LDLN - No 137

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 137
Volume: 17e ANNÉE
Date: August-September 1974
Publisher: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French publication dedicated to the investigation of UFOs and related phenomena, presents a collection of reports and analyses from September 1974. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a central diagram illustrating its extensive "Réseau d'Enquêtes" (Investigation Network), which includes 1800 investigators, a photography network (RESUFO), a technical research group (GTR), scientific collaborations, and an international UFO documentation center (FIDUFO). The main headline highlights "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems).

Featured Articles and Reports

Un récit hallucinant : ARGENTINE (Bahia Blanca)

This section recounts an extraordinary experience of a 25-year-old truck driver, M. X..., from Bahia Blanca, Argentina. Admitted to the hospital with total amnesia, he later recovered his memory and described a nocturnal encounter on Route 3. He reported seeing a bright light, experiencing a strange malaise, and then observing a large, saucer-shaped object about 7 meters above the ground. Three beings, two men and a woman, were present. The beings approached him, and one used a device on his left hand, causing him to faint. Upon waking, he found himself miles away, with no memory of how he got there. Medical and psychiatric evaluations suggested a possible psychological shock leading to a Korsakoff-like syndrome, but the case remains deeply troubling.

Une hypothèse de "chasse” à vérifier

Authored by J.-M. Bigorne, this article proposes a hypothesis based on repeated UFO observations in the Maubeuge region. It suggests that UFOs might 'scout' a location, sometimes over extended periods, before returning for a specific task. The author posits that if this 'scouting' behavior is confirmed, investigators could anticipate future appearances and be better prepared for documentation and analysis. The article cites several instances of spherical objects observed in the Maubeuge area between 1972 and 1973 as evidence for this hypothesis.

CANADA

This section includes two reports from Canada:

• Lac Hussey, September 23, 1972: Three witnesses observed a luminous object ascending from the Lac Hussey area. The object, described as having a disc-like shape with points of light, was visible for several hours.
• Rigaud, August 1972: A flying saucer-type object was observed near Rigaud, Quebec. The object was described as having a metallic structure, a dome, and luminous lights. The report notes the presence of unusual physical effects, such as members feeling numb and flashlights not working during the observation.

L'INSOLITE AUX PORTES DE TARBES

Authored by F. Lagarde, this report details an encounter experienced by a young couple near Tarbes on January 31, 1974. While driving at night, they encountered a bright white light that seemed to hover on the road. The light then separated into two orange-red spheres that approached their car, enveloping it in light and causing a sensation of being 'drained' and experiencing tingling. The car's engine stalled, and they felt a strong sense of fear. The phenomenon followed their car for about 15 km before they managed to escape.

Enquête autour de RABASTENS (Htes-Pyrénées)

F. Lagarde investigates a series of sightings in the Rabastens region, focusing on a 'double configuration' of events: temporal (occurring over five days) and genetic (involving the same family). The report details an encounter by M. Destrade Jacques, who observed a large, red-orange luminous sphere that descended near him, causing his car's engine to stall and his eyes to become red. The report also mentions other similar sightings in the area and discusses the psychological impact on the witnesses.

ENQUETE dans la MARNE

Authored by M. Van Hoylandt, this report documents an observation near Montmort on December 22, 1973. Three witnesses observed an object initially positioned near the ground that evolved. The observation was made more difficult by the falling night and mist. The report notes the geological context of the area, including the presence of streams and potential for phenomena related to underground water.

Mini-Moc près de MONT-DE-MARSAN (Landes)

This report, by M. Lecat, describes an encounter by Mme Andrée in mid-July 1966. While in a cemetery at night, she observed five luminous, round, orange-red spheres with halos, moving in a undulating trajectory at a low altitude. The objects were described as 'Mini-MOCs' (Mini-Manned Objects) and moved in silence. A similar observation from Feignies in 1953 is also mentioned, suggesting a possible link between these cases.

ENQUETE FAITE CHEZ M. FOLLON AU HOULME (Seine-Maritime)

Authored by M. Freulon, this report details an observation from September 1956. M. Follon witnessed a large, aluminum-colored 'saucer' hovering about 80 cm above a wheat field. He observed several human-like figures moving inside. The object emitted flames from its underside and later ascended rapidly. The witness experienced significant fear and shock.

ENQUETE DANS LA MARNE

This section, by M. Van Hoylandt, details an observation near Montmort on December 22, 1973. Three witnesses observed an object that was initially on the ground and then evolved. The report notes the difficulty of observation due to darkness and mist, and mentions the geological characteristics of the area.

