LDLN - No 154

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 154
Volume: 19° ANNÉE
Date: April 1976

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of UFOs and related phenomena, explores the complex interplay between UFO waves, human psychology, and economic cycles. The publication, founded by R. Veillith, aims to shed light on the unknown through the research and discoveries of its international network of investigators.

1975 and Public Information

The article "1975 et l'Information du Public" reviews two significant ufological events of the preceding year: the Congress of Morlaix and the Public Information Day in Poitiers. The Morlaix congress, intended to be international, was hampered by the withdrawal of scientific personalities, diminishing its impact. The Poitiers event, conversely, brought together eminent scientists to discuss UFO phenomena. The author, who attended both, notes a shared commitment to objectivity and authenticity despite their differing organizational approaches. The article highlights the challenges of organizing such events and thanks the organizers for their efforts.

UFO Waves and the Human Spirit

"VAGUES D'OVNI ET ESPRIT HUMAIN" by Pierre Vieroudy investigates the hypothesis that UFO phenomena might be linked to unknown faculties of the human mind, drawing parallels with Jung's theories. The article posits that "supernatural" events often occur during times of anxiety or distress. It explores the idea that UFO manifestations might increase during periods of public unease, using economic indicators like suicide rates and stock market performance as potential proxies for societal anxiety. The author examines historical data, comparing UFO sighting frequencies with economic fluctuations from the 19th century to the 1970s, suggesting a correlation between economic downturns and increased UFO activity.

Historical Analysis of UFO Waves

The article presents a detailed statistical analysis of UFO waves across different periods:

• 1800-1900: Compares global UFO observations with economic activity in the US, France, and England, noting a correlation between UFO waves and economic depressions, particularly the significant wave in 1897 coinciding with the lowest point of the 19th-century global economy.
• 1900-1940: Examines three waves identified by the FSR (1905, 1909, 1933-34), correlating them with economic depressions in England and Sweden. The influence of Mars' opposition is also noted as a potential contributing factor.
• 1940-1974: Utilizes statistics from Poher and other sources, showing a strong correlation between major UFO waves (1947, 1952, 1954, 1959, 1973-74) and global economic depressions, including the 1973 energy crisis.
• Psychological Triggers: Discusses the 1957 wave, which did not align with economic depressions, and suggests it may have been influenced by psychological stimuli like the launch of artificial satellites. The article explores the possibility of "triggers" for recent waves, such as media coverage of spectacular events.

Objectivity of UFO Waves

The article questions whether UFO waves are purely psychological or have an objective nature. It considers explanations like misidentification, increased reporting due to public awareness, and genuine increases in phenomenon activity. The author concludes that the phenomenon is likely both psychological and physical, with collective human anxiety potentially inducing objective material manifestations.

Investigations and Reports

This issue features several detailed investigation reports:

• "Enquête près de Saint-Michel (Hte-Garonne)": Describes an observation by Jean Ducro of a round, yellow object with a red halo, emitting a buzzing sound, observed for about 10 seconds.
• "Observation près de Marseille (Bouches du Rhône)": Recounts an experience from about twenty years prior, where a woman and her companions observed a silent, disc-shaped object hovering a few meters above the ground before accelerating away at high speed.
• "Observation faite à Tain-l'Hermitage (Drôme)": Details an observation by Jean-François Pornin of an egg-shaped, flattened object with a greenish-white light, that moved erratically before accelerating vertically.
• "Enquête du Groupe 03100 à Montluçon (Allier)": Reports on two identical, metallic, disc-shaped objects with domes observed by an 11-year-old boy, flying at high speed.
• "Enquête à la Bilaudière (Allier) par le groupe 03100": Documents a large circular mark found in a meadow, with unusual vegetation characteristics and later a smaller, similar mark nearby.
• "Observation depuis la Base Aérienne de Tours (Indre et Loire)": Describes an observation by military personnel of a luminous point that moved in a rectilinear path, stopped, and then changed direction at a right angle, repeating this pattern for 15 minutes.
• "Enquête à Pont à Mousson (Meurthe et Moselle)": Details an observation by two witnesses of a luminous sphere that grew larger as it approached, surrounded by an orange ring and undulations, before hovering silently over a gas station.
• "Enquête du Groupe 03100 à Montluçon (Allier)": Reports an observation of a cylindrical object, pointed at both ends, hovering silently and moving slowly over the town.
• "En Sardaigne": A comprehensive report on UFO sightings in Sardinia during 1974, including numerous observations, alleged landings, and photographic evidence. It maps the locations of these sightings and notes the presence of military zones.
• "En Polynésie": Describes an observation on the island of Tahiti of an oval, flattened object emitting white and blue light, observed by a family.

