Magazine Summary

LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT

Magazine Issue LDLN 1950s–1960s

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Summary

Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" focuses on the organization of a detection network for "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" (MOCs), also known as UFOs. It details the construction and function of the "Cartwright" detector, which uses magnetic needle deviation to signal the presence of these objects. The magazine presents numerous sighting reports from the 1950s and early 1960s, including detailed accounts of landings, aerial maneuvers, and electromagnetic effects associated with MOCs. It also includes a debate with the President of the French Astronomical Society regarding the use of the society's name and the scientific validity of MOC research.

Magazine Overview

"Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), in its 6th year and 57th issue, presents a special supplement for March 1963 dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects" (MOCs), also known as UFOs. The magazine positions itself as a platform for those seeking truth and guiding humanity towards new horizons, emphasizing research and the revelation of often-hidden truths.

"Lumières dans la Nuit" Organizes an MOC Detection Network

The lead article details the initiative to create a detection network for MOCs, inspired by the work of the Danish journal "UFO-NYT" and its director, Mr. Petersen. The article highlights the phenomenon of magnetic flux accompanying MOC presence, such as compass deviation and engine stoppages. The "Cartwright" detector, a simple and inexpensive device, is presented as a key tool for this network. A diagram illustrates its components: a loop, pivots, a compass needle, and a battery. The article explains its functioning: the detector rings when a metallic mass moves nearby or when thunder strikes, and is expected to react to MOCs. Early results from Australia are shared, including a sighting by A.J. Millikan on December 27, 1955, of a white object with a greenish luminosity.

The Question of "M.O.C." is Not a Farce

This section argues for the scientific consideration of MOCs, refuting skepticism. It addresses the dichotomy between those who believe in MOCs and those who dismiss them. The article critiques a priori reasoning against MOCs, citing historical scientific errors (e.g., Earth's rotation, radioactivity). It emphasizes that while testimonies are not scientific proof, they are historical facts of value. The wave of sightings in Western Europe during autumn 1954 is highlighted as a crucial period, leading to a million convictions in France alone. The author, R. Veillith, spent three years analyzing these reports and discovered a hidden order, particularly a rectilinear disposition of sightings across vast distances, suggesting a geometric pattern.

  • Key points supporting the reality of MOCs include:
  • Orthoteny: Alignments of sightings forming geometric patterns, sometimes spanning millions of square kilometers.
  • Cyclical Waves: A 26-month period separating MOC waves, correlating with Mars's proximity to Earth.
  • Global Simultaneous Sightings: MOC appearances occurring concurrently across the globe, with greater intensity in certain regions.
  • Movement Patterns: Reports of MOCs moving from immobility to motion, with a characteristic rocking movement from horizontal to near-vertical planes.
  • Electromagnetic Effects: Associated phenomena like compass deviation, vehicle malfunctions (engines, lights, radio), and physiological effects on witnesses (tingling, heat, paralysis).

The article dismisses conventional explanations such as meteors, ball lightning, aircraft condensation trails, mirages, or hallucinations, arguing that the observed phenomena are too consistent and complex to be explained by these means. It concludes that MOCs represent a subject worthy of scientific study.

Unexpected Follow-up to Our Articles Concerning "M.O.C."!

This section presents an exchange of letters between R. Veillith and Mr. A. Danjon, President of the Société Astronomique de France (SAF) and Director of the Paris Observatory. Danjon protests Veillith's use of the title "Membre perpétuel" (Perpetual Member) for personal publicity and denies that the SAF provided extensive documentation beyond its published bulletins. Veillith defends his actions, stating he adhered to scientific tradition and the SAF Treasurer's request, and apologizes for any perceived misuse of the title while asserting his right to use it based on the society's statutes.

A letter from the SAF Treasurer, dated November 20, 1961, confirms Veillith's perpetual membership and offers to supply back issues of "L'Astronomie" magazine. The Treasurer also clarifies that reproducing excerpts or citations from the SAF's publications is permissible with proper attribution, but full article reproduction requires authorization from the Secretary General.

"M.O.C." Observed During the Years 1960 to 1963

This section compiles several detailed sighting reports:

  • November 13, 1960 (La Londe, Seine Maritime): M. Carbonnier witnessed a silent, luminous object with green lights, hovering, landing on a railway track, deploying a tripod, and then taking off. The object was described as two overturned plates, approximately 2m high and 5.50-6m in diameter, with red flashes from underneath. The object's rotating parts and tripod are noted as significant details.
  • December 1962 (Albany, Australia): A white, crescent-shaped object was observed moving southwest at high speed.
  • December 20, 1962 (Lake Maggiore, Italy): Three boatmen reported seeing two disk-shaped objects, resembling helmets, that moved silently over the water and then ascended.
  • January 27, 1963 (Basses-Pyrénées, France): Two workers observed a luminous, flat, and rounded object moving at high altitude and rotating.
  • January 15, 1963 (Arcachon, France): A luminous, long bar-shaped object, moving at high altitude and blinking, was observed.