ENQUETE DANS L'ALLIER

Authored by M. Gérard Nicoulaud, this report describes an encounter by Jean-Michel Lartigaud and his wife Marie-Thérèse on February 22, 1974. They observed a large, luminous object, described as a white cylinder with a base, hovering near the ground. The object caused a strong sense of cold and fear in Jean-Michel, and his wife urged him to flee. The object's movement and appearance are detailed, and the report notes the potential for similar sightings in the area.

PORT-NAVALO

This report by Jean-Louis Brochard details an observation by M. Eugène Massey and his wife on January 9, 1974. They witnessed a large, red-orange luminous sphere emerge from a bush, appearing to be three times the size of the moon. The object was stationary and later disappeared. The report discusses the psychological reactions of the witnesses and the potential for the object to be influencing nearby electronics.

Enquêtes diverses

This section compiles several shorter reports:

• Saturday-Sunday, July 21, 1973: A witness driving near B... experienced sudden paralysis, his car's headlights and radio failing, after seeing a bright, spinning disc-shaped object. The object disappeared, and his car then restarted.
• Thursday, April 30, 1970: M. Morel observed a large red object above a plateau near Evillers and Ouhans. The object was described as having an aureole that changed color.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/OVNIs), close encounters with potential extraterrestrial beings, and the investigation of these events. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony, physical evidence (though often scarce), and the systematic collection of data through its extensive network. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking truth without prejudice, as stated in the introductory text: "The fact of inserting such or such document does not prove that we approve all its terms. Each document is published with the perspective that, considered in its entirety, it appears worthy of interest, and likely to lead us towards the truth, which remains our goal and our ideal and which we seek without bias." The publication highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including the need for a structured organization and the skepticism often encountered.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), published by VEILLITH and with a publication commission number 35.385, is dated the 3rd quarter of 1974. The cover prominently features the title "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Mysterious Flying Saucers), with a subtitle indicating participation from Aimé MICHEL and Jacques VALLÉE, presented by F. LAGARDE. The cover art depicts a stylized flying saucer emitting a beam of light.

Key Articles and Reports

"Les O.V.N.I. : Mythe ou Réalité ?" by J. ALLEN HYNEK

This section reviews J. Allen Hynek's work, described as an awaited translation. Hynek, a professor, is praised for his clear and rigorous scientific approach to analyzing twenty years of UFO testimonies from the USA. The book categorizes phenomena into six classes: Nocturnal Lights, Diurnal Disks, Radar-Optical Notifications, Close Encounters of the First Kind, Second Kind, and Third Kind. The review highlights the parallels between American and French observations and criticizes the "Book Blue" and the Condon commission for their shortcomings and flawed statistics, suggesting a need to restart research from scratch. The writing style is described as sharp, incisive, and thought-provoking.

"CEUX VENUS D'AILLEURS" by Jacques LOB and Robert GIGI

This is presented as an excellent, precise, and illustrated album in comic strip format. It is recommended for both young and old, promising to present historical UFO cases without altering the facts.

"LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Jean-Claude BOURRET

This is announced as a newly released book.

"Courrier Résufo : Signalisation des avions"

This section provides information on aircraft lighting regulations, referencing circular RAC-1-B-01 from July 1, 1972. It details the positioning and types of lights (red, green, white) required for aircraft, including continuous and flashing lights. It also discusses anticollision lights and the potential for confusion with UFOs due to powerful landing lights and discharge tube flashes. The article advises caution when observing luminous points, as aircraft can present various aspects that might be misleading. It concludes by recommending careful observation, especially when the aircraft's silhouette is not visible, and notes that the sequence of lights can vary.

"L'ARBORESCENCE ET L'EXPRESSION PARENTHETIQUE."

This technical article explains a method for analyzing and coding UFO observations using a system of numerical codes and parenthetical expressions for computer processing. It details how to structure data, define relationships between objects, behaviors, and witnesses, and how to use asterisks and parentheses to delimit information for the computer. The system aims to reconstruct the case structure and relationships between various elements of an observation.

