LDLN - No 170

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 170
Volume: 20ème Année
Date: Décembre 1977
Price: 5,50 F

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of celestial objects and related problems, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking nighttime photograph of a road with a circular object in the sky, hinting at the central themes of the magazine.

Key Articles and Features

Essai de classification des apparitions et disparitions sur place (Essay on the classification of on-site appearances and disappearances)

This in-depth article by Jacques Scornaux introduces a classification system for UFO appearances and disappearances that occur instantaneously or without apparent movement. The author argues that the phenomenon is complex and requires a more nuanced categorization than simple on-site events. The classification ranges from simple extinction or lighting up of a luminous object (D1/A1) to more baffling events like instantaneous disappearance or appearance without any movement, or the formation of clouds from which an object emerges or into which it vanishes (D3/A3). The article also addresses similar phenomena involving humanoids.

Scornaux discusses the challenges of interpreting these events, noting that some cases might be explained by rapid acceleration or deceleration, while others remain highly anomalous. He reviews several specific cases from around the world, including incidents in Mendoza (Argentina), Kvalsi (Norway), Lorient (France), Dax (France), Vlierzele (Belgium), Wavre (Belgium), Ferrière-la-Grande (France), Nouâtre (France), Little Lever (UK), and Blacksod (Ireland), detailing the observed phenomena and categorizing them according to his proposed system.

The article also touches upon the debate surrounding the nature of UFOs, questioning whether they are purely physical objects or something more complex. It references the work of ufologists like Brad Steiger and Christiane Piens, highlighting the ongoing discussion about the interpretation of witness accounts and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication.

Mimétisme OVNI, Psychisme humain (UFO Mimicry, Human Psyche)

This article, also by Jacques Scornaux, delves into the concept of UFO mimicry and its connection to human psychology. Scornaux proposes that UFOs exhibit a form of mimicry that goes beyond simple imitation of natural or artificial realities, extending to the "translation or imaging of psychological realities." He argues that this suggests a direct link between the UFO phenomenon and the human witness.

Scornaux draws parallels between UFO mimicry and animal mimicry, noting that while animal mimicry often serves a defensive or predatory purpose and involves imitation of specific forms or behaviors, UFO mimicry appears to be more adaptable and can manifest in various ways, including imitating specific individual experiences or even fantasies.

The author suggests that the UFO phenomenon is not supernatural but rather a manifestation of an unknown organizational system (X) that adapts to its environment. This system, he posits, possesses a form of psychism and intelligence, allowing it to react to stimuli and mimic models, including those derived from the witness's mind. He proposes that this system might be related to PSI phenomena, such as telepathy and clairvoyance, and that its "mimicry" is a form of translation of external models or internal psychological states.

Scornaux concludes that the UFO phenomenon is a complex manifestation of an unknown system that adapts through mimicry, which he defines as the exterior manifestation of an organizational system (X) necessary for its adaptation to the environment. This adaptation involves imitating models, ranging from natural objects to psychological realities, based on specific stimuli and the witness's psyche.

Une Nouvelle Affaire Galilée (A New Galileo Affair)

This section discusses the work of René Louis Vallée, a physicist who proposed a unified theory of electromagnetic energy, gravity, and quantum mechanics. The article highlights Vallée's theory, which suggests that the universe is not empty but composed of a vibratory energetic structure. His theory attempts to reconcile classical electromagnetism with quantum mechanics and gravitation, proposing that gravitation has an electromagnetic origin and that the speed of light is not a constant.

The article notes that Vallée's work faced significant opposition and that he was subjected to pressure to remain silent. It mentions his involvement with the TOKOMAK fusion reactor experiments, where his predictions about neutron emissions were reportedly confirmed, but this information was allegedly suppressed. The article frames Vallée's situation as a potential "new Galileo affair," suggesting that his groundbreaking ideas were met with resistance from established scientific and industrial interests.

Observations and Reports

The issue also includes several reports of UFO sightings from various locations:

• Santiago du Chili (Chile), May 23, 1977: A large white luminous object with reddish reflections was observed hovering and changing shape, emitting a beam of light with a red sphere at its end.
• Sardaigne (Italy): Several reports of UFO sightings in March, August, and September 1977 are mentioned, including a car being blocked by a UFO, a cigar-shaped object accompanying a ship, and a "silure"-shaped craft observed above Cagliari. Photos were reportedly taken by a group in Nuoro.
• Nuoro (Sardaigne), March 20, 1977: A luminous white object was observed near Budoni and San Teodoro, which caused radio interference and stopped a car's engine before disappearing.

Other Sections

• Nos Activités (Our Activities): This section outlines the activities of the "Lumières dans la Nuit" group, including opportunities for readers to become investigators and contribute to the network of sky photographers (RESUFO).
• Information Récente (Recent Information): A brief note about new methods using computers and ballistics to analyze witness testimonies, promising to reveal hidden aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO research, encouraging the publication of diverse viewpoints and the rigorous investigation of phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes that the magazine does not necessarily endorse all the views expressed by its contributors but publishes them to stimulate interest and lead towards truth. There is a clear commitment to scientific inquiry, even when dealing with highly unusual or seemingly fantastical subjects. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, with a particular interest in the psychological and potentially physical aspects of UFO encounters, and a critical examination of established scientific paradigms. The magazine advocates for a holistic approach, connecting UFO phenomena with parapsychology and physics, and questioning conventional explanations.