An Event: In Sweden, UFO Files are Handed Over to Civilian Researchers

This report details how Ivan Troeng, a professor and president of the "Ifologiska allskapet" (Swedish UFO Research Society), successfully convinced Swedish authorities to release all UFO reports. This event followed a prediction by Troeng of a UFO wave coinciding with Venus's approach. The Swedish Minister of Defense announced that a complete list of observations was held by the ministry and would be given to the research society. A conference revealed that UFOs were not considered military objects, paving the way for civilian investigation.

Conclusion of "Mysterious Celestial Objects" Articles

This concluding section summarizes the findings from analyzing 52 cases from the SAF bulletins. It reiterates that many observations align with reports from the general public and that some indicate intelligent behavior. The increasing frequency of sightings over the past dozen years is noted. The author calls for scientists to investigate these phenomena, particularly the orthoteny discovered by Aimé Michel, and states that "Lumières dans la Nuit" will publish any scientific document that refutes the existence of MOCs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the scientific investigation of UFOs (MOCs), challenging skepticism and advocating for a rational approach based on evidence. It highlights the work of researchers like Aimé Michel and the importance of witness testimonies when corroborated. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to participate in detection efforts and share their observations. The magazine also engages in debates with established scientific institutions, asserting its right to investigate phenomena that may fall outside traditional astronomical domains. The recurring theme is that MOCs represent a significant, unexplained phenomenon that warrants serious scientific attention, rather than dismissal.

« Les O.V.N.I. ne sont pas des objets militaires... »

— Colonel VON VEGERACK

Key Incidents

  1. 1955-12-27Roberstown, Australia

    A.J. Millikan observed a white object that seemed to be descending in a curve and zig-zag pattern, with a greenish luminosity upon disappearance.

  2. 1958-01-06Majavutu, Norway

    An object with irregular movement was observed for several hours.

  3. 1958-11-30Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

    A luminous point moved rapidly among stars, with a variable brightness and slightly sinuous course, observed twice on consecutive days.

  4. 1959-12-09Le Moule, Guadeloupe

    A curious phenomenon was witnessed at 00:30 T.U.

  5. 1960-11-13La Londe, Seine Maritime, France

    M. Carbonnier witnessed an object with 8 non-blinking green lights, hovering and then landing on a railway track, deploying a tripod and rotating parts.

  6. 1960-08-02Moringhem, France

    Daniel Hiot observed a mysterious object following his car for nearly a kilometer.

  7. 1961-01-27Alger

    A fireball-like object was observed moving rapidly at an altitude of approximately 500 meters.

  8. 1961-01-16Sorlandsbaum, Norway

    An object, brilliantly illuminated, was observed for 30 minutes.

  9. 1962-12Albany, Australia

    A white, crescent-shaped object was observed moving southwest at high speed.

  10. 1962-12-20Lake Maggiore, Italy

    Three boatmen reported seeing two flying objects resembling helmets, one of which was stationary before moving away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Cartwright" detector?

The "Cartwright" detector is a device designed to detect "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" (MOCs) by registering magnetic deviations, often accompanied by a ringing bell when an MOC is nearby.

What are the main arguments against the existence of MOCs presented in the article?

Arguments against MOC existence include the lack of decisive scientific proof, the assertion that no planet in our solar system can support advanced life, and the vast distances between star systems making interstellar travel impossible.

What evidence supports the existence of MOCs according to the magazine?

Evidence includes numerous witness testimonies, the discovery of geometric alignments of sightings (orthoteny), periodic waves of sightings correlating with planetary cycles, and simultaneous global observations.

What are some reported electromagnetic effects associated with MOCs?

Reported effects include compass deviation, magnetic remanence, engine stoppage, vehicle lights and radio failure, electrical shocks, heat sensations, tingling, and temporary paralysis.

What is the significance of the Swedish government releasing UFO files?

The Swedish government's release of UFO files to civilian researchers is considered a significant event, suggesting a shift towards acknowledging and investigating these phenomena, with the statement that "UFOs are not military objects."

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • R. VEILLITHFondateur
  • PETERSENDirecteur de la Revue danoise UFO-NYT
  • Keith CARTWRIGHTMember of the Flying Saucers Research Society
  • A.J. MILLIKANObserver
  • Aimé MICHELResearcher
  • MONTAIGNEPhilosopher
  • Jean COCTEAUWriter
  • BUELTAEngineer
  • Olavos FONTESDoctor
  • Guy QUINCYResearcher
  • Paul THOMASAuthor
  • R. VEILLITHMembre perpétuel de la Société Astronomique de France
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
  • SUFOI
  • Société Astronomique de France
  • CNRS
  • Ifologiska allskapet

Locations

  • Washington, USA
  • Danemark, Denmark
  • Kastrup, Denmark
  • Australie, Australia
  • France, France
  • Poligny, France
  • Gueugnon, France
  • Saône-et-Loire, France
  • Saint-Germain du Bois, France
  • Saint-Romain sous Gourdon, France
  • Ciry-le-Noble, France
  • Bois de Chazey, France
  • Meursanges, France
  • Côte-d'Or, France
  • +6 more

Topics & Themes

MOCUFODetection NetworkElectromagnetic EffectsScientific InvestigationCartwright DetectorAimé MichelOrthotenyUFO SightingsLandingExtraterrestrialScientific ResearchSociété Astronomique de FranceFlying SaucersUnidentified Flying Objects1960s UFOs