity, referencing a recent mention in the magazine of revolutionary theories by French scientists Olivier Costa de Beauregard and M. Goillot, who reportedly demonstrated an inertial effect of spin. This is presented as a concrete laboratory experiment, not just a dream, contradicting Schatzman's dismissal.
• Valuable Observations: The author questions what constitutes a 'valuable observation' for official science, citing the Réunion case (detailed in this issue) as having official guarantees. The article also previews the Brazey-en-Morvan observation for the next issue, which involved an object landing near sheep, leading to unusual biological effects on the animals and surrounding environment.
• The Brazey-en-Morvan Case: This case is highlighted as an example of an observation that official science might ignore. It involved an object landing near sheep, resulting in the disappearance of two sheep, the death of another, and mutations in slugs. Samples were sent to Professor Lautie, who confirmed the findings. The author laments the lack of autopsies on the deceased sheep, which could have provided crucial information.
• Call for Openness: The article concludes by stating that to understand UFO phenomena, one must first be interested in them, likening those who refuse to see to the willfully blind.

"DERNIERE MINUTE"

This brief update reports that the witness from the Réunion case, M. Fontaine, had to be hospitalized urgently at the Fondation Curie in Paris, and a correspondent from Algeria reported that the witness suffered severe nosebleeds, suggesting an attempt to suppress the affair. The author expresses concern that this might mirror the fate of the sheep from Brazey, referencing a promise of extraordinary publicity from M. Schatzman.

"De nos amis, abonnés et collaborateurs, nos informations"

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various regions, including:

• Alpes-Basses (Barcelonnette): A report from July 31, 1968, describing a luminous object flying at an estimated altitude, observed by several young people.
• Alpes-Hautes (Col de l'Izoard): A witness described a bright, conical object of light grey color, appearing to rotate and change shape.
• Alpes Maritimes (Nice): A brilliant sphere was observed hovering before moving rapidly east, leaving a smoke trail.
• Ardeche (Privas): A bright light was seen moving rapidly across the sky.
• Calvados (Ouilly-le-Basset): Two luminous orange objects were observed moving quickly and then fading.
• Charente (Angoulême): A red object was seen moving silently.
• Cotes-du-Nord (Pontrieux): A red object was observed moving silently.
• Creuse (Grand-Bourg): A luminous, scintillating object was seen hovering before disappearing, followed by a bright flash.
• Doubs (Montbéliard): A bright orange object, several times larger than a star, moved rapidly southward.
• Doubs (Besançon): A large, milky white object with spread wings moved rapidly, making sharp, quick tilting movements.
• Doubs (Besançon): A luminous object, described as a demi-sphere with a bright halo, was observed moving at high speed.
• Pyrenees-Hautes (Bagneres de Bigorre): A bright, spherical object moved rapidly and silently.
• Pyrenees-Hautes (Tarbes): Two luminous white objects were observed moving rapidly and silently, one larger than the other.
• Rhin-Haut (Mulhouse): A large, orange disc-shaped object moved rapidly and silently.
• Rhone (Lyon): A sphere the size of half the moon, with the color and brightness of a large star, moved silently.
• Rhone (Bagnols): A very bright object, appearing higher than stars, moved rapidly and then abruptly extinguished.
• Rhone (Lyon): An oblong, metallic object moved slowly and silently.
• Savoie Haute (La Beunaz): Two luminous white points moved rapidly and then disappeared.
• Seine-et-Marne (Avon): A curious object described as rectangular and luminous moved in a curved, undulating trajectory.
• Meurthe et Moselle (Vandœuvres): An oval-shaped object with a red light that pulsed like Morse code was observed hovering and then ascending slowly.
• Nord (Fretin): A luminous object, larger than a star, appeared to rotate at high speed with blue and orange reflections.
• Nord (Watten): A brilliant white object, slightly bluish, oval-shaped, was observed with a faint trail.

"LA VIE DES CERCLES" (The Life of Circles)

This section reports on activities of UFO research groups, including lectures and excursions in Lille and Nice, France. It mentions a presentation on "The Atlanteans, Lemuria, monsters, subterranean peoples, Venusians, the CEREIC" and discussions on historical and scientific topics related to unexplained phenomena.

"RECTIFICATIFS DE CONTACT" (Contact Rectifications)

This part provides corrections and identifications for previously published UFO sightings, attributing some to artificial satellites or rockets like Cosmos 137 and 145.

"LA "MARMITE DU DIABLE" (The Devil's Pot)

This is a title referring to a report on page 5, likely related to a specific sighting.

"LA SPHÈRE DE LILLE" (The Sphere of Lille)

This refers to a report from L.D.L.N. n° 93-94 bis, also likely detailing a specific sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the abundance of UFO sightings reported by the public, the critical examination of official scientific explanations, and the presentation of detailed witness testimonies. The magazine champions the idea that these phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, often contrasting the open-mindedness of its readership with the perceived closed-mindedness of established scientific institutions. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for the study of the unexplained, encouraging readers to contribute their observations and fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

Summary of Key Incidents

The issue details numerous UFO sightings across France and other locations. Notable incidents include:

• La Plaine des Cafres, Réunion (July 31, 1968): A farmer reported seeing an oval object with two occupants, followed by a flash and heat, with subsequent detection of radioactivity. The investigation by authorities confirmed radiation traces.
• Brazey-en-Morvan (August 18, 1968): An object landing near sheep resulted in the disappearance of two sheep, the death of another, and mutations in slugs, with detected radioactivity.
• Réunion Case Witness Hospitalization: A witness from the Réunion case was hospitalized, raising concerns about potential suppression of information.

Notable Quotes

• "Mais, il y a tant de choses que la science déclarait hier impossible, en médecine, en biologie, en science appliquée... etc... que de se servir des acquis antérieurs pour nier les faits, que des milliers de gens constatent d'une manière concrète, nous parait une faute." – R. VEILLITH

• "Il faut commencer par s'y intéresser, comme nous le faisons nous mêmes, et il n'est en fait pire aveugle que celui qui ne veut pas voir." – Anonymous (editorial stance)

FAQ

• Q: What is the main focus of the November 1968 issue of Lumières dans la Nuit? A: The November 1968 issue focuses on reader-submitted UFO sightings and a critical examination of scientific explanations for these phenomena.

• Q: What kind of objects are described in the reader reports? A: Objects are described with various shapes (ovoid, conical, spherical, disc-like, triangular), colors (grey, white, orange, red, yellow, blue, black), and exhibit unusual behaviors like silent flight, rapid acceleration, and shape-shifting.

• Q: Does the magazine present any evidence of physical effects from UFO encounters? A: Yes, the magazine reports on a case in La Plaine des Cafres where radioactivity was detected at the site of an alleged landing, and mentions unusual occurrences like dead sheep and mutated slugs in another case.

• Q: What is the magazine's stance on scientific explanations for UFOs? A: The magazine is critical of official science's tendency to dismiss or explain away UFO phenomena, arguing that science should be open to investigating unexplained facts rather than relying solely on existing theories.