LDLN - No 165

Magazine Overview

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT, dated May 1977 and identified as N° 165 in its 20th year, is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems. The cover features a striking headline and a photograph of what appear to be UFOs in the sky, hinting at the issue's core themes.

Key Articles and Content

"Le Phénomène OVNI et Nous" (The UFO Phenomenon and Us) - Part 2 & Conclusion

This section, authored by F. Lagarde, delves into the nature of UFO research. It emphasizes the crucial role of information gathering and verification, highlighting the work of researchers like J. Vallée, A. Hynek, and C. Poher in collecting and analyzing UFO data. The article points out the limitations of purely statistical analysis and the need for spatial and environmental studies. It introduces Aimé Michel's pioneering work on spatial analysis of UFO sightings, leading to the discovery of the BAVIC line (Bayonne-Vichy). The author also discusses the correlation between UFO sightings and geological phenomena, particularly faults and helium emissions, suggesting that helium might be an indicator of hidden faults.

"Formes et Matérialité du Phénomène OVNI" (Forms and Materiality of the UFO Phenomenon)

Authored by Pierre VIEROUDY, this article attempts to classify the alleged forms of UFOs, drawing on historical accounts and modern observations. It categorizes them into archetypal forms (cigar, circle), mimetic forms (airships, phantom airplanes), and idéo-forms (luminous crosses). The author also explores the concept of 'materialization' as a possible explanation for UFOs, suggesting that they might not be solid objects in the conventional sense but rather manifestations of a diffuse energy influenced by the observer's psyche. Several case studies are presented to illustrate different degrees of materialization, from seemingly solid objects to those that dematerialize or pass through solid matter.

"Voyages Interstellaires et Relativité" (Interstellar Voyages and Relativity)

Written by Jacques SCORNAUX, this extensive article examines the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity for the possibility of interstellar travel. It addresses the common belief that relativity, with its speed of light limit, makes such travel practically impossible. The author presents the ideas of physicist Patrick de Visscher, who challenges this view. De Visscher's hypothesis suggests that while the speed of light is an absolute limit, the contraction of space and time at near-light speeds could make interstellar journeys feasible within a human lifespan. The article discusses the 'twin paradox' and offers a critique of its conventional interpretation, proposing that the apparent paradoxes might be resolved by a deeper understanding of relativity and the nature of space-time. It also touches upon the immense energy requirements for such travel, suggesting that humanity may not yet have unlocked all the universe's energy potential.

"A Propos des OVNI et Morts Mystérieuses d'Animaux" (On UFOs and Mysterious Animal Deaths)

This section, authored by Roberto E. BANCH, presents a case from Brazil where sheep were found dead under mysterious circumstances, with peculiar wounds and circles of blood. The author notes the similarity to other reported incidents and suggests a possible connection to UFO activity, citing an observation of a strange light in the pasture where the animals died.

Other Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing various localized UFO reports from France, a section on a 'Goniometer of the Pocket' (a measuring tool for UFO observers), and a 'Comparator' card. There are also notes on subscriptions and reader contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, research-oriented approach to the UFO phenomenon. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and scientific analysis, while remaining open to unconventional hypotheses. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth and understanding, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge and encouraging further exploration. There's a clear interest in bridging the gap between ufology and established scientific disciplines like physics and geology. The publication also highlights the potential for UFOs to challenge our understanding of reality, physics, and consciousness.

This issue of "Lumieres Dans La Nuit" (Lights in the Night), issue number 35, published in the 2nd quarter of 1977, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations primarily from France and Belgium. The magazine presents a collection of recent reports and ongoing research into unidentified aerial phenomena, animal mutilations, and related events.

Cover

The cover features a prominent logo for 'OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES' (Unidentified Flying Objects) with the publication's name, 'REVUE LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT', and details about obtaining a sample. The central graphic is a stylized representation of a flying object.

Recent Reports (Nouvelles Récentes)

The section "nouvelles récentes (Presse)" (recent news (Press)) condenses several UFO reports from late 1976 and early 1977:

• December 7, 1976, Lugarenos, Venezuela: A luminous UFO landed in a village, illuminating an area of 600 meters. Several witnesses observed the phenomenon over multiple days.
• Mazeres (Ariège), France: On January 13, 1977, at 2:30 AM, Dr. Giraud of the French Aeronautical and Astronautical Association photographed a luminous object in the sky that did not resemble any known phenomenon.
• February 13, 1977, La Sauvetat du Dropt (Lot et Garonne), France: Around 7:50 PM, Mme Chassagne observed a red ball flying low over fields, emitting mauve and red beams towards the ground. The affected grass turned brown.
• February 19, 1977, Bogota, Colombia: Multiple UFOs were reported in the Colombian sky. An airplane pilot observed an object three times the size of his plane, moving in zig-zags at high speed. Air traffic controllers also reported observing a similar object for three hours.
• February 20, 1977, Bagnols-sur-Cèze (Gard), France: Around 11 PM, Mme Borrely observed about fifty silver luminous points in the sky, which remained stationary for 30 minutes before disappearing.
• February 22, 1977, Narbonne (Gard), France: M. Marc Delarbre saw a bright flash of light in the shape of spirals above a hill, illuminated by blinking light beams.
• February 22, 1977, Golbey (Vosges): Residents observed a large conical object emitting green and orange light beams. Another similar object crossed its path before disappearing. The first object then ascended rapidly.
• Date Unknown, Monthyon (Seine et Marne): Three young people observed an ovoïde object at a low altitude for about thirty minutes, emitting colored rays and a long trail.
• February 24, 1977, Avignon (Vaucluse): A witness saw a white sphere moving horizontally at high speed.
• February 24, 1977, Semousies (Nord), France: Four students reported seeing a red and blue flat object in the shape of a disc moving towards Avesnes.
• March 3, 1977, between Avignon and Orange, France: A couple observed a red and silver object moving in zig-zags at high speed, changing color.
• March 11, 1977, Fontenay-le-Conte (Vendée), France: A journalist and another witness observed a strange light in the sky, larger than the North Star.
• March 15, 1977, La Chapelle Taillefert (Creuse), France: Mme Signamarcheix saw a bright red conical object rise above the woods.
• March 16, 1977, Thann (Haut Rhin), France: A group of amateur astronomers observed six objects, one cigar-shaped and others cubic, over the Thann valley.
• Night of March 19-20, 1977, Longuyon (Meurthe et Moselle): A press photographer captured images of a light that was sometimes red-orange, sometimes blue or green.

