LDLN - No 163

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated March 1977, is dedicated to exploring the complex phenomenon of UFO mimicry and its relationship to celestial objects and related problems. The magazine, published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES" (International Research Group), presents a collection of investigations, witness accounts, and analytical articles.

Introduction à l'étude du mimétisme OVNI (1)

This article, authored by Jean-Jacques JAILLAT, introduces the concept of UFO mimicry, questioning whether UFOs are capable of imitating natural phenomena. It begins with the case of Marc Boulay, a young observer who reported seeing a "full moon" during a period when the moon should have been in its last quarter or new. This discrepancy leads to an exploration of how memory and perception can influence UFO reports.

The article discusses various instances of mimicry, including:

• False Moons: Cases where observers report seeing a full moon when astronomical data indicates otherwise.
• Mimicking Natural Objects: The appearance of objects resembling known natural phenomena.
• Mimicking Artificial Objects: The imitation of known man-made objects such as dirigibles, airplanes, and even trains.

It highlights the "ghost bombs" observed in Scandinavia after World War II and "phantom airplanes" from the 1930s as examples of objects that mimicked known aircraft but exhibited extraordinary performance.

The author distinguishes between "external mimicry" (where the entire phenomenon resembles a known object) and "internal mimicry" (where only a part or an element of the phenomenon imitates something known, like the light beams of a train signal mimicking SNCF semaphores).

The article concludes that mimicry is a persistent characteristic of UFO phenomena, appearing in both space and time, and that it can be global (mimicking the overall appearance) or partial (mimicking specific elements).

APPARITIONS OVNI et INQUIÉTUDE de la POPULATION

This section, authored by Daniel BOUEYRE and Pierre VIEROUDY, investigates a potential correlation between UFO sightings and periods of public anxiety or economic uncertainty. The study uses unemployment figures in France and Spain as a measure of societal unease.

Key findings include:

• France (1945-1974): A striking similarity is observed between the curve of unemployment and the number of UFO observations, with major UFO waves in 1954 and 1973/74 coinciding with peaks in unemployment.
• Spain (1950-1970): Statistics on UFO landings in Spain also show a correlation with unemployment figures, particularly in 1954 and 1968.
• Criteria of Anxiety: The authors acknowledge that unemployment may not be the sole or universal indicator of anxiety, suggesting that political crises or natural disasters (like drought) could also be significant factors, especially in countries with different socio-economic structures.
• Methodology: The study employs mathematical correlation coefficients to analyze the data, acknowledging the limitations of available statistics, especially for UFO reports.

The conclusion emphasizes that UFO phenomena are likely both physical and psychological, and that future research must consider these intertwined aspects.

EN UNION SOVIETIQUE - Enquête de M.F. CONSOLIN

This report details an observation made by Mr. and Mrs. Finet and another couple while driving near Minsk, USSR, on August 3, 1976. They observed a luminous object that initially appeared to be a light source but then revealed itself as a distinct, non-lunar phenomenon. The object exhibited unusual movements and was later described as a "fuzzy patch" with a constant deformation. The report notes the proximity of the observation to BAVIC, a location of interest in UFO research.

DANS LE FINISTÈRE : DES TRACES TROUBLANTES DÉCOUVERTES SUR LE SOL

This investigation by J.C. CHAPALIN and J. DURAND of A.D.E.P.S. Atlantique documents the discovery of unusual circular traces in a field in Kerdruc, Nevez, Finistère, in September 1975. The traces, consisting of six circles arranged in pairs, were found to have a specific diameter and were bordered by a ring of darker grass. The gendarmes investigated the site, but no definitive explanation was found.

Key aspects of the Kerdruc case:

• Traces: Six circles, two by two, with diameters of 5.80m and 4.40m, bordered by a 0.60m wide ring of darker grass.
• Witness Testimony: Mr. Sellin, the farmer, reported the discovery. His wife experienced tingling sensations in her extremities after entering the field.
• Gendarmerie Investigation: A procès-verbal was established, and samples were taken but yielded no conclusive results.
• Anomalies: The cows refused to enter the field, and there were reports of unusual lights in the area around the same time.

