LDLN - No 093

Magazine Overview

'Lumières dans la Nuit' (Lights in the Night), Issue No. 93, published in March-April 1968, is a French monthly magazine dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related issues. Founded by R. Veillith, this issue features a cover headline about mysterious celestial objects and related problems, with a prominent illustration depicting a UFO sighting near Monaco. The price is 3 French Francs, and it marks the 11th year of publication.

Contents and Articles

Editorial and Letters

The issue opens with a 'Letter to Monsieur Veillith' from F. Lagarde, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the new 'CONTACT' publication, a supplement to 'Lumières dans la Nuit'. Lagarde highlights the extraordinary nature of the information provided by readers, including 70 new observations and 19 original drawings, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the publication.

UFOs and Geology

Several articles explore the potential link between UFO sightings and geological phenomena. F. Lagarde's article, 'LE HASARD ET LES FAILLES' (Chance and Faults), presents a statistical analysis suggesting that UFOs are disproportionately observed near geological faults. He contrasts his findings with random chance, indicating a potential material connection. A follow-up article, 'NOUVELLES CONFIRMATIONS' (New Confirmations), reinforces this idea, with a reader reporting a UFO sighting in Yugoslavia that followed a fault line, and another mentioning UFO activity in seismically active zones in the USA.

Official Investigations

An article titled 'UNE ENQUÊTE OFFICIELLE DE GRANDE ENVERGURE SUR LES “M. O. C.” EN FRANCE?' (A Major Official Investigation into 'M.O.C.' in France?) discusses the French Air Force's involvement in investigating UFO phenomena. It references an interview with General Nguven Van Hinh, who states that the Air Force takes UFO reports seriously and that a 'Bureau de prospective air' collects and analyzes these cases. The article details the thoroughness of investigations, citing the Marliens incident of May 10, 1967, where unusual ground traces were found and analyzed, though no definitive explanation was reached.

Observation Campaigns and Activities

The 'CAMPAGNE NATIONALE 1968 D'OBSERVATION CONTINUE' (National Observation Campaign 1968 Continues) calls for public participation in observing UFOs from June 15 to September 30, 1968. Readers are asked to submit details about potential observation locations and times. The magazine also lists 'NOS ACTIVITÉS' (Our Activities), including new detection posts and new investigators across France and internationally, as well as new 'CONTACT LECTEURS' circles.

Specific Sightings and Cases

'Une chasse à la palombe mouvementée au Col d'Aspin' (A Lively Pigeon Hunt at Col d'Aspin) recounts a personal UFO sighting by two individuals in 1965, involving a luminous object and descending lights. 'LES CAS D'UNE COMBUSTION SPONTANÉE DES ETRES VIVANTS' (Cases of Spontaneous Combustion of Living Beings) by P. Bludow examines the phenomenon of individuals being carbonized without their clothing being burned, exploring potential explanations related to internal oxidation processes.

Astronomy and Planetary Science

'VÉNUS LA MYSTÉRIEUSE' (Venus the Mysterious) by F. Lagarde discusses new data about Venus, particularly from the Soviet probe 'Venus-4'. It highlights revised figures for Venus's diameter, volume, mass, and rotation period, noting a retrograde rotation and a significantly higher surface temperature than previously estimated. The article also touches upon the composition of Venus's atmosphere, with a high percentage of carbon monoxide, making life as we know it unlikely.

'ILLUSION, RÉALITÉ = RELATIVITÉ' (Illusion, Reality = Relativity) by G. Genay explores the formation of mountains from animal origins (mollusks) and discusses the concept of time and space travel as proposed by H.G. Wells, questioning the feasibility of exceeding the speed of light.

An 'ASTRONOMIE' section lists astronomical events for 1968, including solar and lunar eclipses, meteor showers, and the close passage of the asteroid Icarus.

Themes and Editorial Stance

'LE CONFORMISME' (Conformism) by F. Lagarde reflects on the nature of conformism in society and the importance of critical thinking and non-conformity in the pursuit of truth. The editorial stance of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' is clearly to seek and disseminate truth, encouraging readers to contribute their observations and insights. The magazine emphasizes that it publishes documents for their interest and potential to lead towards truth, without necessarily endorsing all their terms, with authors being responsible for their contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a spirit of inquiry and non-conformity, encouraging readers to question established norms and seek deeper understanding. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, valuing evidence and personal testimony in the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and their potential connections to geological and astronomical factors. The publication acts as a platform for sharing information and fostering a community of researchers dedicated to uncovering the truth, as evidenced by the calls for observation campaigns and reader contributions.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), published in 1968, focuses on unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and related scientific and anecdotal reports. The cover headline announces "M.O.C. ET LEURS OCCUPANTS VUS AU SOL EN 1967" (M.O.C. and their occupants seen on the ground in 1967), indicating a strong emphasis on terrestrial encounters with unidentified objects and their alleged occupants.

