LDLN - No 129

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 129
Volume: 16° ANNÉE
Date: NOVEMBRE 1973
Publisher: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES)
Country: France
Price: LE N° 3'50

Content Summary

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" delves into the complex relationship between geophysical phenomena and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and witness testimony.

"Etude des corrélations entre enregistrements géomagnétiques et observations d'UFO" by Claude POHER

This article presents a detailed study by Claude Poher, analyzing data from a geomagnetic station in Chambon-la-Forêt. Poher initially found no direct correlation between visual UFO sightings and geomagnetic fluctuations but noted a subjective impression that periods of strong magnetic perturbations coincided with peak UFO observation times. His statistical analysis of the year 1954, particularly October, revealed a strong correlation between magnetic declination perturbations and UFO observations. The study concluded that while the probability of a single automatic station detecting a UFO is low, a network of at least ten stations could significantly improve detection capabilities. Poher also suggested that the magnetic field produced by a UFO could be on the order of 150,000 A.t/m. The article emphasizes the promise of this method for objective UAP study and calls for broader data collection from multiple stations.

"OU EN SOMMES NOUS?" by R. VEILLITH

In this editorial, R. Veillith reflects on the progress of "Lumières dans la Nuit" as it approaches its 17th year. He discusses the consolidation of their two series of reviews into one, the challenges of managing increased correspondence, and the positive reception of the new format. Veillith addresses reader inquiries about affordable detector prices and the operational status of the FIDUFO (Fichier Informatique de Documentation sur les UFO). He also touches upon the growing phenomenon of 'contactees' and the commercial exploitation of UAP information, urging readers to maintain critical discernment.

"PANNES DE COURANT et observations de MOC" by Claude MAC DUFF

This section investigates the link between UAP (MOC) and power outages, focusing on events in Quebec during July 1971. Mac Duff details a series of power failures that coincided with numerous UAP sightings in the same regions, some occurring near power stations. He questions the official explanation provided by Hydro-Québec, which attributed the outages to lightning damage, suggesting a more probable connection to the UAP events. The article includes a specific case from Rimouski and discusses the potential significance of the St. Lawrence River as a UAP corridor. It also recounts a UAP encounter near Saint-Hyacinthe that left physical traces on the ground.

International Cases

Several international reports are featured:

• Argentina: A curious account from Corral de Bustos describes an unidentified object observed by two women, moving from NW to SE with changing colors.
• Italy: An observation and photograph from near Catanzaro on August 28, 1971, describes a circular light moving over the sea.
• Belgium: An account from Rotem details an inspector's sighting of a greenish globe descending to the ground, followed by a luminous object observed by two people.
• Sahara: A report from M. François Lesbros describes seeing a luminous red sphere moving rapidly across the sky near In Salah.
• Tahiti: Multiple sightings of a luminous object, described as a 'flying saucer', were reported on April 22, 1973, near Mahana and Pama-tai.
• New Caledonia: A 'carousel' of UAPs was observed in Nouméa on May 28, 1973, involving a large yellow disk and smaller blue spheres.

"REENQUETE sur un cas de 1954 à Boulogne-sur-mer (Pas-de-Calais)"

This article revisits a 1954 case where a witness, M. Turpin, photographed a disk-shaped object. The object was described as metallic clear, with a central bulge, and moved in a parabolic trajectory before ascending vertically. The investigation confirmed the witness's account and highlighted the importance of photographic evidence and archival research.

"Près de DIJON (Côte-d'or) le 23 Juillet 1952"

This report details an observation near Dijon of a reddish glow followed by a luminous triangle and a disk-shaped object with a halo. The witness, a forester, described the object's movement and luminosity, noting its silent operation.

"OVNI au sol dans le Cambresis (Nord)"

On September 13, 1971, a witness observed a round, brilliant object on the ground near Cambrai. The object pulsed and emitted sparks, and the witness estimated its diameter to be around 20 meters. The report notes similarities to other ground sightings.

"INFORMATIONS ET ENQUETES DE M. TYRODE"

This section includes a historical account from July 27, 1899, where two children reported seeing a large, incandescent red ball moving across the sky near Baye, France. The report highlights the witness's detailed description and the unusual physiological reaction experienced by one of them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, objective data collection, and critical analysis of UAP phenomena. It promotes the idea that scientific methods, including geomagnetic monitoring and photographic evidence, are crucial for understanding UAP. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to contribute their observations and participate in research efforts, while cautioning against sensationalism and commercial exploitation of the subject. There is a clear commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of official explanations or public skepticism.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated the 4th trimester of 1973, is dedicated to the phenomenon of "Mysterious Flying Saucers." The cover prominently features this theme, with contributions from notable figures in the field such as Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, and is presented by F. Lagarde. The magazine is published by Imprimerie Imprilux in France.

