LDLN - No 139

Magazine Overview

This issue of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW (Vol. 16, N° 1, May-June 1967) is primarily in French, with a significant focus on the effects of UFOs (referred to as M.O.C. - 'Mysterious Flying Objects') on animals and smaller creatures, as detailed in an article by Gordon Creighton. The magazine also includes technical articles on UFO detection and measurement, opinion polls on public belief in UFOs, and a collection of recent UFO sighting reports.

Effects of UFOs on Animals and Creatures

Gordon Creighton's article, "Les effets des M.O.C. sur les animaux, oiseaux et créatures plus petites," compiles numerous incidents where UFOs have reportedly affected wildlife. These include:

• Sawtry, England (April 28, 1966): Two men reported seeing orange spherical objects that caused a strange taste and breathing difficulties, after which birds became quiet.
• Rebouillon, France (July 17, 1966): Musicians witnessed an oval object land in a vineyard, causing dogs to bark incessantly.
• Baltimore, USA (August 1, 1966): Residents reported an egg-shaped object with flashing lights and a loud whistling sound, accompanied by dogs barking.
• Presque Isle, USA (August 3, 1966): A woman saw a humanoid figure, about 1.60m tall, dressed in yellow, being chased by dogs.
• Heraldburg, USA (August 20, 1966): A family observed a large, house-sized object emitting rainbow colors and a motor sound, which caused distress to animals and inflamed the witnesses' eyes.
• Jonesboro, USA (October 12, 1966): Witnesses saw silvery objects dropping a sticky, fiery substance that burned one person and caused nausea.
• Newton, USA (October 14, 1966): An adolescent saw a hovering saucer that took off rapidly, causing telephone interference and distress to the child and dog.
• Gallipolis, USA (November 15, 1966): A man's dog became agitated, and he saw red reflectors in a field, after which the dog disappeared.
• Cheshire, USA (November 17, 1966): A woman saw a luminous circular object with colored sections zig-zagging.
• Clifton Hampden, England (November 18, 1966): A woman observed a bright orange object hovering, which caused her dogs to cry out.
• Point-Pleasant, USA (January 10, 1967): A man saw a Volkswagen-sized object with illuminated windows hovering near his chicken coop.
• Old River, USA (January 12-13, 1967): A man photographed a UFO and later observed a large number of dead fish and distressed birds.

Technical Aspects of UFO Detection

René Ollier's article, "La mesure en ufologie" (Measurement in Ufology), discusses the technical challenges and methods for detecting UFO phenomena, particularly magnetic effects. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous work and calibration of detection devices.

• Calibration: Ollier details a method for calibrating magnetic detectors using a standard magnet. This involves measuring the magnetic field strength at different distances and plotting a curve to determine the detector's sensitivity.
• Magnetic Field Decay: The article notes that UFO magnetic effects might decay with the square of the distance, not the cube, which has significant implications for detection range.
• Detector Sensitivity: It is suggested that even mediocre detectors might react to UFOs several kilometers away, implying colossal magnetic fields at the source. The use of reed switches (I.L.S.) is also discussed, noting their high sensitivity but also potential for polarization and failure to reset automatically.
• Collaboration: Ollier encourages readers to organize locally to share information and collaborate on building detection equipment.

Opinion Polls on UFO Belief

The magazine presents results from two opinion polls conducted in Belgium and France:

• Belgian Survey (GESAG, September 1973): Out of 100 respondents, 47% had read about UFOs, 5% believed in them, and 10% believed in extraterrestrial civilizations. A significant majority (85%) did not believe in extraterrestrial visits.
• Longwy Survey (LDLN, January-April 1973): Out of 100 respondents, 90% believed in the plurality of inhabited worlds, 68% believed in UFOs, and 38% believed in exploratory visits. However, only 16% believed that our existence and origin were directly linked to these beings.

Recent UFO Sightings (Nouvelles récentes)

This section provides a chronological list of UFO sightings reported in France during July, August, September, and December 1974:

• July 8, 1974 (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France): Two young men and bar patrons saw a luminous, orange, spinning object.
• August 2, 1974 (Englefontaine, France): Two children saw three triangular formations of saucer-shaped objects emitting white smoke.
• August 11, 1974 (Tulle, France): Schoolchildren observed a large silver ball and a second smaller ball, followed by a squadron of flying objects.
• August 15, 1974 (Orange, France): A retired aviation officer saw an elongated object moving at high altitude.
• August 19, 1974 (Cerfontaine, France): A municipal councilor and bar patrons observed a red, blinking star that disappeared rapidly, followed by two identical objects.
• August 25, 1974 (Cheny, France): A couple saw a luminous object resembling a plate or bowl, rotating slowly for over two hours.
• August 29, 1974 (Oyonnax, France): A woman and neighbors observed two superimposed bright spheres that accelerated rapidly.
• September 8, 1974 (Kirschnaumen, France): A young man saw a brilliant blue, slow-moving object that eventually stopped and then moved away.
• September 9, 1974 (Poitiers, France): Two young men photographed a rectangular red object that became round and yellow.
• September 12, 1974 (Lagenevroye, France): An 80-year-old man and villagers saw a bright, cigar-shaped object that flew away silently.
• September 18, 1974 (Metz, France): Several people observed a luminous, semi-spherical, orange object after a loud explosion.
• Date imprecise (Sète, France): A person anonymously submitted a film of a UFO hovering over a cemetery.

Important News

A significant piece of news reports that the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing to officially acknowledge the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitors. This announcement is expected to be gradual, with a film produced in collaboration with a film company slated for release in January, featuring previously undisclosed documents and evidence. The article suggests that France's open stance on UFOs may have influenced this decision.

Book Selections and Services

The magazine also features a section on recommended books related to UFOs, including works by Charles Garreau, J. Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, and Jean-Claude Bourret. It also promotes a "Carte du Ciel Mobile SR" (Mobile Star Map) and a "Carte Planétaire SP" (Planetary Map).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the tangible effects of UFO phenomena, particularly on the natural world and animals, suggesting a physical interaction rather than mere visual sightings. The technical articles highlight a scientific approach to studying UFOs, focusing on measurement and detection. The inclusion of opinion polls reflects an interest in public perception and belief. The "Important News" section indicates a growing official acknowledgment of the UFO phenomenon, aligning with the magazine's overall theme of investigating and reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging reader participation and rigorous data collection.