LDLN - No 161

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), volume 20, issue number 161, dated January 1977, is published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES" (International Research Group). The cover prominently features an article on "THORIGNY (Seine et Marne)" with an accompanying illustration, and also highlights other significant reports: "BASE SOUS-MARINE D'OVNI AU LARGE DU VÉNÉZUÉLA" (Underwater UFO Base off Venezuela), "L'OVNI 'GÉANT' D'ASSEVENT (Nord)" (The 'Giant' UFO of Assevent), and "Les 'CHEVEUX D'ANGE'" (Angel Hair).

The editorial, "FAISONS LE POINT" (Let's Take Stock), by R. Veillith, marks the beginning of the magazine's 20th year. It reflects on the challenges overcome and the commitment to keeping the publication accessible despite rising costs. The editorial also announces the integration of the "DECALAIRE" supplement, increasing the total pages and content for subscribers.

Key Articles and Reports

The 'Angel Hair' Phenomenon: An Experimental Technique?

This article by M. G. DE SAN explores the hypothesis that 'angel hair' might result from water polymerization under intense electric fields. The author discusses the normal atmospheric electric field and the conditions required for such phenomena, referencing previous hypotheses and the work of Professor A. Messen. The article details an experimental setup involving electrodes, humidity control, and high-voltage generators to investigate the formation of these filaments, which are described as invisible water crystals that can become visible when aggregated.

Is There an Underwater UFO Base off Venezuela?

This extensive report by Gordon CREIGHTON, translated by Ch ZWYGART, details numerous UFO sightings and alleged encounters in Venezuela during March 1973. The report compiles press accounts and witness testimonies describing objects with fantastic speeds, unusual maneuvers, and strange lights. The recurring theme is the suspicion of an underwater UFO base, with witnesses reporting objects emerging from and disappearing into the sea. The article also touches upon the psychological aspects of the witnesses and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence to utilize oceanic environments.

Testimony from Morocco: An Observation in Azrou

This report, collected by MM. Jean-Luc and Serge CHEVREL, recounts a sighting by a witness identified as 'Monsieur X' in Azrou, Morocco, in early June 1952. The witness described a cigar-shaped object, green phosphorescent in color, hovering silently above a monastery for about a minute before departing rapidly and emitting blue sparks. The report includes a detailed description of the object's appearance, dimensions, and the witness's psychological profile. The conclusion suggests the observation might be linked to a broader wave of UFO activity in the region.

An 'Angel' in Ireland: Landing at Blacksod

Contributed by G. TOMS, this account describes an alleged UFO landing in Blacksod, County Mayo, Ireland, in February 1974. The witness, the author's father-in-law, reported being awakened by a bright white light and seeing a figure in white clothes, followed by the observation of a large, bus-like object with wheels lifting off silently. The report notes the skepticism of most locals but highlights the belief of a neighbor and the witness's own conviction that he saw an 'angel'.

The 'Giant' UFO of Assevent (Nord): Alleged Observation of September 26, 1975

This detailed investigation by M. BIGORNE and M. PIERART reconstructs a significant UFO event near Maubeuge, France. The report is divided into three parts: phenomena observed prior to the event, the events of September 26, 1975, and the subsequent investigation. It includes testimonies from multiple witnesses, descriptions of the object's appearance (orange, cigar-shaped, luminous), its movements, and alleged effects on vehicles and electronics. The investigation also considers meteorological conditions and potential explanations, including the possibility of atmospheric refractions of the moon, though the primary witness's account remains compelling.

Landings, Observations, and Ground Traces at Wallers (Nord) During 1974

This report by M. NAGLIN details a series of regular UFO observations and alleged landings in Wallers, France, throughout 1974. The investigation focuses on a specific incident on June 14, 1974, where witnesses reported seeing a dark object, followed by a luminous orange sphere on the ground, leaving behind burned traces. The report includes photographic evidence of these traces and discusses the challenges of interpreting such phenomena, including potential magnetic anomalies.

Conclusions and Opinions

Several sections offer concluding thoughts and opinions on the reported cases. The Assevent case analysis by M. C. POHER of CNES suggests that the observed phenomenon might have been an unusually large moon due to atmospheric refraction. The Wallers report concludes that while traces were found, definitive conclusions are difficult to draw due to the vastness of the area and potential natural anomalies. The magazine also includes a "COURRIER" section discussing the debate between scientific and amateur researchers, advocating for the value of amateur contributions to UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, their potential origins, and the challenges of investigating these phenomena. The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, detailed observation, and rigorous investigation, while acknowledging the difficulties in definitively explaining many sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the pursuit of truth and accessible research, even in the face of skepticism and limited resources. There is a clear dedication to exploring anomalous aerial phenomena and their implications for understanding our world and humanity's place within it. The magazine also highlights the collaborative nature of UFO research, involving international groups and individual enthusiasts.

Title: LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: Nº 158
Publication Date: 1st Quarter 1977
Publisher: LDLN
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Lumieres dans la Nuit' presents a collection of UFO/UAP (Unidentified Flying Object/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and related articles, focusing on observations made in France. It includes detailed witness testimonies, investigative notes, and updates on the publication's activities and research efforts.

Key Sightings and Investigations

Wallers-Hellesmes (Nord) Sightings

The issue details several observations by Mr. and Mrs. X in Wallers-Hellesmes. On May 28, 1974, they observed a large, red, blinking light that moved erratically. Later, on May 29, 1974, around 10:20 PM, they saw a large red fire that stopped, turned yellow, and moved slowly before accelerating and flying low over a forest. At 10:25 PM, the object flew at low altitude over the forest and then descended, seemingly grazing the treetops before disappearing. The witnesses described it as a red light, possibly the signal of a much larger object hidden by darkness.

