LDLN - No 168

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 168
Volume: 20° ANNÉE
Date: OCTOBRE 1977
Price: 5,50F

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French publication dedicated to the passionate search for truth regarding unexplained phenomena, focuses on the intersection of seismic activity, UFO sightings, and parapsychological abilities. The cover prominently features an illustration related to an event in the Canary Islands on June 22, 1976, with an interpretation of observed figures.

Contents and Key Articles

Activités sismiques et phénomènes OVNI (Seismic Activities and UFO Phenomena)

This article, by F. Lagarde, examines the correlation between seismic zones in France and the density of UFO observations. It utilizes a map indicating probable maximum seismic intensities in France, cross-referenced with known UFO sighting locations. The author notes remarkable coincidences between seismic zones and areas with high UFO activity, suggesting a potential link. Specific locations like the Nord department, Haut-Rhin, Briançon, Nice, Marseille, Avignon-Aix, the Pyrénées, Charente Maritime, Vendée, and Brittany are highlighted for their seismic activity and UFO reports. The article posits that these correlations might indicate a geophysical factor influencing UFO visibility or presence.

Etude des observations d'OVNI en zone sismique Argentine (Study of UFO Observations in Seismic Zones of Argentina)

Authored by A. Baragiola, this section presents a study on UFO observations in Argentina in relation to seismic activity. It highlights that the zones with significant seismic activity also show a high density of UFO reports, reinforcing the potential connection observed in France.

Les témoins d'OVNI sont-ils des sujets PSI? (Are UFO Witnesses PSI Subjects?)

This article by Pierre Vieroudy investigates the nature of UFO witnesses. It begins by referencing statistical studies (like the Condon Report and Gallup polls) that suggest UFO observations are not limited to specific social strata, but rather reflect the general population distribution. However, Vieroudy proposes that social status might be an insufficient criterion for understanding witnesses. He presents a profile of the 'typical' UFO witness, often characterized by a difficult childhood, poor social adaptation, strong intuition over reflection, affable nature, low willpower, susceptibility to influence, nervousness, instability, strong belief systems (including occultism and esotericism), artistic inclinations, and a connection to nature. Crucially, many witnesses report paranormal experiences such as hauntings, poltergeist activity, and psychokinesis (PK). The article suggests that these individuals may possess latent parapsychological faculties like telepathy, precognition, dowsing, or healing abilities. It posits a hypothesis that UFO phenomena might be induced by the PSI faculties of the human group, making the witness an active 'percipient' rather than a passive observer. This aligns with descriptions of mediums from the early 20th century.

La Vision, le Psi, et l'OVNI (Vision, Psi, and the UFO)

F. Lagarde discusses the physiological and psychological aspects of vision and its potential connection to UFO observation. He explains how the retina processes visual information, transmitting it to the brain's visual cortex. Notably, areas 18 and 19 of the cortex are where psychic and visual phenomena intertwine. Lagarde suggests that visual stimuli from UFOs might trigger psychic processes, potentially leading to hallucinatory phenomena. He also touches upon the idea that consciousness itself might influence physical events, citing physicist Costa de Beauregard. The article explores the concept of an 'interaction' between the observer and the observed object, termed the 'mirror effect,' and references A. Puharich's hypothesis about energy exchange and plasma fields creating a link between the object and the observer. The author concludes that UFOs possess energy and a tropism, possibly related to the observer, and that their nature remains unknown.

Près du Col de Larche (Near the Col de Larche)

This is an investigative report by MM. Cressard, Geyte, Pons, and Reynaud detailing two observations of UFOs near the Col de Larche in the Alpes de Haute-Provence on December 8 and 9, 1976. Two military sergeants from the 11th B.C.A. observed oval-shaped objects. The first observation involved a single dark object. The second, the following night, involved four identical objects. These objects were described as having a central luminous core and moving without noise. The witnesses noted unusual behavior in avalanche dogs during these sightings. The report includes detailed testimonies, including that of a customs officer, and discusses potential confusion with aerial signaling buoys. The investigators found no anomalies with standard detection equipment on site.

