LDLN - No 037

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" is the 37th issue of its 4th year, dated May 1961. The magazine, founded by R. VEILLITH, is a monthly publication priced at 0.50 N.F. Its stated mission is to dedicate itself to those seeking truth, guiding them towards new horizons and assisting human existence by highlighting valuable truths. The cover also features a religious message: "CHERCHEZ ET VOUS TROUVEREZ. Jésus."

Editorial: "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" IS IN PERIL!

The editorial section addresses readers directly, explaining the precarious financial situation of the magazine. The price of the magazine was increased from 0.30 N.F. to 0.50 N.F. in August 1960 to cover rising costs and the increasing volume of mail and professional commitments of the staff. Despite these efforts, subscriptions have declined, and support subscriptions have been converted to ordinary ones, which does not alleviate the financial strain. The editorial team expresses their dedication, having worked for nearly four years with limited personal time due to professional obligations. They refuse to implement a "Permanent Subscription" or further price increases. The proposed solution is for each subscriber to procure one new subscriber, which they believe would secure the magazine's future. The next issue, a combined June-July edition, will announce the final decision regarding the magazine's continuation, with the fate to be decided before the end of June.

Article: "THE PLANET VENUS IS IT INHABITED? RECORDING OF SIGNALS SENT FROM THE PLANET."

By Joseph ANDRE.

This article follows up on a previous piece about Venus. It details the author's experiments in capturing signals from celestial bodies. Starting in 1932, ANDRE claims to have detected unusual movements in his instruments, which he initially attributed to atmospheric disturbances. He then hypothesized that these might be signals from another planet or celestial body, possibly due to cosmic or magnetic radiation. He eventually concluded that these signals originated from our satellite (the Moon) and later from Mars. He describes isolating these signals and, on a particular autumn evening, receiving correspondence from Mars. He notes that Mars, like Venus, shows signs of intelligent inhabitants, evidenced by what astronomers interpret as canals on its surface.

ANDRE recounts further experiences, including detecting perturbations in late 1932 and early 1933 that he initially attributed to Jupiter. He struggled to isolate these signals due to interference. By April 1933, he identified the source as Venus. He describes capturing signals from Venus, which he found remarkable given the prevailing scientific view that conscious life's evolution on Earth was more advanced than on other planets.

He details his methodology, involving tuning his detector to specific wavelengths and recording vibrations. He notes that signals are often sent towards Earth when Venus is near the meridian, suggesting a deliberate attempt to gain attention. The signals from Venus are described as having a complex pattern of oscillations and rotations, distinct from those received from the Moon and Mars. He presents a detailed analysis of these signals, including diagrams and a breakdown of eight distinct phases in each communication. He observes that the mechanical effects of these signals increase with their angular progression, indicating a powerful transmission.

Article: "RATIONALISM AND THE PLURALITY OF INHABITED WORLDS."

By Pierre GUERIN.

This article presents excerpts from a conference given by astronomer Pierre GUERIN to the Union Rationaliste. GUERIN's work, while not directly mentioning "flying saucers," logically leads to the conclusion that the universe likely hosts numerous inhabited planets. He argues that the center of gravity of a system moves in a straight line, not the central star. While direct measurements on stars like our Sun are difficult, studies of double stars have revealed the existence of invisible bodies with masses too small to shine, suggesting they are planets. He posits that stars of types F, G, K, and M (cooler than the Sun) are more likely to host planets, as they rotate slowly. Faster-rotating stars are less likely to have planets. GUERIN suggests that during the formation of a solar system, planets acquire most of the rotational momentum from the nebular mass, leaving slower-rotating stars to form planetary systems.

He estimates that a significant portion of stars in our galaxy are suitable for hosting planets, but acknowledges that many stars are in binary or multiple systems, which might make their planets unsuitable for life due to extreme temperature variations. GUERIN concludes that approximately one in four stars in the galaxy is potentially capable of supporting life. He emphasizes that even if the majority of these systems are lifeless, the sheer number of planets suggests that life is widespread throughout the universe.