Un véhicule automobile poursuivi par un phénomène aérien

This report by Mile M. CHAPALIN and M. J. DURAND documents an observation made on September 1975, near Querrien and Guiscriff, Morbihan, France. Mr. Le Naour Gérard and two companions observed a luminous, orange-red spherical object moving at low altitude. The object hovered, descended, and ascended before disappearing behind trees, followed by a bright beam of light. The witnesses reported no secondary effects.

Atterrissage à Wallers (Nord) le 11 Juin 1976

This investigation by M. NAGLIN describes a ground trace discovered in an oat field near Wallers, Nord, on June 11, 1976. The trace, shaped like a capital 'A', was accompanied by anomalous magnetic deviations and a rapid re-greening of the surrounding crops. The report links this event to a UFO observation made in Maubeuge on the same day and at a similar time.

Près de Laon (Aisne) le 9 mai 1975

This account, investigated by M. LESBROS, details an observation by six witnesses of a luminous orange object appearing over a wood near Laon. The object was described as round, non-dazzling, and appeared and disappeared rapidly. A photograph was taken, but the object was overexposed and blurred.

OBSERVATION RAPIDE A TEMPLEUVE (Nord)

This brief report by M. DESSEAUX describes a sighting on November 29, 1975, in Templeuve, Nord. A witness observed an oval object with sharp contours, orange-red in color, with incandescent trailing lights, moving parabolically.

OBSERVATION DANS LE NORD - NEUF-MESNIL (NORD) le 27 Avril 1974

This report by M. BIGORNE details an observation by Melle Gourland of a flat, phosphorescent, red-orange disk moving slowly at a low altitude near Neuf-Mesnil, Nord, on April 27, 1974. The object was described as large and emitted a humming sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on mimicry and the psychological aspects of observation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and analyses without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. The magazine encourages readers to submit their own reports, highlighting the importance of collective data in advancing UFO research. There's a clear effort to connect seemingly disparate events and to explore potential underlying patterns, whether they be physical, psychological, or socio-economic.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), published in France in the first quarter of 1977, focuses on UFO phenomena and related research. The magazine features a comprehensive list of selected books on UFOs and the paranormal, alongside detailed reports of sightings and investigations.

Key Articles and Reports

Observation in Indre-et-Loire

Investigated by M. L. CHENU, this report details an observation by Jean-Louis CHAPUT, a 19-year-old viticulturist, on November 4, 1975, around 18:45 in Lussault sur Loire. Under cloudy conditions, CHAPUT observed an object described as a red or orange disc with sharp contours. The investigation, conducted on December 13, 1975, revealed that the witness was credible and the observation was not previously reported to authorities. The terrain is described as hilly and predominantly vineyards, with geological formations of upper Turonian tuffeau and alluvial deposits.

Un Quasi Atterrissage Méconnu de 1955

This personal account from C. KOLESNIKOF describes a sighting on October 15, 1955, at 21:55 between Wissembourg and Lauterbourg. The witness observed a luminous object resembling a rocket, approximately 375-400 meters long, with a reddish halo, bright flashes, and illuminated windows. It had distinctive fins and moved silently at an altitude of 10 meters above trees. The object emitted light over a 1000-meter radius. The witness also noted that animals became agitated and a strong wind had suddenly dropped.

Observation in Indre-et-Loire (Continued)

This section details an observation by Monsieur CHAPUT on November 4, 1975. While working with his tractor, he noticed a large red ball stabilized in the sky, approximately 500 meters away. The object, described as having a clear contour and varying intensity of light, moved slowly towards him, stopping twice and descending slightly. It eventually hovered over a small wood at an altitude of about 50 meters, estimated to be 10 meters in diameter. Two white and yellow blinking balls appeared on either side of the main object, which then turned orange. The witness, feeling scared by the intense flashing lights, left the area. The report notes that the witness suffered no physical or psychological effects and appeared to be a balanced and intelligent individual. The object's autonomous movement suggested it was not a conventional aircraft.

