LDLN - No 159

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 159
Volume: 19e Année
Date: November 1976

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related issues, with a focus on the complex nature of UFO phenomena and the beings associated with them.

Key Articles and Features

L'ILLUSION NEXIALISTE (The Nexialist Illusion)

This article, authored by Francis Consolin and Michel Picard, delves into the concept of 'nexialism,' a term coined by science fiction writer A.E. Van Vogt. Nexialism is described as a science that coordinates knowledge from various domains to accelerate learning and application. The authors discuss the increasing specialization in scientific knowledge, citing Aimé Michel's observation that knowledge is largely specialized, making it difficult for individuals to be experts in multiple fields simultaneously. They highlight the need for multidisciplinary teams but note the inefficiency when team members lack a holistic understanding. The article critiques the idea that nexialism offers a shortcut to knowledge absorption, suggesting it's an error in interpretation. It explores the limitations of human memory and the challenges of integrating vast amounts of accumulated knowledge. The authors also touch upon the potential for future advancements in understanding the brain and accelerating learning, attributing this progress to scientific research rather than pseudoscientific endeavors. The article concludes by emphasizing that while the concept of nexialism might remain in the realm of fiction, reality often surpasses imagination.

Réflexions sur la nature des Humanoïdes (Reflections on the Nature of Humanoids)

Authored by Jacques Scornaux, a Doctor of Science, this article examines the persistent skepticism surrounding humanoid encounters within the UFO phenomenon. Scornaux addresses the psychological barriers and the tendency to dismiss such cases as mere 'embellishments' by witnesses, citing historical instances where prominent UFO research organizations initially avoided the topic. He argues against dismissing cases based on subjective incredulity or the perceived 'impossibility' of such events, emphasizing that human understanding of the possible is constantly evolving. The article explores various hypotheses regarding the nature of humanoids, including:

• Robots: Considered unlikely for the majority of cases due to the impracticality of replicating human form for a machine.
• Temporarily Materialized Entities: Beings that can manifest physically for a period, possibly drawing substance from the material world. This hypothesis is deemed gratuitous and overly complex.
• Time Travelers: The idea that UFOs are time machines and humanoids are future humans visiting the past. This is questioned due to the lack of supporting evidence and the improbability suggested by current physics.
• Unknown Earth Inhabitants: Beings living in hidden societies (underground or underwater) who possess advanced technology. This is challenged by the difficulty of maintaining such secrecy and the vast technological gap required.

Scornaux also discusses the psychological impact of humanoid encounters, drawing parallels to Orson Welles's 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, which induced widespread panic. He critically analyzes arguments against the physical reality of humanoids, such as their resemblance to humans and their varied appearances. The article presents evidence of physical contact and traces left by humanoids, citing cases from France, Finland, and Argentina. It also explores the possibility of psychic projections or extrasensory perception as explanations for some encounters, while maintaining that the physical evidence cannot be entirely dismissed.

Le géant lumineux de Domène (Isère) (The Luminous Giant of Domène (Isère))

This investigative report by M. Michel Levy details an incident that occurred on January 5, 1976, in Domène, near Grenoble. A 10-year-old boy, Jean-Claude, playing in a field, witnessed a luminous, shell-shaped object land. A tall, white-clad humanoid, described as a 'giant,' emerged and walked with a stiff, somnambulistic gait. The boy experienced intense fear. Subsequent events included the appearance of a luminous sphere over the mountain and other sightings in the area by different witnesses, suggesting a significant UFO event. The report notes the child's distress and the family's conviction of his truthfulness. The investigation also touches upon a peculiar incident at a nearby computer firm, UNIOR, where a power outage coincided with the UFO sightings, resulting in the partial illegibility of magnetic disks.

Other Articles and Sections

• VOICI LE CONTENU DE CE NUMERO: A table of contents listing articles on various UFO-related topics, including the Nexialist Illusion, reflections on humanoids, the Domène case, and recent news.
• ABONNEMENT: Information on subscribing to "Lumières dans la Nuit" and its supplement "Vues Nouvelles."
• FORMULES D'ABONNEMENTS: Details on subscription packages and prices.
• CAS D'ATTERRISSAGE EN 1958 DANS LES VOSGES: A report by M. J.L. Brochard on a 1958 landing case in the Vosges mountains, where a bright light and humming sound were reported, followed by the discovery of burnt traces in a garden.
• Observation faite à la Croix-St-Ouen près de Compiègne (Oise) le 17-1-75: An investigation by Melle CAROF and M. LESBROS detailing an observation of a luminous, round object moving slowly over trees near Compiègne.
• Nos Activités: Information on how readers can participate as investigators, contribute to photo archives, and join research groups.
• Nouvelles Récentes: A section likely covering recent UFO news and sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the pursuit of truth regarding UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to contribute their observations and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events. There is a clear distinction made between rigorous scientific inquiry and speculative or pseudoscientific approaches. The articles often highlight the importance of specialized knowledge in understanding complex phenomena, while also advocating for multidisciplinary approaches. The magazine aims to inform and educate its readers, encouraging critical thinking and a balanced perspective on the UFO mystery. The recurring theme is the need for careful, evidence-based research to unravel the complexities of UFOs and associated phenomena, including humanoids.