Meteorological Forecasts and Cosmic Upheaval

The issue begins with a note on meteorological forecasts, acknowledging reader requests for their suppression due to perceived inaccuracy. The author, R. Veillith, mentions that Paul Bouchet's long-term forecasts are considered the best. This is followed by a section discussing a "Cosmic Upheaval?" which posits that the discovery of microtektites might indicate that Earth's most recent magnetic field reversal, around 700,000 years ago, was caused by a collision with a cosmic body. Professors B. Glass and Bruce C. Heezen of Columbia University are cited, suggesting that these microtektites, found in deep-sea sediments, are evidence of such an event.

New Hallucinogenic Drug: S.T.P.

A report from Washington details concerns about a new, potent hallucinogenic drug called "S.T.P." (Serenity, Tranquility, Peace). It is feared to be a replacement for LSD and has been linked to a death in Toronto. John Finlator, director of the Bureau of Drug Abuse Control, testified that S.T.P. is chemically similar to a toxic gas used by the American army and its effects last much longer than LSD, posing significant risks, especially when combined with LSD antidotes.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings and encounters from various locations:

The 'Human-Mite' of West Virginia

On November 17, 1966, two couples in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA, reported an encounter with a strange "bird" or "human-mite" approximately 1.80 meters tall, moving at 160 km/h. They described it as grey with glowing red eyes. The creature reportedly flew above their car and disappeared into a field.

Encounter in Chile

In January 1967, near Ria-Chuelo, Chile, a witness reported seeing a rust-colored flying saucer, about 35 meters in diameter, hovering silently. He described a feeling of warmth and suspended energy. A humanoid figure, about 1.50 meters tall, with transparent clothing and pale skin, emerged from the object before it ascended rapidly.

Spanish Shepherd's Account

In July 1953, a 14-year-old shepherd near Villares del Saz, Cuenca, Spain, reported seeing a luminous object land. He described it as yellow-grey, about 1.30 meters high, and shaped like a small pot. Three small, humanoid beings with yellow faces and narrow eyes emerged, kissed him, and then re-entered the craft before it flew away at high speed. The shepherd's father and a police officer investigated and found footprints and four deep holes forming a square.

Landing near Madrid

In February 1967, a mysterious luminous object reportedly landed near Madrid, Spain. Witnesses described it as emitting light signals and hovering for three minutes. The incident was linked to the discovery of strange capsules in nearby fields.

Chilean Engineer's Report

In February 1967, an engineer in Osorno, Chile, reported seeing a flying saucer land. He described an occupant, about 1.50 meters tall, with transparent clothing, a pale face, and a prominent jaw, emerging from the craft.

English Encounters

In April 1967, three young men in Balmoral, UK, reported being frightened by a flying object that reacted to their flashlight signals and landed nearby. They described a terrifying sensation and a change in air temperature. The object was described as a brilliant red light.

Flattened Grass Areas in the USA

Reports from Connecticut, USA, detail the discovery of flattened circular areas of grass, similar to those observed in Australia. In Coventry, a witness reported an orange ball of light, and a flattened area was found. Near Danbury, another flattened area was discovered, described as too large for an animal.

Pursuit in Florida

In July 1967, a woman in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA, reported being pursued by a bright yellow light that hovered and then landed on a sand dune before disappearing.

Aerial Observations

In August 1967, a pilot flying over the Atlantic reported seeing a series of white lights that blinked and were tracked by radar. In Georgia, USA, police officers reported multiple sightings of unknown flying objects, including spheres and rectangles, some of which pursued their vehicles.

Scientific and Technological Notes

The issue also includes brief notes on scientific developments:

• Gravity Waves: A mathematician from the University of Maryland discovered "gravity waves," suggesting that extraterrestrial life might be more common than previously thought.
• Venus Life: Russian experts suggest the possibility of life on Venus, with potential for vegetation.
• Lunar Dinosours: A Soviet paleontologist hypothesized that dinosaurs might exist on the Moon if it formed from a fragment of Earth before their extinction.
• Space Exploration: Notes on American and Russian space programs, including the Mariner IV mission to Mars and Soviet satellite launches.
• Astronaut Nutrition: A study on bacteria for feeding astronauts on long-duration interplanetary flights.

Other Reports

• Açores Incident: A Portuguese military guard claimed to have been attacked by a flying saucer in the Açores, experiencing a "gaseous dust" that caused him to fall.
• Spanish UFO Investigation: A report on an investigation into a UFO landing near Madrid, linking it to mysterious capsules.
• UFO Detector: A mention of "M.O.C. Detectors" and information available in issue No. 92.

Book Reviews

The final page lists three important books available for purchase: "A Propos des Soucoupes Volantes" by Aimé Michel, "Les Phénomènes Insolites de l'Espace" by Janine and Jacques Vallée, and "Les Soucoupes Volantes Affaire Sérieuse" by Franck Edwards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, encounters with alleged extraterrestrial beings, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of serious inquiry, presenting detailed accounts and citing experts and scientific findings, while also acknowledging the skepticism and potential for misinterpretation. The editorial tone appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the unexplained, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The inclusion of various international reports suggests a global interest in UFOs and related mysteries. The magazine also touches upon the psychological effects of these encounters, such as fear and disorientation, and the challenges of verifying such events.