Featured Articles and Reports

Case Reports from France and Beyond

The issue presents a series of detailed witness accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) from various locations and time periods:

• Dôle (Jura), January 2, 1971: M. Saugier reported seeing a luminous red object with a tail, described as a globe with a queue, moving horizontally for two minutes. Its size was estimated to be half the moon's diameter, with the total length seven times that diameter.
• Parsac (Creuse), August 1962: M. Duranton, a musician, observed a large object detach from a star, move slowly, stop, release a smaller bright object, and then accelerate rapidly away. He speculated it might be a "mother saucer" releasing a smaller craft.
• Quimiac (Loire-Atlantique), August 12, 1971: Four witnesses observed a large, yellow-white luminous object moving above the clouds, illuminating the area. The object appeared to move from NE to SW, disappearing into and reappearing from clouds, and was accompanied by a sound like an explosion.
• Annecy, February 14, 1973: A witness, M. Lebeau, reported seeing an intense red-orange luminous ball, resembling a street projector, with three smaller balls underneath. The object was described as flattened at the bottom, like an old helmet or projector.
• Vaux-en-Bugey, February 14, 1973: M. Henri Rey observed a white ball, larger than the full moon, which disappeared after a brief moment.
• Béligneux, February 14, 1973: An acquaintance of the author's nephew reportedly saw and photographed a red ball.
• Ancenis (Loire-Atlantique), April 17, 1972: Cécil Blondel described an object seen at low altitude (estimated 20-40m) for 2-3 seconds. He heard a sound similar to a string being whirled and felt the object was solid.
• Belfort, March 19, 1973: Raymond Mercier, a 26-year-old technician, reported a soft yellow-orange light moving slowly at low altitude, accompanied by a faint whistling sound and a physical vibration in his chest. His heart rate increased significantly.
• Côte-d'Or, May 31, 1969: M. Arvier observed a light rising from the ground, possibly from a quarry, on the RN 74.
• Paris, May 26, 1972: A witness on rue Lepic saw a large red-orange flattened ball that pulsed and disappeared.
• Paris, November 21, 1972: Another witness saw a large flattened ball traverse the sky, dim, become blue, and then reappear with its original color and brightness.
• Mérignac (Gironde), September 25, 1972: M. and Mme Freyssinet and their son observed a large white ball moving at low altitude, with a luminosity equal to or greater than the full moon. It ascended diagonally and disappeared.
• Mérignac (Gironde), October 16, 1972: A witness observed a luminous white ball moving at medium speed, which stopped, then accelerated extraordinarily before disappearing.

Historical Cases (1952)

The magazine also includes a section detailing numerous UAP sightings from 1952, compiled from various sources:

• Cholet (49), June 15, 1952: Thirty people observed a brilliant white disc moving above clouds.
• Versailles (78), June 16, 1952: Two people saw a white disc moving faster than a jet.
• Saint-Nazaire (44), June 16, 1952: Several people observed a brilliant golden object, appearing as a disc.
• La Roche-sur-Yon (85), June 21, 1952: Numerous people saw a luminous globe emitting bright light.
• Auch (32), June 21, 1952: An inspector and three children observed a spherical object with pinkish glows, which moved back and forth before heading towards Toulouse.
• Vic-sur-Cère (15), June 25, 1952: Many witnesses saw a cigar-shaped craft moving from NW to SE, leaving a white trail.
• Granville (50), June 28, 1952: Numerous witnesses observed a luminous disc during a storm.
• Tarbes (65), June 30, 1952: Several people saw a cigar-shaped object moving from S to E.
• Calais (62), June (undated): Numerous witnesses saw a red globe moving quickly across the city.
• Lille (59), July 8, 1952: The Lille meteorological service was alerted to a UAP heading towards Lille, leaving a double luminous trail.
• Oukaimeden (Morocco), July 13, 1952: A group of sportsmen saw a white ball, the size of a full moon, which split into three luminous segments.
• Martres-de-Veyres (63), July 18, 1952: M. André Frégnale observed a UAP near Lac Chauvet, describing a circular part that rotated with a brilliant circle around it.
• Saint-Loup (70), Bron (69), Le Puy (43), and Martres, July 18, 1952: Multiple witnesses reported seeing a disc.
• Washington, July (undated): Numerous radars registered mysterious craft, with the Air Force reporting over 100 UAP reports per month.
• Le Puy (43), July 22, 1952: M. Raffier saw a spindle-shaped object that transformed into a pearl-grey disc.

Reader's Mail and Editorial Comments

• Reader's Mail (A travers le Courrier): F. Lagarde addresses reader impatience regarding the slow progress of UAP research, emphasizing the difficulty and the need for collective effort. He highlights the work of FIDUFO and encourages participation in research activities.
• N.D.L.R. (Nota Bene): Throughout the reports, the editorial team provides commentary, often noting the loss of potential evidence due to lack of organization (e.g., the Dôle case) or offering alternative explanations for certain phenomena.

Book Reviews and Selections

The magazine features a section on "Our Selected Books," recommending several titles for enthusiasts:

1. "Soucoupes Volantes, vingt ans d'enquêtes" by Charles Garreau.
2. "Chronique des Apparitions Extra-Terrestres" by J. Vallée.
3. "Le Dossier des Civilisations Extra-Terrestres" by F. Biraud and J.-C. Ribes.
4. "Les Dossiers des O.V.N.I.s" by Henry Durrant.
5. "Les Dossiers des Soucoupes Volantes" by Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi, noted as an excellent illustrated album suitable for all ages.

It also promotes specialized astronomical tools:

• Carte du Ciel "SR": A mobile star chart adjustable for any location, date, and time.
• Carte Planétaire "SP": A planetary map that complements the star chart by showing planetary movements.

Mini-Sondage d'Opinion

A survey conducted among students preparing for a Bac électronique reveals:

• 70% believe in UFOs.
• 50% believe in extraterrestrials.
• Opinions are divided on whether UFOs come from other planetary systems, future time, or are natural phenomena.
• 100% believe UFOs might be unexplained scientific phenomena, while 95% believe they are not secret terrestrial craft.
• 50% have read books about UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UAP sightings, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the historical compilation of cases. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, collective effort, and the need for organization in UAP research. There's a clear dedication to advancing the understanding of the phenomenon, despite the challenges and the slow pace of progress, as reflected in the reader's mail section. The magazine also promotes a sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts, positioning itself as a vital resource for the field.