LDLN - No 114

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 113
Date: October 1969
Publisher: R. VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on ancient mysteries and contemporary UFO phenomena, blending archaeological findings with witness accounts and technical analyses.

EN ASIE ORIENTALE, ÉTRANGES DÉCOUVERTES

This lead article by Laurence Brunot explores ancient evidence of extraterrestrial contact in East Asia. It details the work of Professor Tsum-Um-Nui, who in 1965 published a study on "Spaceships 12,000 years ago." The research centers on discoveries made in the Baian-Kara-Ula caves on the China-Tibet border in 1940. Here, archaeologists found numerous flat stone discs, similar to microgroove records, each with a central hole and spiral grooves. These discs, carved from granite, were found near a series of symmetrical tombs. The skeletal remains discovered were attributed to the "Dropas," a dwarf race (approximately 1.30m tall) that did not fit into existing racial categories and appeared distinct from Chinese, Mongolian, or Tibetan populations.

Ancient Chinese legends are cited, describing small, thin, yellow men who "came from the clouds." These beings were reportedly shunned by locals until they were massacred by "men mounted on fast horses," possibly Mongols. The analysis of the Baian-Kara-Ula skeletons indicated an age of 12,000 years, leading Professor Tsum-Um-Nui to reject the hypothesis of them being extinct apes, questioning how apes could perform burial rites and leave behind worked stone objects.

The article highlights the incredible content of the stone discs, which Professor Tsum-Um-Nui translated. The texts reportedly recount the "odyssey of space navigators" from an era when conventional history suggests such technology was impossible. A translation, published in the German magazine "Das vegetarische Universum" and the Belgian "Bufoi," states: "The Dropas descended from the sky with their air gliders. Ten times, until sunrise, men, women, and children took refuge in the caves. Finally, they understood through signals that the visitors from the sky had peaceful intentions and the Dropas could approach them..."

Further deciphered texts, attributed to the "Khams," speak of "air vessels destroyed during a crash in hostile mountains." The cosmonauts, unable to build new craft on Earth, allegedly resigned themselves to remaining on the planet.

Chinese scientists also analyzed particles from the stone discs, finding a significant percentage of cobalt and metal. When subjected to oscillograph testing, the discs emitted a remarkable rhythm of vibrations, suggesting they were charged with "considerable electrical force." Researchers speculated that their transformation into unknown wave types might constitute a message more valuable than the written script.

An extraordinary discovery on the cave walls included drawings of the sun, moon, and stars, connected to a representation of Earth by a cloud of points, marking the path taken by the cosmonauts of 12,000 years ago.

LE PETIT DISQUE BLANC

This section recounts an anecdote told by Commander Cousteau, who heard it from astronaut Aldrin. While on the Moon, as the Earth was obscured by the lunar disk, the astronauts observed the Earth, which was not completely dark but faintly lit by moonlight. They noticed a dark grey disc, on which the continent of Africa was clearly visible as a dark cutout. They then observed a series of flashes, like electronic flashes, along the Earth's equator. Following this, a slightly lighter, almost white disc emerged from Africa and moved across the Atlantic Ocean. It was later understood that these flashes were thunderstorms, and the "white disc" was the reflection of the Moon in the Atlantic Ocean.

NOS AMIS DE CAMBO

A group of model builders in Cambo explored the possibility of flying a disc-shaped craft. They successfully built and tested numerous models, leading to the study of the gyroscopic effect for stability. The article mentions their progress to a "reaction disc" model, with one version powered by a 3 cm³ motor achieving over 100 meters in altitude, and a later model using a powder-based reactor.

ETRANGES BOLIDES

This section compiles historical reports of strange aerial phenomena from the "Tribune de Genève" in January and February 1898. Reports from Fribourg describe a large, fiery, ball-shaped object observed for twenty minutes, changing color and moving erratically. Another report from Lyon details a magnificent bolide, comparable in size to the full moon, that described a parabola in the sky and split into two parts. The article urges readers to continue searching local archives for similar reports from 1897 and 1898.

Enquête a Montadroit (Jura)

Investigator J. Tyrode reports on an incident at Montadroit, a small village in the Jura region. In the autumn of 1967, M. Pierre Lonchampt and his wife discovered curious impressions in a field. These impressions consisted of six regular, quote-like depressions, each about 30 cm in diameter, with a spherical interior and crushed grass at the bottom. The grass in these depressions had lost its color and crumbled to dust upon touch, suggesting exposure to intense heat. The soil was described as blackish. The witnesses took photos and made drawings. Local inquiries revealed no heavy machinery had been present. The field had not been plowed for years, and the depressions suggested a very heavy weight. The article notes that the field was bordered by paths and a road, making it unlikely for a large object to land unnoticed. The depressions were found to be approximately 12,000 years old, and the article speculates on the possibility of an aerial object landing there. The grass in the affected area had not regrown even by the spring of 1971.