Investigations and Witness Accounts

The magazine features detailed accounts of UFO observations and investigations:

• OVNI EN VOL dans la région du THORONET (83): An investigation by MM. Julien and Pujol details an observation by Mr. B. on October 28, 1975. Mr. B. described a large luminous object with a single front light and a red rear light, which approached his car, causing its lights to turn on spontaneously. The object was described as oval with a large bulge at the rear. The witness's car radio also experienced interference. The area is noted for significant geological faults and bauxite deposits.

• Observation près de BRENAC (Aude): An account by MM. Le Millour and De Lormont describes a sighting by Mr. B. on April 18, 1974. Mr. B. observed a pale pink luminous sphere emitting bright yellow and white light jets. The object moved at high speed.

• OBSERVATION AVEC APPEL DE DÉTECTEUR EN CORRÈZE: An interesting case from August 31, 1975, involving Mr. Bachelerie, whose detector registered activity for 27 minutes. His daughter observed a blue ball descending into the woods. The report notes similar observations in the Nantes region on the same night.

• Observation à GARDOUCH (Hte-Garonne): An investigation by Denise Lacanal recounts the experience of Monsieur Villroux, who, in August 1944, observed a large orange luminous sphere that moved towards him, emitting significant heat. The object later appeared whiter and seemed to have phosphorescent elements.

• Enquête à MALABRIT (Loire-Atlantique): An investigation by MM. Eric Blandin and Dominique Tanchereau details an observation by Bernard Garnier on September 14, 1975. Garnier observed a hemispherical, bright orange object hovering about 8 meters above the ground. The object moved slowly and then disappeared. The area is located near a geological fault.

• Un quasi atterrissage à Bruxelles centre (Belgique): An account by Christiane Piens describes an observation by a witness (Mr. X) on August 5, 1975. Mr. X saw a cylindrical object approaching rapidly, which then became an oval shape with red, orange, and blue lights. It hovered for about 45 minutes before departing.

• Les observations de M. E. Dubois à Saint-Mathieu (7 km à l'Ouest de Lorient - Bretagne): M. Dubois reported an observation on November 14, 1974, where he saw a white cloud form a bright, oblong shape. A disc appeared in the center, from which three small balls emerged and moved towards the island of Groix. Later, three black spots appeared within the disc before it vanished.

• OVNI DISCOIDAL A MONTIGNY-EN-OSTRVENT (Nord): A report by M. Dupire from September 1959 describes a round, disc-shaped object, about 3 meters in diameter, hovering motionless for 3-4 minutes before moving slowly towards a railway line.

• A BUSSEROLE (Creuse): An investigation by M. Catinat details an observation by Mme Giraud in 1955 (or around that time) of two circular traces on the ground, described as 'burnt by herbicide,' which remained for two years. Other witnesses, MM. Giverneau and Marquet, confirmed the phenomenon.

• Enquêtes dans le GERS: This section details two cases:
• Premier Cas: On December 26, 1976, at Château de Pomiro, Mme la Marquise de Noé observed a yellow ball surrounded by a blue halo, moving vertically. The observation lasted 15 minutes.
• Deuxième Cas: Around January 7 or 14, 1977, at the same location, the witness observed a similar yellow and blue ball, and later two other yellow balls.

• PRÈS DE SAINT-COUTANT (Charente-Maritime): An investigation by MM. Ladouce and Vrignaud on November 19, 1975, reports an observation by Mme R. Jacqueline on September 30, 1975. She saw a light above the woods that moved towards her, and then an object that hovered like a helicopter. The object then moved in jumps and disappeared.

Technical Articles

• POUR MESURER LES HAUTEURS ANGULAIRES: An article by investigator 1318 describes a simple device for measuring the angular heights of objects, using a sighting tube and a protractor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UFO sightings, the investigation of physical traces (such as landing marks), and the analysis of witness testimonies. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative stance, encouraging readers to report their own observations and contributing to a collective understanding of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and the collection of factual data, as evidenced by the detailed questionnaires and the inclusion of technical articles. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting evidence and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.