This issue of "LDLN" (Lumières Dans La Nuit) from October 1975, titled "Au Nord-Ouest de Maubeuge," focuses on a significant UFO sighting that occurred on October 4, 1975, in the Maubeuge region of France. The magazine also includes a detailed report on the Pascagoula UFO incident in the USA and a compilation of recent UFO sightings from various locations.

The Maubeuge Sighting (October 4, 1975)

The primary focus of the issue is an investigation by M. Bigorne and M. Pierart into a UFO event near Maubeuge. The report details multiple witness accounts from different locations around Feignies and Malplaquet.

Feignies Incident (October 4, 1975, approx. 19:10)

Five railway workers reported seeing a luminous white-yellowish ball in the sky, appearing to be the size of a street lamp. It was initially immobile but then moved rapidly south, disappearing behind buildings. An air traffic controller in a tower also witnessed the object, noting its gradual ascent and oblique movement into the cloud cover. No disturbance or suspicious noise was reported.

Croix de St Ouen Area (October 4, 1975)

Following the Feignies sighting, witnesses in the Croix de St Ouen area heard a loud, metallic noise described as "an army of phantoms marching with mess kits and helmets." Shortly after, a small yellow luminous point appeared in the direction where an object had previously disappeared. This point grew, remaining immobile, and was described as a "deformed sphere" with an opaque light that did not illuminate. The object seemed to be observing them and then rapidly approached before disappearing. The witnesses felt watched and returned to their car, feeling uneasy.

Malplaquet Incident (October 4, 1975, approx. 19:30 - 20:30)

About 20 minutes after the Feignies sighting, five people in Malplaquet observed a phenomenon for 3/4 of an hour. A large, bright white light, initially immobile and directed east, was seen above a wood. It gradually turned orange, like embers, and began to move left. The light diminished in intensity and appeared to ascend and descend. It moved, stopped, and restarted several times before disappearing behind trees. Subsequently, a bright blue-white flash with sparks appeared, followed by a phenomenon moving in the opposite direction, appearing more distant. This second phenomenon had moderate speed and was visible intermittently, with flashes and varying illuminated faces. It was observed until around 20:30.

Near Feignies (October 4, 1975, approx. 20:00)

Around 50 minutes after the Feignies sighting, a couple observed a bright white light moving slowly from east to west at low altitude. As their car approached, the light seemed to accompany them. It then slowed, and two large white headlights appeared, projecting rays towards the car. The distance was estimated at 200 meters, at an altitude similar to high-tension lines. The light then turned violet and blinked, before reappearing as two white headlights. The observation ended without the witnesses seeing the shape of an object.

Gognies-Chaussée Incident (October 4, 1975)

Two farmers reported seeing a red ball approaching them at low altitude before rapidly departing into the sky. The report notes that further investigation into this case was not possible.

The issue concludes that while no definitive conclusions can be drawn about manufactured objects, the abnormal behaviors and multiple observers in different locations north-east of Maubeuge are significant.

The UFO of Pascagoula and its Occupants (U.S.A.)

This section details the well-known Pascagoula UFO encounter that occurred in October 1973, involving Charles E. Hickson (45) and Calvin R. Parker (18) in Mississippi. The witnesses reported seeing a long, blue-grey craft with flashing blue lights descend near them while they were fishing. Three creatures, described as about 1.55m tall with wrinkled grey skin, claw-like hands, and no visible mouths or noses, emerged from the craft and floated towards them. Hickson was taken aboard the craft, where he experienced a loss of sensation and was examined by a floating instrument resembling an eye. Parker fainted during the encounter. The beings returned the witnesses to their location, and the craft departed without leaving any trace. The report includes details of the subsequent investigation, including polygraph tests, hypnosis sessions conducted by Dr. James A. Harder and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and the witnesses' accounts being deemed credible by investigators.