Our Activities

The magazine outlines its operational activities, including:

• ENQUETES (Investigations): Encouraging subscribers to become investigators and providing them with official cards and guides.
• RESUFO (Sky Photographers Network): Requesting photographic evidence of UFOs and providing contact information for submitting films.
• GROUPEMENT TECHNIQUE DE RECHERCHE (G.T.R.): Detailing the structure and departments of the research group, focusing on electronic detection, geographical studies, and telephone networks.
• FIDUFO (UFO Documentation Computer File): Seeking participants for data entry, analysis, and programming.
• RECHERCHES D'ARCHIVES (Archive Research): Encouraging members to search through press archives for historical UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous, objective research into the UFO phenomenon. It highlights the potential for psychological factors and economic conditions to influence or correlate with reported sightings. The magazine advocates for collaboration between scientific institutions and private research groups, believing that a comprehensive understanding requires pooling diverse expertise and data. The editorial stance appears open-minded yet critical, seeking verifiable evidence and logical explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery of UFOs. The recurring theme is the search for truth, presented as "lights in the night" guiding humanity towards new horizons.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (LDLN), volume 13, issue 150, published in 1976, focuses on mysterious flying saucers and related phenomena. The cover headline announces "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES," with contributions from Aimé MICHEL and Jacques VALLÉE, and presented by F. LAGARDE. The magazine is priced at 30 F FRANCO.

The Garnier Affair

The issue details the continuation of inexplicable phenomena experienced by Mme Garnier in July and August 1975. These events include nightmares, a feeling of being pulled from bed, water drops appearing on a table, a lamp descending, clothes falling from a wardrobe, a door opening by itself, a bottle of oil with an intact cap, a folded letter found inexplicably, a radio stopping and starting, a gas stove turning on, and a tomato inexplicably moving and falling. The article notes that these phenomena often occur when Mme Garnier is alone and suggests they might be related to 'hantise' (haunting) rather than strictly UAP, but acknowledges the association between the two is not uncommon. The author speculates about a possible bio-physical energy involved.

Pont-à-Mousson Sighting

This section continues the report from page 19, describing an observation by M. Nicolas and M. Hernandez in Pont-à-Mousson. They witnessed a phenomenon involving a light beam and an object described as a disc, approximately 7 cm in diameter at arm's length, with an estimated real diameter of 24.37 m and height of 13.94 m. The object hovered for 30 seconds before disappearing. The witnesses reported the incident to the police, and a local newspaper and television station covered the event. A police inspector noted the excessive detail for the short observation time.

Atterrissage Pres de Somain (Nord) - July 1973

This investigation by C. Naglin details an encounter by M. Fareneau near Somain. While driving at night, M. Fareneau saw a large yellow light on the road, which then rotated and disappeared. Shortly after, he observed a large, dark, hemispherical object in a field, estimated to be 3 meters high and 10 meters wide, with white lights around its base. The object emitted heat. His car then experienced a power failure, with lights and engine cutting out, before restarting as he drove past the object's location. The garagist found no mechanical issues with the car. The report also mentions a similar incident involving a UAP with a visible humanoid.

Photographic Evidence and Analysis

M. Fritz's Systematic Surveillance

This section highlights the photographic work of M. Fritz, who has taken nearly a thousand photos since joining the RESUFO group in 1971. A systematic photographic surveillance was conducted in Moselle, France, on August 28, 1975. The analysis of the resulting photos revealed recurring square patterns, described as real points and not photographic defects. These patterns are suggested to represent constellations or a trajectory close to the meridian.

'Black Moon' at Colleret

An account by M. Pierrat describes a sighting by M. X... near Colleret in late October 1974. While driving, M. X... saw a large black, hemispherical mass on the ground in a field. His car then experienced a complete power failure before restarting as he passed the location. The report notes that this area has had other unusual observations, including a flying cylinder and classic flying saucers.