Sightings and Investigations

The magazine features several detailed reports of UFO sightings:

• Ouhans (Doubs), August 5-10, 1969: M. and Mme Bichet observed a long, narrow, ivory-colored rectangular object moving slowly horizontally in the sky.
• Ginasservis-Rians, July 15 or August 15, 1963: An anonymous witness reported a silent, blueish light resembling a car headlight following his car, which reacted to the car's movements before departing rapidly.
• Marnay Observation, June 19, 1973: M. and Mme Blanco observed a stationary, aluminum-colored object with a curious shape, reflecting sunlight, which then moved away rapidly. The object was described as smooth, with no apparent wings, and its movement was initially slow before accelerating.
• Morschwiller, May 10, 1972: M. Kieutzel observed a metallic, round object with a white halo, which moved in a curve, then a straight line, before ascending vertically.
• Caudry, June 21, 1972: M. Vérin Vincent observed a large, incandescent red ball moving erratically, with a black line dividing it and a small cloud around it.
• Roanne, Summer 1967: M. Lucien Duplaix and his family heard strange noises and saw an imprecise silhouette, followed by a dark object, and later a fast-moving mass above the houses.
• Isère, August 24, 1972: An observer in Vienne reported a luminous point that resolved into a sphere with a rotating satellite, moving across the sky.

Nouvelles récentes (Recent News)

This section provides a condensed list of recent UFO sightings from March and April 1974:

• March 25, 1974, Esperaza (Aude): A large orange crescent was observed moving in a curved trajectory, followed by witnesses in cars.
• March 26, 1974, Ruffec (Charente): A white incandescent ball was seen to dive, hover, and then move away rapidly, leaving a white trail.
• March 27, 1974, Perols (Hérault): A large, circular, diffuse orange object was observed.
• Late March 1974, Spain: Reports of a metallic, shining object descending, a flying object pursuing a salesman, and an object landing in a courtyard.
• March 31, 1974, Blaison (Maine-et-Loire): A red-orange ball was observed hovering and making slight side-to-side movements.
• April 9, 1974, Saint-Malo (Côtes-du-Nord): A voluminous and luminous cigar-shaped object was observed moving under dense clouds.
• April 12, 1974, Maintenon (Eure-et-Loir): A UFO was seen descending like a rocket and then departing rapidly.
• April 13, 1974, Carces-Montfort (Var): A large red fireball with a parallelepiped shape inside was observed hovering before ascending rapidly.
• April 14, 1974, Saint-Jean-en-Royans (Drôme): A luminous disk with red lights inside was observed.
• April 14, 1974, Vedrin (Belgium): An elongated object with white and red lights was observed moving parallel to the highway.
• April 14, 1974, Gazax (Gers): A white ball of light caused a car's engine to falter and induced electrical sensations and headaches in witnesses.
• Mid-April 1974, Casale (Piedmont, Italy): An object with occupants was observed hovering, then departing with infernal noise and strong air displacement.
• Mid-April 1974, Algeciras (Spain): Amphibious UFOs were sighted emerging from the water.
• April 17, 1974, Meix-Venarey-Les-Laumes (Côte-d'Or): A "spaceship" was observed at high altitude, with two bright points detaching to perform maneuvers.
• April 20, 1974, Loverval (Belgium): An elliptical object with green and red lights was observed, accompanied by unusual sounds and vibrations.
• April 21, 1974, Marcinelle (Belgium): An oval object with a central dome and colored lights was observed before departing rapidly.
• May 1, 1974, Baraque-Michel (Belgium): An object resembling a red sun transformed into a large red cigar, then resumed its original shape.
• May 5, 1974, Metz (Moselle): Large, colored, flashing disks were observed.
• May 13, 1974, Roujan (Hérault): A large object with yellow and red illumination was observed.
• May 20, 1974, Bertangles (Somme): Two spherical objects performed maneuvers, one remaining stationary while the other descended and rejoined it.

NOS ACTIVITÉS (Our Activities)

This section outlines the magazine's activities for its readers, including:

• ENQUETES (Investigations): Subscribers can become investigators by receiving an official investigator's card and a guide. These activities are voluntary and unpaid.
• RESUFO (Sky Photographers Network): Encourages readers to submit photographs of aerial phenomena, providing contact information for M. Monnerie in Paris.
• FIDUFO (UFO Documentation Computer File): Seeks collaborators to help build a database for UFO research, with contact information for J.-C. Vauzelle.
• GTR (Technical Research Group): A specialized group looking for technicians to help solve UFO detection problems, led by René Ollier.
• RECHERCHES D'ARCHIVES (Archive Research): Encourages participation in researching historical press archives for UFO-related information, coordinated by Mme Gueudelot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO and UAP phenomena, presenting witness testimonies, investigative reports, and technical analyses. There is a clear stance supporting the reality of these phenomena, often contrasting with official explanations or skepticism. The editorial team encourages active participation from readers in research and data collection, emphasizing the importance of rigorous analysis and documentation. The publication aims to inform and engage its readership on the mysteries of unidentified aerial objects, promoting a serious and scientific approach to the subject.