Quasi Atterrissage à Palau del Vidre (Quasi-Landing at Palau del Vidre)

An investigation by J. Bazeris and J.P. Atzerias reports on an observation by Jean Moli, a 73-year-old farmer, on October 3, 1975. Moli observed a red, luminous object, estimated to be 3-4 meters long and 2-3 meters high, near a railway line. The object disappeared before he could get a closer look. The report notes that Moli is the grandfather of one of the investigators, adding a personal connection.

Témoignage dans l'Aude (Testimony in Aude)

This report by Florence Choffel details an observation by Monsieur and Madame Dijol on October 17, 1975. While driving on the Aude motorway, they saw an unusual orange light, described as an oval object about 15 meters in diameter, moving at high speed and sometimes stopping. The object's passage affected their car's engine and headlights. The phenomenon lasted about 10 minutes, and other drivers also stopped to observe.

Eyragues (Bouches-du-Rhône)

An investigation by A. Barnicaud describes an observation by J.B., a CNRS technician, and his children on January 12, 1977. They observed a luminous point that appeared to be a star but was in an unusual location. The object's brightness varied, and it moved erratically before disappearing. The report notes the witness's scientific background and the clarity of his testimony.

OVNI ou phénomène naturel à Mont-de-Marsan (Landes) en Août 1944 (UFO or Natural Phenomenon in Mont-de-Marsan (Landes) in August 1944)

This article by J.M. Bigorne recounts an event from August 1944. Six laundresses in a village near Mont-de-Marsan witnessed a strange, transparent, and luminous ball-like object enter their workplace through an open window. The object hovered near them, exhibiting unusual density and translucency, and emitted a faint breeze. One woman reported feeling a sensation of her head being in cotton. The event occurred after a thunderstorm.

Observation du 3 AOUT 1976 à Challans (Vendée)

An investigation by M. Beneteau reports on an observation by Eric Bernard, a 16-year-old apprentice cook, on August 3, 1976. Bernard saw a red-orange light near an antenna, described as a round oval headlight, which remained stationary for about 5 minutes. He compared it to a lighthouse beam. No other witnesses were found.

EN VENDEE

Transmitted by M. Gallais, this report details an observation by a 52-year-old man on May 27, 1957. He saw a circular object on the ground at night that took off silently, making a noise like a vacuum cleaner. The next morning, he found the grass in the field flattened. The object was described as luminescent white and took off vertically.

A RENNES (Ile-et-Vilaine)

An investigation by M.H.L. Pascaud describes an observation by Madame Pascaud on July 5, 1976. While hanging laundry, she saw a red-orange OVNI that diminished in size. She was frightened and closed the window, and when she looked again, the object had disappeared. The object's color caused her fear, and no sound was perceived.

Rapport sur l'observation de 2 sphères argentées à Vigneux s Seine (Essone) début 73 (Report on the Observation of 2 Silver Spheres at Vigneux s Seine (Essone) in early 73)

This report by Francis Adam details an observation by Mme Adam and her two daughters on January 1973. The first observation involved a clear, metallic, silver sphere rotating counter-clockwise. The second observation, by one of the daughters, involved a similar sphere that emitted thick black smoke. The report compares these observations to a similar case in Nice from 1966, noting similarities in the object's appearance and rotation, but also differences in the emission of smoke and the lack of precise size information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential scientific explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly the link between seismic activity and sightings, and the psychological and parapsychological aspects of witnesses. The magazine consistently presents detailed case studies, often based on investigations by its own members or affiliated groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various hypotheses, from geophysical influences to psychic connections, while maintaining a commitment to rigorous investigation and the pursuit of truth. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the need for further research into these complex phenomena.