'Black Moon' Photo Analysis

This section discusses a photograph taken by M. Laine near Mouthier-Haute-Pierre (Jura) during a thunderstorm. The photo shows a curious black ball and two smaller ones. Analysis suggests the main ball has the same diameter as the moon and a density compatible with a real object. The report notes that the area is known for observations and that the photo, though mediocre, raises questions. A correction is made by J. Tyrode, stating the photo was taken from Lods (Doubs) and the 'black moon' might be related to a large craft that flew over him years ago.

Recent Sightings (Press Summary)

This section provides a condensed report of recent UAP sightings reported in the press from January to February 1976:

• January 19, 1976, Lassouts (Aveyron): A large, immobile, luminous yellow-orange ball was observed.
• January 20, 1976, Ajoux: A large circle of flames, 100 m in diameter, was seen.
• January 21, 1976, Uriage (Isère): A large, house-sized object with cones and strong lights was observed, which then ascended rapidly.
• Late January 1976, Clovis (New Mexico, USA): Hundreds of residents observed cigar-shaped objects flying in formation.
• February 9, 1976, Beugné-l'Abbaye (Vendée): A large, luminous mass, shaped like two inverted plates, was observed hovering before ascending.
• February 16, 1976, Nîmes (Gard): A sudden variation in the Earth's magnetic field was recorded, coinciding with an amateur astronomer observing a luminous, moving spot.
• Mid-February 1976, Provins (Seine-et-Marne): Two white headlights were seen following a car before suddenly disappearing.
• February 16, 1976, Saint-Etienne-les-Remiremont (Vosges): A flat, domed, bluish object with a yellow fringe was observed.
• February 18, 1976, Remiremont (Vosges): An undefined, orange-colored object was seen moving and then disappearing.
• February 22, 1976, Tupungato (Brazil): 3,000 people observed a low-flying object emitting orange light.
• Night of February 23-24, 1976, Tarbes/Rabastens (Hautes-Pyrénées): A reddish ball followed a car and then moved towards nearby villages.

Editorial Notes

Clarification on Affiliations

LDLN clarifies that it is not sponsored by or affiliated with other magazines or organizations, maintaining its independent character and common ideals. It acknowledges collaboration with local groups.

New Perspectives for LDLN

The magazine reports significant growth in submitted reports, creating a backlog of material. To manage this, they are prioritizing French cases but plan to release special issues covering international cases and previously published important documents. They are reactivating their translation service and seeking bilingual collaborators for English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Swedish.

Courier Section

Jean-Jacques Pastor's Analysis

Pastor distinguishes between scientific investigation of facts and theoretical interpretation, noting a shift in public perception from disbelief to curiosity regarding UFOs. He suggests this evolution in human psychology might be a form of preparation or conditioning for contact. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing human reactions to understand the UFO phenomenon and believes that humans are becoming more receptive to accepting UFOs as a scientific reality. He posits that UFOs are piloted by intelligent beings awaiting the right moment for contact.

Christiane Mezzadri's Critique

Mezzadri expresses skepticism towards simplistic explanations involving "extra-terrestrials" and criticizes authors like Berlitz, Charroux, de Sede, and Von Daniken for promoting hypothetical or dubious facts. She contrasts this with LDLN's approach of reporting facts accurately and conducting genuine research. She also discusses the vision of Constantine at the Milvian Bridge, questioning the traditional account and highlighting the lack of contemporary evidence for a luminous cross, suggesting a dream or a different symbol was involved.

Book Selections

The magazine lists several books available for purchase, including "MYSTERIOUS FLYING SAUCERS" by Aimé MICHEL and Jacques VALLÉE, "UFOs: Myth or Reality?" by J. Allen HYNEK, and "THE INVISIBLE COLLEGE" by Jacques VALLÉE. A new graphic novel, "OVNI, DIMENSION AUTRE," by Jacques LOB and Robert GIGI, is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reinforces LDLN's commitment to rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, presenting a mix of eyewitness accounts, photographic analysis, and theoretical discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting of facts while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and avoiding sensationalism. The magazine emphasizes the importance of systematic surveillance and international collaboration in understanding UFOs. There is a recurring theme of the psychological impact of UFO sightings on witnesses and the potential for human evolution in accepting these phenomena.