LDLN - No 116

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue Date: February 1972
Volume: 15th Year, Issue 116
Price: 3 F.

This issue of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (Lights in the Night), published by the Groupement International de Recherches, is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems. The magazine emphasizes rigorous research and the contributions of its readers, aiming to uncover the truth about UFO phenomena.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

Editorial: La Flamme Qui Nous Anime

The editorial reflects on the magazine entering its fifteenth year and the human place in the vastness of the universe. It highlights the shared pursuit of truth among like-minded individuals who feel a call to understand the unknown, distinguishing them from the general populace. The editorial quotes several readers who express their support and appreciation for the magazine's honest and commercial-free approach to the subject.

Article: Les Occupants des M.O.C. et Leur Comportement (2) by Geneviève VANQUELEF

This article continues the study of MOC (Mysterious Objects in the Sky) occupants, categorizing them based on their physical characteristics and behavior. It describes various types, from human-like beings with unusual features (large eyes, no visible nose, tripod legs) to monstrous giants, animal-like creatures, and insectoid beings. The author notes that these beings are often indifferent to humans, though some can be aggressive. The article concludes by suggesting that these beings might be extraterrestrial entities being acclimated or tested on Earth, or that human adaptation to different conditions could explain their varied appearances. The author posits that the observed differences in behavior, from passive observation to a desire for communication and transformation of humanity, indicate a complex and evolving interaction.

Article: Etude d'une Relation Possible Entre les Lieux d'Observations et la Présence de Sources Minérales ou Thermominérales by F. LAGARDE

This investigative piece explores a potential correlation between UFO observation sites and the presence of mineral or thermo-mineral sources. The author analyzes geological data and historical guides, noting concentrations of gases like helium and argon in areas with both UFO sightings and specific geological features, such as faults and thermal springs. The study compares maps of observation sites with maps of water sources, revealing notable overlaps, particularly in the Puy-de-Dôme region. The article suggests that these geological anomalies might play a role in UFO phenomena and calls for further research and collaboration among scientists.

Case Study: L'atterrissage de Barre-des-Cévennes (Lozère) - Enquête de J. TYRODE

This detailed report recounts an incident from early 1956 where two gendarmes in Barre-des-Cévennes witnessed a large, dark, disc-shaped object land in a field. They described a loud noise, a reddish glow from the object's base, and a warm wind. A white, luminous balloon-like object detached from the main craft, and figures were seen moving around the object. The gendarmes reported feeling fear and paralysis. The object eventually departed vertically and at high speed. The report includes a sketch of the location and the object, and discusses the psychological impact on the witnesses.

Case Study: A Macquenoise (Belgique) Le 28 Juillet 1968 - Enquête de J.-M. BIGORNE

This investigation details an observation by a young woman in Macquenoise, Belgium. She reported seeing a bright red, luminous object with a sifflement sound descend towards her house. The object, described as a luminous disc with a dome, appeared to be very close to her window. She also heard a separate white balloon-like object and saw figures moving around the craft. The report includes a sketch of the location and discusses the witness's fear and the object's unusual characteristics.

Case Study: Nouveaux Aspects sur le Cas de Cluj (Roumanie) by F. LAGARDE

This article revisits the Cluj case, analyzing photographic evidence and discussing the nature of MOC luminosity. It highlights that the brightness of MOCs appears to be regulated and can vary with speed, suggesting an intelligent control mechanism. The author contrasts this with terrestrial explanations like 'ball lightning' and discusses the possibility of advanced technology, possibly involving subatomic particles or electromagnetic phenomena, to explain the observed luminescence in various environments, including air, water, and vacuum.

Case Study: Ronchin (Nord) le 19 Septembre 1971 - Rapport établi par S. WAMBEKE et J.-P. VERCAIGNE

This report details an investigation into a UFO sighting in Ronchin, France, involving multiple witnesses who reported seeing two luminous pinkish-red or violet-red spheres descending from the sky. The incident resulted in two distinct burned areas in a field. The report includes witness testimonies, descriptions of the burned areas, and a chronological account of the events, including the arrival of firefighters. The investigation suggests the possibility of an unusual phenomenon related to the observed lights and the resulting ground traces.