This issue of "Observations aux Iles Canaries" (Observations in the Canary Islands) from the magazine "LDLN" (Lumières Dans La Nuit - Lights in the Night), dated June 22, 1976, presents a collection of UFO (OVNI) reports and related articles. The cover prominently features the Canary Islands incident, suggesting it is a lead story. The magazine is published in French and appears to be a specialized publication for UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

Article: Observations aux Iles Canaries, le 22 juin 1976

This article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on June 22, 1976, in the Canary Islands. The information was transmitted by M. Darnaude and arranged/translated by M. Fernando, originating from Spanish newspapers "Gaceta del Norte" and "El Correo de Andalucia." The observation was made by the crew of a Spanish Navy corvette. The object was first seen as a luminous point rising from the land and hovering motionless. Initially thought to be an aircraft, it later developed a bright blue-yellow halo that persisted for 40 minutes. The luminous point then fragmented, with the upper part ascending in a spiral. The observation began at 9:27 PM and involved three distinct phases: the appearance of the luminous point, its immobilization with a halo, and its fragmentation and disappearance. The corvette captain's testimony was corroborated by a doctor from Gran Canaria. This doctor described a gigantic "electric blue" sphere, approximately the size of a 20-story house, with transparent outer layers revealing occupants inside. These occupants, described as tall (2.80m) and wearing red suits, were observed manipulating instruments. The sphere remained stationary for 20 minutes before transforming into a bright white beam and departing towards Tenerife. The object was reportedly seen by thousands of witnesses across the Canary Islands that night. Radar data indicated a speed of 3060 km/hour for an object moving from Fuerteventura to Gran Canaria. The article notes that 36 color photos of similar objects were taken by a witness.

Article: Dans les Yvelines: UN CAS MÉCONNU (In the Yvelines: A Little-Known Case)

Investigated by Ph. Herve, this article recounts a personal experience from January 1972. The author was driving on a departmental road in the Yvelines region when he experienced a strong luminosity in the sky. His car's engine, headlights, and radio suddenly stopped working. He had to push the car for a considerable distance before it restarted. At the time, he did not connect the incident to the light. However, he later discovered that his car suffered from persistent, inexplicable engine failures following this event. He learned from Jean Claude Bourret's book "Le Nouveau Défi des OVNIS" that similar cases of vehicle malfunctions linked to UFO sightings are common, prompting him to share his experience.

Article: VI ADDITIFS AUX PARAGRAPHES PRECEDENTS (Additions to the Preceding Paragraphs)

This section provides clarifications on previous statements. Regarding the size of spheres, the author revises his initial estimate, suggesting they might have been between 100 and 200 meters away, making them quite large. He also emphasizes the credibility of the witnesses, who were his sister-in-law and two nieces, and suggests that the actual number of witnesses during the events might have been in the dozens, including children and possibly teachers.

Article: ESPAGNE - PRESSE (Spain - Press)

This section compiles several UFO reports from Spain:

• Majorca (May 3, 1977): A young couple reported a bright, intense light following their car, causing electrical malfunctions. The object disappeared near a gas station.
• Baleares (May 10, 1977): A report from the Spanish newspaper "YA" mentions a UFO, described as triangular with two luminous angles, following a transport plane from Palma to Barajas. The entire crew observed it.
• Bilbao (Recent days): Multiple UFO sightings were reported in the Bilbao region. One incident involved a large, silver disc (over 50m in diameter) flying low over the bay. Another involved a triangular object observed by a journalist, which responded to his gestures with flashes.

Article: Les à côtés du phénomène OVNI, fantasmes ou réalités, pour la petite histoire (The Sides of the UFO Phenomenon, Fantasies or Realities, for a Little History)

This section presents two anecdotal accounts:

• 1/ D'ETRANGES VISITEURS BOULEVERSENT UN COUPLE DE TOSA (Strange Visitors Overturn a Couple from Tosa): Written by Carol Wahlen, this story recounts an encounter in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in November. A couple, Anne and Pete E., reported being visited by several tall, thin beings with unusual features. One being, holding a white staff, floated towards their door. Pete opened the door, and the visitor struck the sidewalk with his staff, producing three clicks, before floating away. Four other similar creatures were seen on the lawn. They were described as having "gnome-like" appearances, with claw-like hands and bent legs, and they moved by floating a few inches above the ground. The couple did not feel threatened. The police were called but found no evidence.
• 2/ NOTRE PROVINCE A EU SON ABOMINABLE HOMME DES NEIGES! LE MARFOLAT D'ALLEVARD (Our Province Had Its Abominable Snowman! The Marfolat of Allevard): This text, originally published in "Le Dauphiné Libéré" on January 24, 1977, recounts a legend from the Allevard region of France about a creature called the "Marfolat." A woodsman named Père Bourne claimed to have been abducted by these beings. He described them as large, hairy creatures with human-like faces and immense strength. He was carried off by one and later found himself among several of them. He managed to escape when a fight broke out among the creatures over his pipe. The legend suggests that these beings have been sighted for centuries.