En Algérie

Investigated by J.P. TROADEC, this report concerns an observation by a witness identified as Mme M., residing in Orange, Algeria. The event occurred about 20 years prior in a village in Algeria (Haman-Boua-Djar) around 7 PM in the summer. Mme M. observed three bright spheres, approximately 1 meter in diameter, moving low over the houses. Other witnesses were present, but Mme M. was reluctant to provide details. The spheres moved slowly, allowing them to be observed clearly as unknown objects. The investigator vouches for the authenticity of the testimony, noting the witness's reserved nature.

GTR: LES DÉTECTEURS MAGNÉTIQUES

This technical section discusses the measurement of magnetic fields related to UFO detection. It explains the units of measurement (Tesla, Gauss, Gamma) and the sensitivity of various detection devices, including magnetometers, TORES, magnetic needles, and reed switches (I.L.S.). The article highlights the challenges of detecting weak magnetic variations while avoiding industrial and household interference, and emphasizes the importance of the Earth's magnetic field as a baseline.

LDLN GRENOBLE: BILAN D'ACTIVITÉ 1976

This section provides a year-end review of the LDLN Grenoble branch's activities in 1976. It highlights the challenges faced by the branch in a region with established rationalist and cultural institutions. Key events include a conference by Jean-Claude BOURRET, a significant series of articles on UFOs in the DAUPHINE LIBERE newspaper, and a conference by Pierre GUERIN. The report details interactions with rationalist figures like Evry SCHATZMAN and Roger VIGNERON, and emphasizes the branch's commitment to rigorous investigation and promoting ufological information. The section concludes by thanking collaborators and suggesting a model for future group development based on friendship and availability.

Nouvelles Récentes (Presse) condensé de I. TAHON

This section compiles recent UFO sightings reported in the French press during December 1976:

• December 3, 1976 (Le Puy, Haute-Loire): An orange, green, red, and yellow blinking object was observed for 10 minutes, leaving a white trail.
• December 3, 1976 (Labuissière, Pas de Calais): A triangular object with two yellow lights and a red blinking light was seen passing over a church steeple.
• December 8-9, 1976 (Larche, Alpes de Haute Provence): Elongated objects were observed, accompanied by howling dogs. Similar phenomena were reported the following night.
• December 11, 1976 (La Bazoque, Sarthe): A large, dark orange luminous point was observed for half an hour.
• Mid-December 1976 (Conflans sur Anille, Sarthe): Several young people saw an object emitting a metallic noise, which pursued a car before accelerating away.
• December 14, 1976 (Campo dell'Oro, Corse): Two bright white balls performed a ballet in the sky for 10 minutes before ascending rapidly.
• December 19, 1976 (Arc les Gray, Haute Saône): An object the size of a football was seen moving up and down and emitting intense lights.
• December 21, 1976 (La Bièvre, Isère): A large luminous ball with flashing lights took on a diamond shape and moved slowly.
• December 24, 1976 (Pelussin, Loire): A circular, orange-red object was observed hovering, emitting bright light and clear smoke from its base before disappearing.

NOS LIVRES SELECTIONNES

This section lists and describes books available for purchase through the "Librairie des Archers." Titles cover a wide range of UFO-related topics, including historical investigations, specific cases, scientific analyses, and photographic albums. Authors featured include Charles Garreau, Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, and Donal E. Keyhoe. Prices and postage costs are provided.

ANNONCES

This section includes a request from Aimé MICHEL for a book titled "LES ORIGINES DE L'ODYSSEE, le fantastique et le sacré" by Gabriel GERMAIN. It also mentions M. TRUC, a Russian language professor returning from URSS, who offers his linguistic services for deciphering extraterrestrial documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO investigation, contrasting it with what it perceives as the unscientific stance of rationalist groups. There is a strong emphasis on witness credibility, detailed reporting, and the collection of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be pro-UFO investigation, encouraging public participation and the development of ufological research methods. The magazine also highlights the importance of independent research and collaboration among enthusiasts, as exemplified by the LDLN Grenoble branch's activities. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown and the challenge to established scientific and rationalist paradigms.