Other Sections:

• Avis: Announcements for readers interested in participating in a regional detection network.
• L'Operation « Macarons » Continue !: A fundraising effort for the magazine.
• Planètes et Satellites: A mention of a new edition of a book by Pierre Guérin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a stance of rigorous, unbiased research into UFO phenomena. It values detailed investigations, witness testimonies, and scientific analysis, while also encouraging reader participation and contributions. The editorial philosophy is to seek truth and shed light on unexplained events, distinguishing itself from sensationalist publications. Recurring themes include the physical characteristics and behavior of UFOs and their occupants, potential correlations with geological phenomena, and the analysis of photographic and physical evidence. The magazine appears to be a platform for dedicated researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and collaborate on understanding these complex mysteries.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Publisher: R. VEILLITH
Issue Date: First quarter 1972
Country of Publication: France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" focuses on an in-depth investigation into a series of alleged Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings that occurred near the RN 17 in France on September 19, 1971. The magazine presents detailed witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and analytical calculations to explore the nature of these events, which were associated with ground fires.

Detailed Investigation of UAP Sightings near RN 17

The core of the issue is dedicated to the testimonies of nine different witnesses or groups of witnesses who observed luminous objects on the evening of September 19, 1971, around 8:20 PM. The events are linked to two distinct burn sites.

Witness Testimonies and Observations:

• Witnesses 1 (M. and Mme X...): Observed two rose-violet luminous spheres descending vertically. They later noticed a burn site (N° 1) and a second burn site (N° 2) which was not visible from their building. Calculations suggest a separation of 12.45 meters between the spheres, with a diameter of 4.15 meters.
• Witness 2 (M. Saint-Léger): Reported seeing two rose-violet luminous spheres descend vertically, similar to fireworks. He also noted a parabolic trajectory of two objects rising from behind houses to the NNW. Calculations based on his observation suggest a separation of 29 meters.
• Witness 3 (M. Roucou Pierre): Saw two rose-violet luminous spheres descending vertically at the same speed. He estimated the distance between them to be about 2 cm at arm's length. Calculations suggested a separation of 29 meters, aligning with the direction of the burn sites.
• Witness 4 (M. Thieffry Pierre): Along with his wife, he saw two dark red luminous balls fall vertically. He estimated their size to be no larger than a fist and falling about 5 meters apart near burn site N° 1. He noted that the fire started 3-4 minutes after the observation.
• Witness 5 (M. Vandenende Alain): Heard a sharp whistling sound and saw a dark red, indistinct shape pass horizontally overhead. This was followed by a brief, reddish illumination of the sky with yellow luminous projections, all without sound. The object's trajectory was towards the South-South-East.
• Witnesses 6 (Mme Leroux, Mme Bailly, and a young girl): Reported seeing two rose-violet luminous spindle-shaped objects moving one below the other, each with a fading trail. Their trajectory appeared to be directed towards the ground. They described the objects as about 30 cm at arm's length. Following this, there was a brief illumination of the sky. Mme Leroux reported subsequent physical ailments: headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. Mme Bailly experienced similar symptoms, and M. Houssois (Mme Leroux's husband) suffered from renal complications. The young girl had a nosebleed and itching. The cats of Mme Leroux also seemed unusually sleepy.
• Witnesses 7 (MM. Roure Alain and Michel, Taminiaux Raynald, Pottier Claude): Observed a yellow-orange illumination behind trees, followed by two bright red spheres ascending vertically and then separating. They extinguished abruptly. They estimated the spheres' diameter to be about 1.54 meters, with an initial separation of 1.54 meters, and a total ascension height of about 140 meters. The calculated diameter was similar to that reported by Witness 2.
• Witness 8 (Mme Blanchot): Noticed an orange hue on her roof and went outside, but did not pay much attention to the burn site (N° 1) which was below her position. She noted a lot of smoke and wind from the West-South-West.
• Witnesses 9 (M. Houssois, M. and Mme Hujeux): Mme Leroux excitedly informed them that two planes had collided. Upon investigation, they saw a fire spread over 100-150 meters, but were surprised by the small extent of the burned area the next day.