GUERIN then delves into more speculative territory, questioning whether human psychic development represents the ultimate evolutionary stage. He suggests that on other planets, life forms might have evolved to possess psychic levels intrinsically superior to ours, capable of developing concepts incomprehensible to humans. He anticipates that this idea might be controversial for rationalists, who generally believe that the material universe is fully comprehensible through reason and that no phenomena are truly inaccessible.

He mentions the OZMA project, an initiative by American radio astronomers to search for extraterrestrial signals using radio telescopes. GUERIN believes it is plausible that such signals will eventually be received, likely from beings with psychic levels at least equal to our own. He advocates for studying the evolution of psychic levels on Earth to better understand this potential.

GUERIN argues against anthropocentrism, stating that just as Earth was once thought to be the center of the universe, placing human consciousness at the pinnacle of psychic evolution might be a similar error. He suggests that psychic development is likely occurring elsewhere in the universe, possibly in ways that mirror Earth's evolution. He contemplates the implications of encountering beings with superior psychisms, suggesting that while some aspects of their thought might be comprehensible, others would remain beyond our grasp.

He concludes by stating that while these concepts might seem novel to many rationalists, they have been explored by philosophers and writers for centuries. He also touches upon science fiction, suggesting that while often dismissed, it can provide plausible starting points for exploring complex ideas. He posits that the true nature of a highly evolved psychic being might be vastly different from the simplistic portrayals often seen in science fiction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea of extraterrestrial intelligence and the possibility of life beyond Earth. It encourages readers to seek truth and explore unconventional ideas, even those that challenge established scientific or rationalist viewpoints. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and a belief in the potential for advanced civilizations elsewhere in the universe. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to sharing scientific research and personal experiences related to UFO phenomena and related topics, despite facing significant financial challenges.

Title: Les Cahiers Rationalistes
Issue: 192
Date: December 1960
Publisher: Union Rationaliste
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Les Cahiers Rationalistes presents a collection of thought-provoking articles and reader responses, primarily focusing on scientific and philosophical concepts related to the nature of the universe, human reason, and the possibility of advanced civilizations.

De telles considérations restreignent singulièrement la portée pratique du projet OZMA

The opening section discusses the OZMA project, acknowledging that its practical implications might be limited in the short term but emphasizing its potential to initiate a profound revolution in human history. The author expresses optimism about the future of human reason, asserting that it is a valid tool for understanding Nature and that there are no other means of accessing human knowledge, even if superior beings with different psychisms exist. The importance of preparing psychologically for the implications of potential contact is highlighted, especially in the context of the year 1960.

References to Historical and Scientific Works

The text references several influential works:

• "De l'Immense et des Innombrables, ou de l'Univers et des Mondes" by Giordano Bruno (1548-1600): This work is cited for its thesis of an infinite world with universal evolution, populated by beings that could be vastly superior to humans, a concept that led to Bruno's condemnation as a heretic.
• "The Book of the Damned" by Charles Fort (1919): Chapter XII is mentioned for its speculative idea that superior beings might have motives beyond human comprehension, likening humanity's position to that of farm animals unaware of their purpose.
• "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" by Aimé Michel (1958): This book is referenced for its conclusions, which are stated to be similar to the author's, based on the evolution of terrestrial animal psychism.

N.B. and Reader Information

A note indicates that these excerpts are from issue No. 192 (December 1960) of "Cahiers Rationalistes." Readers interested in the full report of an important conference can request it from the Union Rationaliste headquarters in Paris, with a nominal fee for the document and postage.

Notable Quote

A quote attributed to Richet is presented: "WHEN A NEW IDEA IS INTRODUCED INTO SCIENCE, IT IS LIKE A STONE FALLING INTO A FROG POND, OBJECTIONS ARISE, MULTIPLE, AFTERWARDS, OFTEN ABSURD."

ELEMENTS DE REPONSES AUX LECTEURS by René Pradel

This section addresses reader letters concerning the concept of universal attraction and perpetual motion.

