LDLN - No 133

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 133
Volume: 17° ANNÉE
Date: March 1974
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Country: France
Price: 3.50

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to the pursuit of truth regarding mysterious celestial objects and related problems. It features a diverse range of articles, investigations, and reports from around the world, reflecting the magazine's commitment to exploring the unexplained.

Key Articles and Investigations

SUZE le 24.11.73: The Film of M. Franco Contin

The cover story highlights a film taken by M. Franco Contin on November 24, 1973, in Suze. The article, referencing "Corrière della Serra" and interpreted by F. Lagarde, details an observation by student Franco Contin and his fiancée, Marguerite Belmondo. They witnessed a luminous object moving erratically. Contin managed to photograph the object, describing it as an unusual phenomenon, not a known aircraft or satellite. The article notes that the French military reportedly showed interest in the case, with fighter jets being put on alert. The magazine criticizes a France-Inter report that dismissed the Suze sighting as a French meteorological balloon, pointing out the balloon's alleged speed and erratic movements that contradicted such an explanation.

BILAN D'UN QUART DE SIÈCLE (A Quarter Century Review) by Aimé Michel

Aimé Michel reflects on the progress and challenges of UFO research over the past twenty-five years. He discusses the diffusion of information through observation, investigation, and publication, noting the increasing competence of field investigators. Michel highlights that while general knowledge has not significantly advanced, new enigmas have continuously emerged. He points to the complexity of the phenomenon, which seems to defy easy categorization as purely physical or imaginary. Michel also mentions the work of Fred Beckman, who is studying improbable coincidences associated with close encounters, suggesting a level of organization or manipulation behind these events.

ITALIE: Turin 30 November and Suza 24 November 1973

This section details UFO sightings in Italy. A technician, Ricardo Marano, piloting a small plane near Turin, reported an unidentified object that exhibited incredible speed and maneuverability. The sighting was corroborated by radar data from Caselle airport and confirmed by two Alitalia pilots. The article also recounts the Suza sighting by Franco Contin, emphasizing the object's luminous and dynamic nature, and the photographs taken.

LA THEORIE DES PROCESSUS (The Theory of Processes) by Miguel Guasp

This article introduces the work of Miguel Guasp, who, along with Carlos Orlando and Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, forms the "Valence School of Ufology." Guasp's theory posits that the geometry of Earth-Mars relationships plays a triggering role in UFO phenomena. His predictive model, based on this geometry, is presented as a potentially revolutionary approach to understanding UFOs, though it doesn't explain the origin or purpose of the objects.

CAS DE PARALYSIE EN ESPAGNE : HOMMES ET BÊTES (Paralysis Cases in Spain: Humans and Animals)

This investigation, transmitted by M. Darnaude and translated by M. Bailon, details a case of a luminous object landing on a road in Spain on December 31, 1972. The object, described as a "ray" and later a "metallic grey" disc, emitted a bright light, stopped car engines and headlights, and produced a loud "bang" upon departure. The witnesses experienced a sensation of heat and found the ground at the landing site to be hot and compacted with circular indentations. The article explores the possibility of dematerialization and rematerialization, drawing parallels with historical accounts of ball lightning.

UNE ETRANGE AFFAIRE : Double Atterrissage sur une plage Normande (A Strange Affair: Double Landing on a Normandy Beach)

This report by Janine and Jacques Vallée investigates a UFO sighting on December 2, 1973, near Carteret, France. Two fishermen, Georges and Noël Jean, reported a rectangular luminous object on the beach, followed by a smaller blue-green ball. The object's size and shape were noted, and its disappearance was observed. The article also touches upon a previous sighting by Noël Jean in September 1973 involving three yellow luminous spheres. The investigation notes the proximity of the sightings to geological faults and mentions a mysterious discovery of military equipment on a nearby beach, raising questions about potential cover-ups.

Rapport Militaire de M. O. C. A KUUSKAJASKARI (Finland) (Military Report on M.O.C. in Kuuskajaskari, Finland)

This is a military report detailing an observation of a luminous object by Finnish soldiers in Kuuskajaskari on February 3, 1971. The object, described as a "saucer-shaped" craft with a white top and red bottom, exhibited unusual movements, including hovering, changing colors (white, green, red), and rapid directional shifts. The report includes detailed logs of the object's position and movements, as observed by multiple witnesses, including the unit commander.