Article: Jacques BLEY : « l'homme adopté par les extra - terrestres?» (Jacques Bley: "The Man Adopted by Extraterrestrials?")

An investigation by Mme G. Vanquelef, MM. J. Bazeries, and J. P. Atzerias, this article explores the story of Jacques Bley (also known as Jacques Bordas). Bley, who managed a hotel in Casteils, France, after fleeing the Spanish Civil War, was considered an eccentric. He reportedly claimed to have been adopted by extraterrestrials. The article interviews Monsieur NOU, the former deputy mayor of Casteils, who recalls Bley as an original but does not remember any specific details about an alien encounter. Bley later moved to Andorra and opened a furniture store, but also faced financial difficulties. He is described by acquaintances as someone who liked to be noticed. The article notes that no one could confirm Bley's story about an extraterrestrial companion. It also mentions that an investigation into the affair in 1967 in Casteils was impossible because Monsieur NOU's father had passed away by then.

Article: Une singulière confirmation (A Singular Confirmation)

By Michel Picard and Jean Consolin, based on an idea by M. Picard. This article discusses a UFO sighting reported by a witness in Aveyron in 1967, described as a double-domed saucer with two occupants. The description is compared to parietal tectiform signs found in the Colignac cave, which Aimé Michel interpreted as resembling contemporary UFO descriptions. The article suggests a potential link between prehistoric cave art and modern UFO sightings, citing the work of paleontologist Leroi-Gourhan and the discovery of the Colignac cave by a radiesthesist, M. Lagarde.

Article: nouvelles récentes (Presse) condensé de I. TAHON (Recent News (Press) condensed by I. Tahon)

This section provides a summary of recent UFO sightings reported in various French newspapers:

• May 22, 1977 (Feugarolles, Lot et Garonne): An 87-year-old man observed a bright, luminous object emitting golden beams that disappeared behind trees.
• June 4, 1977 (Moucherotte, Isère): A man repairing his car saw a dark, lenticular point from which green flashes emerged. The object moved away from the witnesses.
• June 13, 1977 (Saint-Étienne, Loire): A red sphere was observed, leaving a reddish trail before disappearing. Other witnesses in the area also reported seeing the phenomenon.
• June 13, 1977 (Meussia, Jura): Two people on a football field were illuminated by an intense conical beam accompanied by a humming sound. A couple in Meussia saw their room illuminated, and explosions were heard. Similar phenomena were reported in Avignon.
• June 26, 1977 (Monchy Breton, Pas de Calais): Three young people observed slow-moving UFOs making several stops.
• June 26, 1977 (Décines, Rhône): Seven witnesses saw an ellipsoidal shape with a cone of light descending, its intensity fluctuating.
• Early July 1977 (Socorro, Colombia): Panic ensued in Socorro due to the presence of several low-flying UFOs emitting red and white flashes.
• Early July 1977 (Dolcourt, Meurthe-et-Moselle): A farmer reported seeing a helicopter land, from which a couple emerged briefly before re-entering the craft. He believed it was a UFO.
• July 6, 1977 (Lusigny, Aube): A young girl saw a luminous, cigar-shaped object moving across the sky.

Article: DANS LA NUIT DU 6 au 7 JUILLET 1977 PALMA DE MAJORQUE (Iles Baléares) (In the Night of July 6-7, 1977 Palma de Majorca (Balearic Islands))

During this night, a UFO resembling a large star was observed and photographed over Palma for 30 minutes before moving northwest.