Response to Mr. Salmon: Attraction vs. Centripetal Force

René Pradel responds to Mr. Salmon regarding the term "Attraction." He agrees that it is an imprecise term and suggests using "centripetal force" instead. He uses the example of a draft horse and chain links to illustrate that these are examples of "pushing" forces rather than "pulling" (attraction). He notes that while we understand how to break down matter (e.g., atomic bomb), the cohesive force that binds atoms remains a mystery.

Pradel also touches upon the concept of ether, finding the idea of a hyper-fine sand-like substance to be too simplistic. He advocates for reasoning towards simplicity, as overly complex theories often lead to contradictions. He argues that an elastic ether would require a governing principle, leading to further complications. He criticizes theorists who construct ethers to fit their theories without considering the broader implications, likening it to occultism.

Response to Mr. Salmon: Phobos and the Speed of Light

Pradel discusses the celestial body Phobos, suggesting that its unusual acceleration might be explained by a vortex-like mechanism rather than attraction. He agrees with a reader's remark that an expanding universe should not have collisions. He reiterates his belief that the speed of light (C) might be instantaneous in a pure, homogeneous ether, but acknowledges that the presence of atoms in the ether could cause delays in light propagation.

Response to Mr. Gigondan: Perpetual Motion

Pradel addresses Mr. Gigondan's interest in his articles on "LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT." He mentions that a similar machine, designed by Norman Dean in the USA, transforms rotational motion into linear motion using eccentric masses. However, Pradel expresses skepticism about the concept of perpetual motion.

He states his belief that "everything has a price" and that all transformations involve energy expenditure. He does not believe in perpetual motion, although he concedes that some natural forces might appear quasi-perpetual to mortals. Mechanically speaking, he argues, there is always energy consumption, wear, and eventual disappearance.

He acknowledges that a solar-powered motor could provide constant acceleration, with the sun paying the energy cost, but this would not constitute perpetual motion.

I4 - Mechanics and Energy Conservation

This section continues the discussion on mechanics and energy, particularly in relation to a hypothetical device that could indefinitely accelerate a flywheel.

Pradel argues that any motive force that accelerates a mobile object indefinitely will eventually reach a point where the accumulated energy from the accelerating force equals or exceeds the energy expended by the motive force per unit of time. He uses the example of a rocket engine to illustrate that while a rocket accelerates, it consumes fuel. The energy gained by the rocket's increased speed is directly proportional to the energy expended by the engine. He explains that if the engine stops, the rocket continues to move due to its accumulated momentum, but this momentum represents energy that was previously expended. To recover this energy, the rocket would need to decelerate, and the energy recovered would be equivalent to that which would have been gained by directly using the fuel. He concludes that all such transformations involve energy loss, primarily as heat, which dissipates into the cosmos.

He challenges Lavoisier's principle of "Nothing is lost, nothing is created," suggesting that it is only true if the fate of lost heat in the vastness of the cosmos can be definitively demonstrated.

OMISSION

A correction is noted regarding a previous issue (No. 34, page 10), where a calculation involving distance and time was incomplete. The missing part stated that "20 meters (distance separating the two pendulums) divided by 5 seconds equals 4 meters per second." It also mentions that pendulums of 0.25 length beat the second.

ABONNEMENTS

Information for subscriptions is provided, including prices for ordinary and supporting subscriptions, and the address for correspondence and payments to M. R. Veillith in Le Chambon sur Lignon, France. The director of publication and printer are also listed, with the publication date indicated as the second trimester of 1961.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of scientific concepts, particularly the rejection of pseudo-scientific ideas like perpetual motion and the imprecise use of terms like "attraction." The magazine promotes a rationalist approach, emphasizing empirical evidence and logical reasoning. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated theories and a call for rigorous scientific inquiry. The issue also touches upon the philosophical implications of scientific discoveries, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for future advancements in understanding the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding human potential and scientific progress, while maintaining a critical and skeptical perspective on speculative or unproven claims.