LDLN - No 148

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 148
Volume: 18° ANNÉE
Date: October 1975
Publisher: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of *Lumières dans la Nuit* focuses on "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems), presenting a collection of UFO sightings, investigations, and theoretical discussions. The cover features an aerial photograph with annotations, highlighting key articles within.

Key Articles and Investigations

Phénomène de déclic et OVNI This section, introduced by Pierre Guerin, explores the concept of the 'déclic' phenomenon, which posits a link between planetary or geophysical events and UFO activity. It references Miguel Guasp's work and discusses four particularly distinct 'déclics' identified by the author. The article details the 1950 UFO wave, potentially linked to an explosion on Mars observed by astronomer Sadao Saeki. Another significant event discussed is the US wave of November 6, 1957, which saw strange sounds and numerous ground sightings, including an encounter in Santa Fe, New Mexico, involving electromagnetic interference.

Quasi Atterrissage à Aire-sur-l'Adour (Landes) Le 9-3-75 An investigation by Mme GUEUDELOT, MM. COUDROY, and R. GUEUDELOT details an incident on the night of March 8-9, 1975. Witnesses Patrick Berdery and Jean-Louis Dupouy reported seeing a green opaque beam of light, which later reappeared. They then observed an object emitting light, described as a semi-sphere with dark bars, hovering near the ground. The object's characteristics included a green opaque color and a beam of light.

DAX (Landes): Rapport d'Observation du lundi 7 Avril 1975 This report, compiled by M. LEBEAU, documents an observation by two young conscripts on duty at the Navalet military base in Dax. They witnessed a luminous 'ball' hovering about 5 meters above the ground, emitting 'radiations' before moving irregularly and disappearing. The incident was accompanied by a power outage lasting 3-4 minutes. The object was described as having a yellow-orange color and emitting light downwards.

Enquête de M. Gayral à Trébons (Hte Garonne) An account from March or April 1974 describes M. Piques Hervé observing two white, dazzling 'headlights' hovering about 2 meters above the ground, estimated to be ten times the size of a car headlight and spaced 4-5 meters apart. These lights were horizontal, became orange, and then disappeared. The witness noted that the nearby poplar tree lost its leaves, while the lower part remained normal.

Enquête à MONTCUQ (Lot) Investigated by M. BOSC, this report details an observation by M. Laporte, a postman, on February 21, 1974. He saw a luminous object described as a 'flying cigar' with several 'hublots' and two 'headlights' projecting beams of light. The object moved from right to left and then left to right, with its lights illuminating the surroundings. The witness described the object's light as varied, appearing yellow-blue-green.

PYRÉNÉES ORIENTALES ET VAR This section includes two reports: one from Argelès-sur-Mer on July 15, 1945, where a yellow circle was observed over the sea, and another from Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines in late August 1974. In the latter, a group of young people witnessed a large orange-red light on the ground, illuminating the area, which later moved and seemed to approach them, causing them to flee. Traces of flattened grass were found at the presumed site.

Observations à AOUSTE-S-SYE (Drome) dans la nuit du 20 au 21 Fév. 1975 Reported by M. LEBEAU, this incident involved a couple being awakened by a luminous beam entering their room. They then observed a red-toned object, described as a disc, with a diameter of 4.50 to 5 meters, moving low over the ground. The object was described as 'dull red like fire behind smoke' and disappeared after 15-20 seconds.

Observation près de Saint-Jean-de-Bournay (Isère) entre Mai et Juin 1974 Investigated by R.V.G.B., this case involves M. Charnay, who was blinded by a strong white light from an object on a hill. He described the object as having a 'kite' shape with indistinct contours and colors, moving about 10 meters above the ground. The object disappeared, and no traces were found.

Atterrissage en Poitou, observé par deux gendarmes (1-5-75) Two gendarmes patrolling near Lezay observed a luminous yellow ball moving at low altitude. They followed the object, which then descended towards the ground. The object was described as having two red points that moved obliquely and then rose with a sound like 'bird wings.' The ball reappeared, showing two 'ailerons' and dark spots on its surface, before disappearing.

Quasi atterrissage sur la D.101 entre Mauze-s-Mignon et St-Hilaire de la Paluel le 8-2-75 à 22h30 An investigation by M. QUILLOU details an observation by Jean-Noël Rossard and others. They witnessed a red crescent-shaped object with white bands, hovering at a low altitude. The object's distance was estimated at 400-450 meters. When headlights were activated, the object became blindingly white before returning to red and then resuming its flight. The total observation time was 24-25 minutes.

Enquête à MONSIREIGNE (Vendée) Reported by Alain FAVROU and René ROBERT, this incident involved M. Bernard David observing luminous yellow lights on March 3, 1975. He described halos and a small ball moving erratically, with a sensation of breath. His cousin, Mme Léger, also witnessed yellow lights. The observation occurred near a geological fault.