FOUDRE GLOBULAIRE... OU QUOI ? (Ball Lightning... Or What?)

This article discusses a luminous phenomenon observed in Hinajos, Spain, on December 31, 1972. Two couples in separate cars witnessed a bright red "ray" descend, followed by a "metallic grey" disc with an orange circle and blinking lights. The object emitted a loud bang upon ascent and caused car lights to dim. The witnesses experienced a heat sensation and found the landing site disturbed. The article speculates on the nature of the phenomenon, comparing it to ball lightning and suggesting the possibility of advanced technology.

Les Enquêtes de M. Tyrode (M. Tyrode's Investigations)

This section presents several UFO sighting reports from France, including observations in Cramans (Jura), Saint-Avold (Moselle), Dieulouard (Meurthe-et-Moselle), and Montbéliard (Doubs). The reports detail various luminous objects, their movements, and associated phenomena, such as unusual lights and sounds. The Montbéliard case mentions a brief, intense luminous point observed by M. and Mme Jean-Claude Tyrode.

Atterrissage dans la Somme (Landing in the Somme)

An investigation by Serge Drouault describes a UFO landing in the Somme region of France in August 1972. Witnesses reported a red light moving at high speed, which then stabilized and landed in a field, appearing as a "flying saucer." The object, estimated to be 5-6 meters in diameter, emitted a loud bang upon takeoff. The witnesses found the landing site to be hot and compacted, with four 10cm diameter holes. Their watches were also found to be stopped.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the meticulous investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the exploration of potential physical effects and technological explanations. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the mysterious and often inexplicable nature of the phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Aimé Michel, is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to seeking truth, encouraging readers to exercise their reason and critical thinking while exploring these complex subjects. The magazine also highlights the collaborative efforts of ufologists and researchers worldwide.

This issue of "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes" (Mysterious Flying Saucers), identified as issue N° 130 and published in the first quarter of 1974, is a French magazine dedicated to the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena. It features contributions from Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, presented by the groupement "Lumières dans la Nuit." The magazine includes detailed investigative reports, witness testimonies, reviews of related literature, and information on UFO research initiatives.

Investigations and Sightings

The magazine presents a series of detailed reports on UFO sightings, primarily from France, with one instance from Germany. These reports are often the result of direct investigations by the magazine's collaborators.

Case: The Tourbier Incident (Somme)

An investigation by M. Serge Drouault into an alleged UFO landing in the Somme region reveals difficulties in corroborating the witness's account. The initial witness, M. Tourbier, was reportedly doing his national service, and attempts to locate him and other witnesses proved challenging. The investigator found the described landscape unremarkable and noted that the location was invisible from the main road. The sketches provided by the witness, though containing inaccuracies, suggest a toroidal halo around the object. The investigator regrets not being able to fully resolve the case but hopes a local reader or investigator might pursue it further, noting the presence of landing traces, effects on watches, and lighting anomalies.

Regional Reports: Boulogne-sur-Mer (September 10, 1973)

An extensive report by M. Plessis details multiple sightings in the Boulogne-sur-Mer region on September 10, 1973:

• Le Touquet-Boulogne-sur-Mer (9:15 PM): Mlle Brigitte F. observed a yellow-orange luminous object descending.
• Outreau (8:45 PM): The Gosselin family, including 10-year-old Bruno, witnessed a red, scintillating sphere descending slowly and silently, followed by grey smoke. After the red light disappeared, a white luminous light appeared at its base.
• Saint-Etienne-au-Mont (9:05 PM): Three young witnesses (Liberté J., Merlin R., Hennequet F.) observed a red sphere with white and blue lights moving at low altitude, then descending and possibly landing near Mont-Soleil.
• Outreau (9:15 PM): Five members of the Hanocq family observed a red-orange sphere with five long branches, resembling a starfish, descending and then ascending silently from their garden.
• Cap Gris-Nez (8:45 PM onwards): A rescue boat was dispatched following reports of red flares sighted offshore. The investigation concluded that the flares were likely fired from a beach, their reflection on the sea being visible from Gris-Nez.