Investigator's Analysis and Hypotheses:

The investigators commend the thoroughness of their work, including documentation and photographs. They highlight Witness 3's testimony as crucial, suggesting a parabolic trajectory of objects launched from a nearby location, possibly resembling rockets. The observations of Witness 2 are also seen as supporting this, with objects rising in a parabolic trajectory. Witness 5's observation of an object passing overhead further corroborates the trajectory analysis.

The primary hypothesis explored is that the phenomena involved "fusées" (rockets or flares), possibly launched by an "amateur artificier" or an "émule de la NASA" (a NASA emulator). The investigators rule out the possibility of piloted or guided UAPs, emphasizing that witness descriptions point to objects launched from the ground or falling objects.

Critique of the "Rocket" Hypothesis:

The investigators acknowledge that the nature of the objects remains unknown. They address specific points that do not perfectly align with the rocket hypothesis:

• Shape and Trajectory: The precise parabolic trajectories and the positioning of two objects relative to each other are difficult to explain with standard rockets.
• Incendiary Rockets: The type and extent of the burns suggest incendiary rockets, which are typically launched from aircraft and not visible during descent. The fragility of their casings would likely cause them to break on impact, not after a period of activity.
• Explosion Debris: The description of debris rising slowly with symmetrical trajectories and extinguishing abruptly is considered peculiar.

They conclude that if the events were caused by rockets, it would imply two dangerous pyromaniacs operating simultaneously and in the same area, a coincidence they find highly improbable. They also note the lack of any reported noise or unusual events by neighbors.

Technical and Organizational Sections

RESUFO Photographic Surveillance Project:

A section announces a "National Photographic Surveillance Evening" organized by RESUFO for Saturday, March 18th. The goal is to test the sufficiency of available equipment and volunteers for monitoring the territory and to gather data on UAP frequency in relation to observer numbers. Participants are instructed to photograph the sky, focusing on low altitudes, using black and white film with a speed of 100 ASA. They are encouraged to send their negatives for analysis.

FIDUFO (UFO Documentation Computer File):

This section elaborates on the FIDUFO project, an initiative to create a comprehensive database of UFO sightings. It outlines the project's principles: Exactitude, Openness, Homogeneity, Utility, and Simplicity. The file aims to be a collaborative effort, with emphasis on French cases for easier verification. It details how observations will be categorized and coded, stressing the importance of precise data and the need for investigators to gather detailed information.

Detectors:

Two types of detectors are presented:

1. VEGA II Detector: Described as highly sensitive, it detects variations in the Earth's magnetic field using a compass needle and a photo-resistor, triggering an oscillator and speaker. It includes a memory function.
2. G.T.R. Detector: This detector also responds to magnetic field disturbances, closing a circuit that activates a sound alert for a defined period. It also features a "pearl memory" for recording events when the observer is absent. The G.T.R. has temporarily closed new requests due to high demand.

Selected Books:

A list of recommended books on UFOs is provided, including works by Franck EDWARDS, Henry DURRANT, and Charles GARREAU.

Sources and UAP Article:

An article titled "SOURCES ET M.O.C." is referenced, spanning pages 7 to 9, with a drawing by F. LAGARDE. Another section mentions "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), with publication details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical and analytical approach to UAP phenomena. While acknowledging the sincerity of witnesses, it rigorously examines their testimonies against scientific and logical frameworks. The editorial stance leans towards rational explanations, such as advanced rocketry or natural phenomena, while remaining open to the possibility of unknown factors. The emphasis is on meticulous data collection, verification, and collaborative research through projects like FIDUFO and RESUFO. The publication encourages active participation from its readers in contributing to the understanding of UAPs, moving from passive observation to active investigation.