Recent UFO Sightings (Nouvelles Récentes)

The magazine provides a compilation of recent UFO sightings reported in various French and international locations during July, August, September, and October 1976. These include:

• July 16, 1976: Cadanet (Vaucluse) - A large, lens-shaped object with a white dome observed over the Durance river.
• June 11, 1976: Romans (Drôme) - A bright orange luminous form caused a car's engine and headlights to fail. The witness reported being taken aboard a craft.
• June 22, 1976: Oberhoffen sur Moder (Bas Rhin) - A red-orange object was seen moving rapidly towards the Black Forest.
• Early July 1976: Colmars les Alpes (Alpes de Haute Provence) - Strange, deep parallel furrows were found in the ground, attributed to a possible UFO landing.
• July 10, 1976: Bourg de Péage (Drôme) - A luminous red rectangle transformed into a circle and then a black disc with a dome before rapidly departing.
• July 10, 1976: Poncharra (Isère) - A brilliant fuselage with two small wings was observed moving and then suddenly extinguishing.
• July 14, 1976: Tokyo (Japan) - Seven members of the Japanese national police observed a brown or black UFO approximately 10 meters in diameter over the Imperial Palace.
• July 16, 1976: St Victor de Malcap (Gard) - Burned vines and damaged crops were found, with speculation about UFO activity.
• July 17, 1976: Cali (Colombia) - Numerous people observed three incandescent ring-shaped UFOs.
• July 17, 1976: Revin (Ardennes) - About thirty witnesses saw a luminous disc with two domes above a TV transmitter.
• July 18, 1976: Folschviller (Moselle) - A high-pitched whistling sound and an orange light were observed.
• July 19, 1976: Châteauneuf Val de Bargis (Nièvre) - A green luminous globe was seen moving at high speed.
• July 22, 1976: Nancy (Meurthe et Moselle) - A circular, flat object tilted at 45 degrees was observed, leaving a red light beam.
• July 23-24, 1976: Condom (Gers) - Beams of light were observed, with one described as cylindrical and conical.
• July 28, 1976: Vandoeuvre and Moncel les Lunéville (Meurthe et Moselle) - Two enormous, silent orange discs were seen, followed by a third red disc.
• July 30, 1976: Laroque Timbaut (Lot et Garonne) - A blinking green ball was seen, along with a red trail and an electrical meter catching fire.
• July 31, 1976: Poitiers (Vienne) - An object at low altitude changed color from red to yellow to green before disappearing.
• August 1, 1976: Châteauneuf (Charente) - A dense white light, about 2 meters in diameter, moved horizontally before disappearing.
• August 4, 1976: Brioude (Haute Loire) - A red-orange cylindrical object was observed for two minutes before rapidly extinguishing.
• August 17, 1976: Jungoltz (Haut Rhin) - A triangular object with a red light was observed moving rapidly at low altitude.
• August 21, 1976: St Georges les Baillargeaux (Vienne) - A cigar-shaped object, 20 to 30 meters long, was observed and photographed.
• August 22, 1976: Bouxwiller (Bas Rhin) - Two young motorists were followed by an object changing shape and emitting dazzling light.
• August 24, 1976: Waldwise (Moselle) - A white ball, similar to the North Star, was observed.
• August 26, 1976: Roubaix (Nord) - An object moved slowly vertically, appearing twice the size of a 5-franc coin.
• September 7, 1976: Angers (Maine et Loire) - A luminous oval shape was observed in the sky.
• September 10, 1976: Gencay (Vienne) - A large luminous disc changed colors and moved at high speed.
• September 12, 1976: St-Verand (Isère) - A luminous elliptical light was observed above trees, emitting heat.
• September 13, 1976: Pres d'Arras (Pas de Calais) - A circular, flat object with two headlights was seen emitting a bluish cloud before moving at high speed.
• Mid-September 1976: Santander (Spain) - Approximately 200 people saw an immobile, blue-glowing saucer-shaped object in a campsite.
• September 18, 1976: Teheran (Iran) - A round object emitting blue, red, and green lights was pursued by Iranian fighter jets, causing electronic system failures.
• September 19, 1976: Malaga (Andalusia, Spain) - Fishermen saw an object emitting intense light, with several lights detaching before disappearing.

Poitiers Conference on UFOs

The issue reports on the second international UFO conference held in Poitiers in June 1976. The conference featured presentations by scientists and researchers discussing various aspects of UFO phenomena, including technological capabilities, scientific acceptance, and the need for further investigation. Notable speakers included Jean-Claude Bourret, Patrick Aimedieu, Bernard Cochereau, Jean Goupil, Pierre Guerin, Pierre Kohler, Auguste Meessen, Jean-Pierre Petit, and Jacques Vallee. The conference aimed to bring UFO research into the mainstream and foster a more rational approach to the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, encounters, and alleged landings, often with detailed witness testimonies and investigative efforts. It highlights the impact of UFO phenomena on technology and the environment, as well as the challenges faced by researchers in gaining scientific acceptance. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts for the reader's consideration, while acknowledging the need for further scientific understanding. The recurring mention of "M.O.C." (Phénomènes Anthropomorphes) and their effects on animals suggests a focus on the more unusual and potentially biological aspects of UFO encounters. The publication also promotes tools for UFO observation and investigation, such as the goniometer and comparator.