LDLN - No 097

Magazine Overview

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT, dated December 1968, is identified as issue number 97 and the 11th year of publication. It is a supplementary issue replacing one that was not published in August and is priced at 3 French Francs. The cover prominently features an illustration related to a UFO sighting in Le Vézenay (Doubs), an investigation by M. Tyrode, and headlines about MOCs (Mysterious Celestial Objects) and their physiological effects, as well as a review of the 1968 National Observation Campaign.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The issue includes a detailed table of contents on page 2, listing various articles and investigations:

• LES « M.O.C. » ET LES EFFETS PHYSIOLOGIQUES by Docteur F.D. (pages 3-5): This article explores the physiological effects of MOCs on observers, discussing sensory and thermal effects, acoustic manifestations (silence, humming, ultrasounds, infrasounds), and potential mechanical, tactile, and thermal impacts. It touches upon the subjective nature of these effects and invites reader contributions.
• ILS ONT DES YEUX, ET QUELS YEUX ! MAIS NE VOIENT RIEN ! (pages 5-8): This section presents observations from August 18, 1968, in Paris and its surroundings, where numerous curious objects were seen. It contrasts the observations of ordinary people with the dismissive explanations from official astronomical bodies like the Meudon Observatory. It also reports on observations from the aerodromes of Bourget and Brétigny, and the National Meteorology service, all of which claim to have seen nothing.
• LE VEZENAY (Doubs) ENQUETE DE M. TYRODE (pages 10-11): This is a detailed investigation by M. Tyrode into an encounter reported by Mlle Marie-Louise Bourriot (now Mme X.) in 1954. She reported seeing a man and two small, dark beings near a luminous red object that ascended into the sky. The report includes a map of the location and M. Tyrode's commentary on the unusual aspects of the encounter.
• GELLES (PUY-DE-DOME) : ENQUETE DE Mme et M. AMEIL (page 11): This section reports on a testimony from Monsieur Bachelard, a gamekeeper, who encountered a strange, cigar-shaped object near Gelles in 1954, which caused his car's engine to falter and induced a feeling of paralysis.
• LES FAUSSES SOUCOUPES DE L'ETNA by Yves GAILLE (page 7): This article discusses observations of lenticular clouds over Mount Etna, Italy, suggesting they might be related to volcanic emissions rather than UFOs, though the author acknowledges the possibility of MOCs.
• UN ATTERRISSAGE MÉCONNU DE 1954 (page 7): A letter from a reader in Saint-Etienne recounts an experience from 1954 where she and her husband saw a large luminous ball that advanced towards them and then disappeared at high speed.
• UNE OBSERVATION AU CENTRE RADIOÉLECTRIQUE DE SAINTE-ASSISE (Seine-et-Marne) (pages 7, 8, 13): This report details an observation on May 9, 1968, of a luminous object with an unusual trajectory and blinking lights, recorded by the Sainte-Assise Radioelectric Center.
• SOUCOUPOMANIE, FANATIQUE DES SOUCOUPES, SOUSOUPISTE by F. LAGARDE (page 8): This article addresses the skepticism and ridicule often faced by UFO enthusiasts, arguing for the importance of non-conformist thinking and the value of eyewitness accounts.
• **ATTERRISSAGES RÉCENTS DE "M.O.C."

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" presents a comprehensive report on the 1968 National Observation Campaign for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), referred to as 'M.O.C.' (Objets Volants Non Identifiés) in the text. The report, authored by F. Lagarde, details the organization, methodology, and findings of this nationwide effort.

The 1968 National Observation Campaign

The campaign, a first of its kind, was organized by 'Lumières dans la Nuit' and involved over one hundred volunteer observers. The primary objective was to dedicate Saturday nights, from 9 PM to 2 AM, to collective sky observation with the aim of tracking potential UAP trajectories. Despite significant disruptions caused by the events of May-June 1968, the initiative received enthusiastic support from observers in France, as well as from Belgian and Swiss colleagues.

The report highlights the challenging weather conditions that limited observation time. Nevertheless, a substantial number of observations were recorded and deemed remarkable, leading to a positive overall assessment of the campaign's results. M. Karcher, a specialist in satellite trajectories, was tasked with meticulously reviewing all correspondence to filter out identifiable phenomena and isolate those that remained unknown or could not be assimilated to known objects.

Campaign Statistics

The analysis of the collected data revealed the following:

• Total observations studied: 140
• Identified satellites: 22
• Probable satellites or assimilated objects: 23
• Meteorites (reported as such by observer): 40
• Doubtful probable meteorites: 87
• Total to be deducted: 2 (40 + 87 - 140 = 2, this calculation seems off in the original text, likely meaning 40+87=127, leaving 140-127=13 unidentified, but the text states 53 remain unidentified)
• Objects remaining unidentified: 53

The report emphasizes that these findings are independent of other notable observations published by the magazine, including those in the Paris region and the 'waves' of objects seen at Brazey-en-Morvan in August.