Le récit de M. David This section provides a more detailed account from M. David regarding the Montsireigne observation. He describes seeing two halos, one cylindrical and one oval, with a smaller ball moving erratically. He also mentions hearing a 'slight whistling' sound and observing a shutter moving. M. David took several photos, one of which is described as 'incomprehensible' due to a flash effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the 'déclic' phenomenon, the correlation between UFO sightings and geophysical or planetary events, and detailed eyewitness accounts of various aerial phenomena. The magazine emphasizes its commitment to seeking truth without bias, publishing documents to shed light on the subject, and holding authors responsible for their contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and detailed documentation of reported sightings and related theories.

This issue of "LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the analysis of the "Vague Espagnole de 1974" (Spanish Wave of 1974). The magazine also features articles on lunar correlations with UFO sightings and a discussion on the psychological aspects of UFO reports.

The Spanish Wave of 1974 (Part 5)

This section, authored by Jose-Thomas Ramirez y Barbero, delves into the geographical distribution of UFO observations during the 1974 Spanish wave, analyzing 109 cases. A table lists 32 provinces with reported sightings, with Cadiz (12.50%), Seville (9.50%), and Murcia (9.50%) having the highest number of cases. The study identifies four main geographical zones of observation: a North-South zone, a North-West to South-East zone, a North-West to South-East (South) zone, and an isolated North-West zone.

The preliminary conclusions suggest that the concentration of sightings in certain provinces might be influenced by the presence of known ufological centers, making these reports more accessible to researchers. The data also indicates a pattern where a few locations have many observations, while many locations have few.

Witness Sociology (FEP-74)

This part of the analysis, also by Jose-Thomas Ramirez y Barbero, examines the sociological aspects of the witnesses involved in the 109 cases of the FEP-74. It covers witness distribution by number of cases, sex, age, profession, and activity during the observation.

• Key findings include:
• Witnesses: 40% of cases involved single witnesses, with a significant male majority (91% male, 9% female).
• Ages: For the 45 cases with known ages, 43% of witnesses were between 10 and 30 years old.
• Activity: 39% of witnesses were walking, and 28% were driving at the time of their observation.
• Profession/Intellectual Level: A subjective classification of professions into five levels (Very Low to Very High) showed that 35% of witnesses had an average cultural level.
• Groups: Out of 69 cases with multiple witnesses, 83% involved groups of friends.

The study notes that witnesses with higher cultural levels tend to be more reluctant to have their observations published. It concludes that the FEP-74 distributions align with the general characteristics of the Spanish population, reflecting a mix of cultural levels and age groups.

OVNI, LUNE ET CORRELATIONS (UFOs, Moon, and Correlations)

Authored by M. Monnerie, this section presents an analysis by J.-C. Dufour of 368 European UFO observations between January 25, 1971, and September 8, 1974. The observations are categorized by lunar phase.

Dufour's study initially suggested a correlation with the new moon phase. However, further analysis, including daily plotting and comparison with magnetic detector calls, led to a revised conclusion. The study suggests that the apparent correlation with lunar phases is more likely due to the need for a dark night sky for optimal observation. During periods when the moon is not visible (new moon), the sky is darker, allowing fainter objects, including potential UFOs, to be observed more easily. This effect is amplified during months with earlier sunsets, like November and December.

The article also presents data on the hourly distribution of UFO observations, noting that they tend to increase after sunset. It emphasizes the importance of considering sunset times when analyzing such data.

A comparison is made with magnetic detector calls from 1968, which showed a strong correlation with UFO observations, suggesting a potential link between geomagnetic disturbances and UFO activity. However, the study also cautions that the phenomenon might be more complex, involving psychological factors and potential misidentifications.

Recent News (Press)

This section provides a condensed report of recent UFO sightings reported in the press, detailing specific incidents from June to August 1975 across various locations including Saint-Nizier (France), Île Maurice, Paris, Chalons-sur-Marne (France), Saint-Gence (France), Saint-Jean-de-Monts (France), Authon-du-Perche (France), Nord du Golfe de Saint-Tropez (France), Loubeyrat (France), and Andelot (France). The descriptions include object shapes, colors, movements, and witness accounts.

Courier

This section features correspondence from readers. One letter, from M. B. de Malafosse, a Professor of Mathematics, discusses the psychological aspects of UFO phenomena. He argues that many UFO appearances, especially those involving 'humanoids,' can be explained through psychology and the concept of a 'psychic universe' linked to the subconscious. He suggests that some apparitions might be manifestations of the deep self or transformations of individuals, drawing parallels between historical accounts and modern UFO reports.

Another excerpt from a letter by M. Michel Levy discusses the issue of impostors and charlatans in the UFO field, who exploit public interest for personal gain. He warns against embellishing true accounts and the proliferation of sensationalism, urging for a rigorous approach to research.

Book Reviews and Selections

This part of the magazine promotes several books related to UFO phenomena, including "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes" by the Groupement « Lumières dans la Nuit », and other titles by authors like Charles Garreau, J. Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, and Jean-Claude Bourret. Prices and ordering information are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, the sociological profile of witnesses, and the search for correlations with natural phenomena like lunar phases and geomagnetic activity. There is a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous, scientific investigation, while acknowledging the complexities and potential psychological dimensions of the phenomenon. The magazine also actively promotes ufological literature and encourages reader participation by submitting reports. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into a complex and often controversial subject.