The report notes that the Hanocq family observed an object with branches that retracted, and a neighbor reported flattened carrots with cut roots in his garden, suggesting a possible physical trace.

Other Sightings:

• Le Portel (September 28, 1973): A young woman saw a strongly lit, immobile object with yellow and red reflections before it disappeared.
• Le Portel (September 10, 1973): A couple observed a brilliant pinkish-red ball moving rapidly across the sky.
• Equihen (July 19, 1973): Two women saw an orange-red ball moving horizontally at low altitude, which dropped something before ascending and disappearing into a cloud.

Recent UFO Wave (December 1973)

The magazine compiles recent sightings from late 1973 and early 1974:

• December 1973 (Germany): M. Friedrich Lennartz and M. Peter Zettel observed a multi-colored, illuminated sphere with a cabin-like structure, which departed rapidly after a red flare was fired.
• December 19, 1973 (Vichy, France): M. Michel Aiello saw two star-shaped objects that later appeared square with lights, emitting red blinking lights and a strange noise.
• December 23, 1973 (Rome, Italy): Two rounded, whitish UFOs, appearing twice the size of the moon, made large circles for 20 minutes.
• December 27, 1973 (Cattolica, Italy): A cylinder changing color rapidly was observed, rotating quickly before disappearing.
• December 28, 1973 (Val-d'Aran, Pyrénées): A reporter observed a blue object resembling an Apollo capsule, emitting flames, moving from NW to SE.
• December 31, 1973 (Lens, France): An épicier, M. Jean Liefooghe, reported seeing two lights, then a cigar-shaped object with a red glow, and found circular footprints.
• December 31, 1973 (Mettray, France): M. Jacques Baugé and his family observed two brilliant red balls moving perpendicularly to the road.
• January 6, 1974 (Cincy-les-Douai, France): M. Bétourne and his wife saw a luminous red-orange globe resembling a Venetian lantern.
• January 6, 1974 (Cordiers, France): M. and Mme Gérard Volot saw a red luminous object moving rapidly, which then stopped and disappeared behind mountains.
• January 9, 1974 (Marck, France): André Leclercq observed red and green lights, followed by a silent object about 6 meters long, which then departed at high speed.
• January 13, 1974 (Chanteloup-les-Vignes, France): M. Boulanger and his son saw a circular, immobile object with projectors emitting a bright beam. M. Pierre Amorrison also observed two close-together luminous beams.
• January 23, 1974 (Denain, France): M. Pavone observed two orange luminous objects moving silently.
• January 31, 1974 (Rabastens-de-Bigorre, France): Two young people were followed by two red balls that stabilized in front of their car.

Book Review: "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes"

The magazine features a review of the book "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes," co-authored by Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, presented by the "Lumières dans la Nuit" group. The review highlights the book's unique approach, with specialists contributing to different aspects of UFO investigation, and emphasizes the authenticity of the accounts, including witness testimonies, site visits, and photographic evidence.

New Technology: The "Vega II" Detector

An article introduces the "Vega II" detector, a device designed to register local variations in the Earth's magnetic field. It uses a compass needle that cuts a light beam, triggering a photo-resistor which activates an oscillator and a loudspeaker. The device includes an electronic memory and a warning light. Its characteristics, including dimensions and power consumption, are detailed, along with ordering information and price.

FIDUFO Project

The magazine provides an update on the FIDUFO project, an information file for UFO documentation. It explains the project's goal of creating a structured database for UFO observations, using a system of indexation cards. The article details the classification system for object descriptions, behavior, and witnesses, emphasizing the need for precise and standardized reporting.

Call to Action: National Observation Night

The issue strongly promotes a National Observation Night scheduled for March 23, 1974. Readers are urged to participate, emphasizing the importance of their presence for statistically significant results. Instructions are given for preparing equipment, choosing observation sites, and documenting any phenomena observed. The magazine also calls for regional representatives to promote this event through local media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a serious and scientific approach to UFO research, encouraging detailed reporting and investigation. It highlights the growing public interest in UFOs and the need for greater awareness and acceptance. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, urging readers to contribute their observations and participate in collective research efforts. There is a recurring theme of the challenges in obtaining official recognition and the public's skepticism, contrasted with the increasing belief in UFOs in the United States.