Notable Observations

The article presents several specific UAP sightings from the campaign, often accompanied by sketches provided by the witnesses. These observations illustrate the diverse nature of the phenomena reported:

• June 5, 1968, 10:49 PM, Nivelles, Belgium: M. G. observed two large red lights spaced apart, connected by a luminous line, with a luminous point below. (Sketch 1)
• June 22, 1968, 10:16 PM, Grenoble, France: M. D. of the GEMOC group reported an unusual object with an unusual trajectory, possibly a meteorite.
• July 5, 1968, 7:30 PM, Perpignan, France: Mlle J. witnessed a large, dark grey metallic cylinder with a small fin in the middle, observed in daylight. She noted the lack of noise from such a large object, which she found astonishing. (Sketch 13)
• July 6, 1968, 11:30 PM, Bilieu, France: M. D. of the GEMOC group observed an elongated, luminous object moving in an S-shaped trajectory, described as a cylinder rounded at both ends with two central fins. (Sketch 3)
• July 7, 1968, Aïre, Switzerland: MM. S. and B. reported two groups of very bright luminous points.
• July 8, 1968, 1:15 AM, Creyseilles, France: A white luminous point was observed blinking at 30° above the horizon. It stopped, accelerated, stopped again, changed direction, and disappeared to the east, still blinking. (Sketch 6)
• July 27, 1968, 10:00 PM, Rive-de-Gier, France: M. O. observed a bright red, crescent-shaped object near the moon. (Sketch 2)
• July 27, 1968, 10:10 PM, Boën, France: M. B. reported an elongated object moving from North to South at high speed, with numerous small lights, making no noise.
• August 1, 1968, 1:57 AM, Fribourg, Switzerland: M. B. observed a bright, cigar-shaped object with a mini-saucer emerging from it. His photo and tape recorder malfunctioned during the encounter. (Sketch 8)
• August 10, 1968, 9:30 PM, La Seauve, France: Mme E. observed an object emerging from the North, evolving at low altitude, emitting a regular white luminous pulsation. It appeared as a luminous white bell over a black T-shaped piece. (Sketch 10)
• August 14, 1968, 3:00 AM, Marseille, France: M. D'A. saw two bright, stationary spheres larger than the full moon in the northwest.
• August 22, 1968, 11:45 PM, Nivelles, Belgium: M. G. observed a luminous crescent-shaped object moving very low, possibly at 100 meters altitude. (Sketch 2)
• August 24, 1968, 10:30 PM - 10:50 PM, Toulon, France: M. C. observed a luminous point moving northeast, then curving east, immobilizing, and reversing direction. The apparent angular speed was estimated at 3 degrees per minute. (Sketch 11)

Official Discrepancy

The report contrasts the numerous public sightings with the discretion of official services, which, according to the author, officially see nothing, despite objects being visible to multiple witnesses and sometimes hovering over their installations.

Detectors for UAP

The magazine also features a section on UAP detectors, describing two models:

• The 'GEOS 5': A portable, independent detector with a magnetized needle and a steel lamella. It includes a buzzer and a wooden bead as a 'memory' to indicate if it has operated when the owner was absent. It requires a 9-volt battery and costs 33 F.
• The 'CHARTIER' photo-electric cell detector: This model is more sensitive than the 'GEOS' and operates on a different principle, using a light beam and a photodiode to trigger an alarm.

Plans for the 'GEOS' are available for 2 F in stamps. The 'CHARTIER' costs 125 F.

Other Content

• List of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' Circles: An extensive list of regional contacts for the 'Lumières dans la Nuit' network is provided, covering various departments in France and international locations like Monaco, Tahiti, Senegal, and Belgium.
• Detector Calls: Several posts report on detector activity, with some noting periods of inactivity due to poor visibility or other factors, while others mention extraordinary calls and the presence of 'M.O.C.'
• Selected Books: A list of recommended books on UAP is offered, including works by Franck Edwards, Aimé Michel, and Janine and Jacques Vallée.
• Reprint: A reprint titled 'LE RETOUR DU CHRIST' by R. Veillith, an analysis of biblical prophecies and mysterious apparitions, is advertised.
• Upcoming Issues: The 'Dans Nos Prochains Numéros' section previews future content, including investigations into landing cases, UAP and geological faults, and scientific studies on plant growth, gravity, and sound.
• Contact - Readers: This section will feature reader reports of ground sightings, their ideas, suggestions, and news from the 'L.D.L.N.' circles.

Special Series

A supplementary series titled "M. O. C. CONTACT LECTEURS" is highlighted, promising details on 'THE FACTS OF THE LANDING ON THE ISLAND OF REUNION'. Readers are encouraged to subscribe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UAP, encouraging public participation through observation campaigns and reader reports. It highlights the perceived lack of transparency from official sources regarding UAP phenomena, contrasting it with the wealth of public sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a belief in the significance of these unexplained events, providing a platform for witnesses and researchers to share their findings and theories. The publication also engages with broader themes, including prophecies and scientific inquiries related to unexplained phenomena.