Later that night, around 12:20 AM, a small white light was seen moving back and forth. At 12:25 AM, a large, pale yellow and bright red sphere, estimated to be about one meter in diameter, appeared above a thicket at low altitude and descended, disappearing behind a hedge. The witnesses estimated it to be 600 meters away. The following day, they investigated the landing site and found three identical triangular ground traces, each 6.35 meters apart, with smaller 12 cm equilateral triangles within each imprint. The soil was disturbed, suggesting a lifting action.

Another incident involved Mrs. X observing an ovoid, fluorescent object, about 60 cm long, passing at eye level between two tool sheds. The object had two illuminating balls that alternated between red and white. Mr. X humorously remarked that they were being photographed.

Mr. X also reported being followed for several kilometers by a white luminous ball while riding his moped. Another observation involved Mr. X and a friend seeing a white luminous ball, about 50 cm in size, at an estimated altitude of 50 meters. The object accelerated and changed direction, seemingly to avoid them.

Thorigny (Seine et Marne) Case

An investigation conducted by M. Patrice SERAY on January 3, 1976, concerning an event on December 26, 1975, in Thorigny. Witnesses Mr. and Mrs. Louis FARION reported seeing a luminous object that suddenly illuminated. Described as resembling a boat hull, slightly rounded with striations, it was incandescent and appeared red-orange. The object moved erratically before stabilizing and then disappearing downwards, giving the impression of ascending while tilting. The witnesses estimated the object's size to be comparable to a pavilion roof and that it covered half of their field of vision. The observation lasted between 5 and 6 minutes.

La Selle en Hermois (Loiret) Sighting

On June 6, 1976, around 3:40 PM, Mr. and Mrs. Jean GAUTHIER-PARDE observed a formation of nine elongated, metallic, shiny objects moving slowly in the sky. These objects, described as similar in size to rugby balls seen from 50 meters, performed several circles before moving east. The witnesses, including an experienced pilot, ruled out aircraft and weather balloons, noting the objects' lack of wings and their metallic appearance.

Montévrain (Seine et Marne) Case

This section details an observation by Mr. and Mrs. X in Montévrain. The object was described as boat-hull shaped, slightly rounded with striations, and incandescent red-orange. It moved erratically before stabilizing and then disappearing downwards. The witnesses estimated its size to be comparable to a pavilion roof.

Gapencais Observation

An investigation by MM. CREISSARD, GUEYTE, PONS, and REYNAUD concerning an observation by Mr. Emile AMOROS on December 9, 1975, near the Lac des Jaussands. Mr. Amoros observed a bright orange-red luminous object, similar to a rising sun but not dazzling. He initially thought it was the sun but realized it was impossible due to the time and location. The object, described as intermediate between an ellipsoid and an ovoid, hovered for about 45 minutes. It then tilted, rotated, and revealed a dull grey-lead hexagonal underside. A brief emission of white, flaky smoke was observed. The object then moved slowly across the lake before accelerating vertically and disappearing over the mountains. Mr. Amoros expressed frustration at being alone during the observation and felt that conventional aircraft were incomparable.

Technical Notes and Equipment

The magazine includes a section on a 'Goniometer de Poche' (Pocket Goniometer), a small device designed to help observers estimate object dimensions and distances. It also mentions a 'Comparator' as a complementary tool.

Notes on Detectors and Research

There is a note regarding M. Klein's K13 Detector, suggesting improvements using integrated circuits and addressing potential issues with sensitivity and frequency filtering. The author, J.L. Mantaux, offers to provide base schematics.

Recent News (Presse)

This section summarizes several recent UFO sightings reported in French newspapers:

• October 9, 1976, Brunstatt (Haut Rhin): A cross-shaped object moving slowly towards Germany.
• Mid-October 1976, Poisat (Isère): A luminous UFO observed over Vercors.
• October 19, 1976, La Chapelle Neuve (Morbihan): An elliptical object with headlights observed by a family.
• October 24, 1976, St Omer (Pas de Calais): A luminous red-orange ball moving slowly.
• October 24, 1976, Chemery les Deux (Moselle): A luminous, elongated object, approximately 15 meters long, followed a witness before departing.
• October 25, 1976, Chemery les Deux (Moselle): A luminous ball, initially small and then larger, was observed by a family.
• October 28, 1976, Le Cannet (Alpes Maritimes): A triangular object moved at high speed.
• October 31, 1976, St Marcellin (Isère): A bright white light moving at high speed.
• November 1, 1976, Ceret (Pyrénées Orientales): A white fireball observed by multiple witnesses.
• November 5, 1976, Rives (Isère): A luminous, oval object moving at high speed.
• November 5, 1976, La Riviere de Corps (Aube): An oval object, surrounded by an orange halo, descended and then ascended vertically.
• November 11, 1976, Buncey (Côte d'Or): A luminous object approached a house and disappeared when headlights were turned on.
• November 9 and 11, 1976, Caux et Sauzens (Aude): Luminous apparitions, including a red ball and a rocket-like object.
• Mid-November 1976, Commercy (Meuse): Two luminous points followed by a long trail were observed.

Disappearance of a Mineral Carrier

The issue also notes the disappearance of a mineral carrier in the 'Bermuda Triangle', with no SOS received and only a patch of oil and an empty life raft found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around direct witness accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena, often accompanied by physical trace evidence or unusual electromagnetic effects. The publication emphasizes the seriousness and credibility of its witnesses, including those with professional backgrounds. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and documentation of these phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of observations. There is a clear effort to provide detailed, factual reports, while also acknowledging the mysterious nature of the events. The publication also touches upon the scientific community's perceived shortcomings in addressing the UFO phenomenon and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding it.