Enquête aux Salins d'Hyères (Var)

Investigator V. Cesa documents an observation by M. R. Blanc and M. Rousset on March 25, 1971. While driving near the Salins d'Hyères, they observed a red-orange, ball-shaped object ascending vertically from the direction of La Londes les Maures. The object appeared to grow larger as it ascended, and M. Rousset estimated its ascension lasted over a minute. It then stabilized and moved horizontally at a speed comparable to a tourist plane. The object was described as a "ball of dough" and later, when viewed with binoculars, appeared as a black cylinder with a foyer at the front and a large red fire at the rear. Flames were observed emanating downwards from the front foyer during horizontal movement. The object then turned and disappeared towards Cuers-Pierrefeu. The witnesses estimated the object's altitude to be between 1500 and 2000 meters. They also noted the complete absence of sound. The investigation suggests the object's movement and appearance were unusual, and the location is noted as a potential 'hot spot' for UFO activity.

PRES DE BESANÇON (Doubs)

Investigator J. Tyrode reports on an observation from late 1963 or 1964 near Besançon. Gendarmes, including Adjudant-Chef Roger X., observed a light moving above the Thise plain. The light was described as orange, rectangular, and divided into several compartments. It moved at a very high speed, estimated between 2,571 and 5,550 km/h, covering 5 to 7 km in 4 to 7 seconds. The object maintained a constant direction and speed before disappearing. The witnesses excluded the possibility of it being an aircraft, as the local airfield was closed at night. Another gendarme reported seeing a similar object on the same night, moving in the opposite direction. The article notes that local press mentioned a "flying saucer" sighting around the same time. A follow-up investigation in 1969 revealed that the object was seen at a low altitude (around 100 meters) and had a distinct shape, described as a "black brim underneath, like a hat, a boater." The witness's wife confirmed the description. The article concludes that the object was material and not an atmospheric phenomenon.

Cas qui n'ont pu paraitre dans "Contact Lecteurs"

This section presents several brief UFO sighting reports from Spain and France.

ESPAGNE (SEROS, province de Lérida):

• August 24-25, 1969: Three witnesses reported a large, vague, undefined luminosity moving at high speed. One witness described it as a "reddish ring" when passing through a cloud. The object was described as perfectly circular, emitting a strong whitish light, and making no sound. Its diameter was estimated at 1.20 meters, but its altitude was uncertain.
• Morning of August 25, 1969: MM. Angel Roca, Gabriel Pino, and his wife observed a "white wall" of light near Granja-de-Escarpé. They initially thought it was a fire, but the light was immobile and did not flicker. It appeared to be about 4 meters long and 2 meters high. They lost sight of it due to trees and buildings.

Commentaires des correspondants de la RNC de Barcelone: The RNC correspondents suggest that the Seros sightings might relate to the same object observed in other locations, possibly changing shape. They reference a similar sighting in Santander in 1969 of a rectangular object that later appeared circular with a dome.

Entre Villar del Campo et Calamocha (province de Saragosse):

• March 9, 1969: M. and Mme Juan Antonio Gonzalez Mira observed a white light moving parallel to the road. They estimated its altitude at 500m, speed at 80 km/h, and distance at 2,500m. The light descended vertically and disappeared, leaving a clear semi-circular halo. Later, they saw the object on the ground, emitting intermittent reddish lights. They then observed an object described as "the size of the moon, flattened egg-shaped," with bright upper and lower caps and six luminous points. They also noted a smaller luminous sphere accompanying it. Finally, they saw a reddish blinking light emerging from the ground in the direction of the object.

MADAGASCAR (Tananarive):

• 1966: Mlle Chantal Dubois and friends observed a stationary, golden-yellow or fiery yellow object in the sky, appearing to be in the SE of a park. It later moved to the right, descending towards a wooded area, giving the impression it landed.

DORDOGNE, fin août 1969:

A neighbor alerted the witness to a strange object in the sky. The object was round and immobile for six hours. A smaller white object then circled it before disappearing. The witness noted the object was visible at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. The local newspaper "La Dordogne libre" mentioned a "weather balloon" sighting, but the witness was unconvinced.

EN CROISIERE:

• January 20, 1958: While on a ship in the Caribbean, the witness observed an unusual underwater light, blue-green in color, following the ship at a distance of 10-15 meters and a depth of 5-7 meters. The light was described as weaker than neon but luminous. The witness was told it might be plankton but found the explanation unsatisfactory.