Article: LE 15 JUILLET 1977. HEM (Nord) (July 15, 1977. Hem (North))

Two people observed a phenomenon consisting of a series of lights, with the last one having a hook-shaped end, and a luminous point moving back and forth.

Article: Date inconnue. COURNOUAILLE (ANGLETERRE) (Date Unknown. Cournouaille (England))

The bodies of 15 ponies were found with broken bones and decomposed flesh. A UFO club president suggested they were crushed by a UFO's antigravity field.

Article: LE 25 JUILLET 1977. LANESTER (Morbihan) (July 25, 1977. Lanester (Morbihan))

A couple saw a UFO from their home, and another person had seen two UFOs earlier that day.

Article: LE 26 JUILLET 1977. CHOLET (Maine et Loire) (July 26, 1977. Cholet (Maine-et-Loire))

A very luminous, disc-shaped object, 3 to 4 meters in height, was observed hovering near a lake for about 30 seconds.

Article: LE 27 JUILLET 1977. CHARVIEU (Isère) (July 27, 1977. Charvieu (Isère))

A circular trace, about 1.20 meters in diameter with a central hole, was discovered in a wheat field.

Article: LE 31 JUILLET 1977. LISBONNE (Portugal) (July 31, 1977. Lisbon (Portugal))

Four people in a car saw a large, bright object followed by three smaller ones. The car engines stopped as the phenomenon passed overhead.

Article: UNE MEDAILLE D'OR POUR M. BIGORNE, INCOLLABLE SUR LES OVNI (A Gold Medal for Mr. Bigorne, Unshakeable on UFOs)

This section congratulates M. Bigorne, an LDLN delegate, for winning a quiz on UFOs on the "Jeu des Passions" radio show. He answered questions about the percentage of the French population that has seen a UFO, the effects of an extraterrestrial encounter on a child, the distance of a UFO pursuit, the principle of portable UFO detectors, and what a UFO crew might take from a cabbage field.

CONSEILS IMPORTANTS (Important Advice)

This section provides guidelines for UFO investigators and contributors to LDLN:

1. Contacts between investigators and delegates: Emphasizes the importance of detailed reports, especially for ground or proximity sightings.
2. Soil sample analysis: Refers to a previous article in LDLN No. 145 for instructions on collecting soil samples for mineralogical analysis.
3. Germination test: Encourages the use of this test, which can be useful after a landing, referencing LDLN No. 134.
4. Photographs of observation sites: Advises against writing directly on photos and suggests using transparent overlays.
5. New reporting procedure: Details a new format for reports, emphasizing detailed reports for ground sightings and condensed reports for other cases, to be sent to Madame Gueudelot for the archives.

Nos Activités (Our Activities)

This section outlines various activities and groups within the LDLN network:

• ENQUETES (Investigations): Offers official investigator cards and guides.
• RESUFO (Sky Photographers Network): Provides information on submitting photos of aerial phenomena.
• GROUPEMENT TECHNIQUE DE RECHERCHE (G.T.R.) (Technical Research Group): Details the structure and needs of the GTR, including electronics, geography-geology, and a national detection network.
• FIDUFO (UFO Data Computer File): Seeks volunteers for data entry, translation, analysis, and programming.
• RECHERCHES D'ARCHIVES (Archive Research): Encourages participation in researching historical press for UFO-related information.

NOS LIVRES SELECTIONNES (Our Selected Books)

This section lists and describes various books related to UFOs and space phenomena available for purchase through LDLN, including works by Charles Garreau, J. Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J.C. Bourret, and J. Allen Hynek. It also includes a section for "NOUVEAUTES" (New Releases).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach to UFO research, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis. It highlights the importance of witness testimony while also seeking corroborating evidence such as radar data and photographic documentation. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial or non-conventional explanations for UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the inclusion of articles on psychic conditioning and historical interpretations of cave art. There is a clear effort to connect current sightings with past events and to build a comprehensive database of information. The magazine also emphasizes the collaborative nature of UFO research, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and participate in various research initiatives.