Analyse Minutieuse de Photos prises à Cluj (Roumanie)

This extensive section, authored by M. Florin Gheorghita and analyzed by G. Delcorps, scrutinizes a series of photographs allegedly taken in Cluj, Romania, on August 18, 1968. The photos purportedly show a flying object, described by the witness, technician Emile Bornéa, as a "disc" with a metallic sheen, making no noise, and changing position and direction rapidly. Bornéa managed to capture four shots before the object accelerated and disappeared.

Initial skepticism was overcome by personal examination and a second expert opinion. The analysis focused on the technical aspects of the photos, including lighting, shadows, and potential for manipulation. G. Delcorps, after detailed study, concluded that the object emitted its own light, a finding supported by the analysis of shadows and reflections. He noted similarities between these photos and others taken in Santa-Ana, California, three years prior, despite the claim that the Santa-Ana photos were not verifiable.

The article details the technical analysis performed by the LAET laboratory in Brussels. This analysis involved calculating object dimensions, distances, and angles based on the photographs and the provided scale figure (a person). The lab's findings included:

• Object Diameter: Estimated at 30 meters.
• Distance: Estimated at 600 meters.
• Figure Size: Person depicted as 1.65 meters tall.
• Focal Length: 50 mm.
• Field of View: 47°.
• Object Angle to Horizon: 85° and 68°.

The analysis also explored the possibility of the object being a model, calculating that a model between 12 cm and 46.5 cm, placed between 3.2m and 12.5m, could produce the observed effects. However, the lack of projected shadows and the distinct light emission from the object led the experts to conclude that the photos were likely authentic.

Delcorps's conclusion emphasizes the technical sophistication required for such a potential hoax, the consistency of witness testimonies, and the lack of definitive proof of manipulation. The article also references a final expert opinion from October 1970, which stated that the shadows of UFOs do not necessarily correspond to sunlight, supporting the idea of self-luminous objects.

L'INFORMATION OBJECTIVE

In this editorial, F. Lagarde discusses the principles of "information" and "objectivity" in the context of UFO reporting. He stresses the importance of presenting facts as they are received, regardless of their apparent rationality, and the challenges of maintaining objectivity when dealing with phenomena that defy conventional understanding. Lagarde argues that theories should adapt to facts, not the other way around. He defends the magazine's policy of publishing a wide range of reports, including those that might seem irrational, to allow readers to form their own conclusions. He criticizes those who dismiss certain reports without proper investigation and emphasizes the need for comprehensive data, including launch times and locations of meteorological balloons, which are often classified. Lagarde acknowledges the difficulty in filtering out psychological factors like mass hysteria but asserts that the magazine's investigative process aims to minimize such influences. He concludes that objective information must be complete and that censoring reports based on preconceived notions of rationality would be a disservice to the study of UFOs.

NOS LIVRES SÉLECTIONNÉS

This section lists books available for purchase through the magazine, including titles on UFOs, ancient mysteries, and parapsychology.

COURRIER RESUFO

This section provides technical advice for readers submitting photographic evidence of UFOs. It emphasizes the importance of proper handling and storage of negatives to avoid damage, such as fingerprints and scratches. It also offers tips on developing and preserving film, recommending a specific wetting agent and a dust-free drying environment. Readers are encouraged to contact RESUFO for further photographic advice.

PLANÈTES ET SATELLITES

A brief announcement for a new edition of Pierre Guerin's book on planets and satellites, published by Larousse.

OPÉRATION-MACARONS

An update on a fundraising operation involving "macarons" (likely small badges or stickers), noting its success and reduced prices.

L.D.L.N. A L'EXPOSITION DE L'ASTRONOMIE AMATEUR DE TRIEL-SUR-SEINE

This report covers the magazine's participation in an astronomy exhibition, highlighting the success of the event and thanking collaborator Thierry Guillaudeau.

Près de JABREILLES-LES-BORDES (Haute-Vienne)

This article, a continuation of a previous investigation, presents an interpretation by R. Talle of a UFO sighting near Jabreilles-les-Bordes. The report mentions a witness being "brusquely dazzled by a very bright yellow-orange light."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the search for evidence of extraterrestrial contact in both ancient and modern times, and the meticulous analysis of witness testimonies and photographic evidence. The editorial stance, particularly evident in F. Lagarde's piece, is one of open-minded inquiry, advocating for the collection and publication of all available data, even if it challenges conventional understanding. The magazine positions itself as a platform for objective reporting, encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions based on the presented evidence.