LDLN - No 172

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), volume 21, issue 172, dated February 1978, is dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The magazine is published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES" (International Research Group) and features a cover price of 5.50 F. The issue includes a prominent illustration depicting three luminous spheres over a landscape, related to a "Triple Landing" in Lujua, Spain.

Contents of this Issue

The issue's table of contents lists several articles and reports:

• Page 3: A Balance Sheet (Un bilan)
• Page 8: 1947-1977. The Difficult Birth of Ufology (L'accouchement difficile de l'ufologie)
• Page 16: Triple Landing at Lujua (Spain) (Triple atterrissage à Lujua (Espagne))
• Page 18: Significant Electrical Power Outage on Kansas-City Avenue in Seville (Spain) (Importante panne électrique à l'avenue Kansas City à Séville (Espagne))
• Page 19: An Interesting Comparison (Une intéressante comparaison)
• Page 20: An Exceptional Phenomenon (Un phénomène Exceptionnel)
• Page 21: The UFO of Sangrila (URUGUAY) (L'OVNI de Sangrila (URUGUAY))
• Page 22: Mid-flight Observation by Nearly 180 Passengers in Argentina (Observation en plein vol faite par près de 180 passagers en Argentine)
• Page 23: In the Eure (region of France) (Dans l'Eure)
• Page 24: Near Landing at Maubeuge (North) (Quasi atterrissage à Maubeuge (Nord))
• An interview with Ion Hobana
• Page 26: Magnetic Detector (DETECTEUR magnétique)
• Page 27: Report: National Surveillance Evenings (Courrier Résufo: Soirées Nationales de Surveillance)
• Page 29: UFO Specters? (Des spectres d'OVNI ?)
• Page 31: Response from Mr. Monnerie (Réponse de M. Monnerie)
• Page 32: Recent News (Nouvelles récentes)
• Page 35: Mail (Courrier)

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

The magazine is founded by R. VEILLITH and is dedicated to those seeking truth about UFOs. The editorial committee includes Ch. GUEUDELOT, F. LAGARDE, M. MONNERIE, and R. VEILLITH, with R. OLLIER as Technical Advisor for UFO problems. Aimé MICHEL is also listed. The editorial states that the inclusion of any document does not necessarily imply approval of its content, but rather that it is published for its potential to lead towards truth. Authors are responsible for their contributions. Articles, photos, and drawings are protected by copyright law.

Subscription Information

Subscriptions are available for "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT," a monthly magazine of 36 pages, with a single combined issue for June-July and August-September, resulting in 10 issues per year. An annual subscription costs 53 F, with a supporting subscription starting at 63 F. International subscriptions incur a 10 F surcharge, payable by international money orders or other means. International reply coupons are accepted at 1.20 F each. Correspondence and payments should be sent to R. VEILLITH at "Les Pins," 43400 LE CHAMBON-SUR-LIGNON, France, via CCP 27.24.26 N LYON or bank check/money order. Subscribers are cautioned to look for a red marking on the envelope indicating the end of their subscription and to provide their subscriber number when renewing.

Featured Book

A book titled "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Mysterious Flying Saucers), with contributions from Aimé MICHEL and Jacques VALLEE, presented by the "Groupement «LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT»" and F. LAGARDE, is available for 30 F (postage included). Orders should be addressed to Editions ALBATROS, 14, rue de l'Armorique, 75015 Paris.

Article: A Balance Sheet (Un bilan) by F. Lagarde

F. Lagarde reflects on the 30-year history of UFO phenomena, noting its increasing intensity and reach, involving scientists and governments. Despite extensive research efforts worldwide, concrete results remain elusive, leading to a reliance on hypotheses. Lagarde questions whether the phenomenon is intellectually accessible or if research is misdirected. He explores the idea of extraterrestrial visitors, acknowledging the vast cosmic distances involved and the need for advanced technology or even control over space-time and matter. He also considers the possibility of paranormal powers and the role of psychic energy. The article suggests that the phenomenon might be explained by transcendent entities, other evolving beings, or even as a manifestation of human psychism. Lagarde emphasizes that no single hypothesis is definitively proven, and encourages researchers to consider all possibilities without bias. He highlights the lack of direct material evidence for UFOs, such as recovered craft, and the reliance on eyewitness testimonies, which can be subjective. The article then delves into specific cases of physical trace evidence, such as footprints found in various locations, suggesting a connection to psychic phenomena or an unknown intelligence.

Lagarde discusses the difficulty of separating physical traces from the mental interpretation of an extraterrestrial craft. He presents six cases of footprints found in snow and soil, noting their sudden appearance and disappearance, and their unusual characteristics. These cases, occurring between November 1973 and early 1974, are presented as potentially linked to psychic impulses or an unknown intelligence. He concludes that while the phenomenon is real, its nature remains a mystery, and further research is needed to move beyond subjective interpretations.

Article: 1947-1977: The Difficult Birth of Ufology (L'accouchement difficile de l'ufologie) by François Mummy

François Mummy traces the 30-year history of ufology, starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of "flying saucers." He notes the early involvement of science fiction enthusiasts and occultists, and the slow progression of scientific acceptance. Mummy highlights the challenges faced by early researchers, including lack of funding, public skepticism, and even ridicule. He points out that while many private researchers contributed significantly, rivalries sometimes hindered progress. The article also touches upon government efforts to downplay or explain away UFO sightings, such as Project Blue Book. Mummy contrasts the slow development of ufology with the rapid progress of other sciences, suggesting that its complexity requires time and collective effort. He emphasizes that despite the challenges, the field is still in an exciting phase of discovery. The article discusses the universal and discreet nature of UFO phenomena, their appearance across different times and locations, and their apparent lack of direct harm to humans or property. Mummy also touches upon the malleability of the phenomenon, its diverse manifestations (lights, sounds, physical traces), and the intelligent behavior observed. He concludes that while ufology is still in its infancy, it has made progress in characterizing the phenomenon and understanding its place within the broader spectrum of reality, promising future scientific advancements.

Article: Triple Landing at Lujua (Spain) (Triple atterrissage à Lujua (Espagne))

This article details an incident reported in the Basque newspaper "Gaceta del Norte" on November 4, 1976, concerning the sighting of three UFOs near the "Goiko-Etxe" farm in Lujua, Spain. The witness, Mme Juana Llona Sangroniz, a 62-year-old woman, reported seeing a luminous orange sphere descend from the sky, followed by three more spheres (blue, bright white, and pale orange) that landed near the farm. The spheres were estimated to be about 2 meters in diameter. The witness's dog exhibited signs of terror, and a metallic sound was heard. The article includes an interview with Mme Sangroniz and the findings of an investigation by the C.E.I. (Centre d'Etudes Interplanétaires). The investigation revealed three triangular patterns of indentations in the ground, suggesting the presence of three tripods, each possibly belonging to a vehicle. The article notes the proximity of high-voltage power lines to the landing site.

Article: Significant Electrical Power Outage on Kansas-City Avenue in Seville (Spain)

This report, transmitted by Ignacio Darnaude and translated by Michel Bailon, describes a mysterious electrical power outage on December 5, 1976, in Seville, Spain. On a Sunday morning, approximately fifty cars parked along Kansas-City Avenue were unable to start because the spark plugs failed to ignite, despite fully charged batteries. The cars had to be pushed to the side of the road to be started. The incident occurred despite recent rainfall, and the cause of the widespread failure was undetermined. The witnesses, a professor and his wife, found the coincidence highly unusual and reported the event.

Article: An Interesting Comparison (Une intéressante comparaison)

This section presents an account from Marc Van Gansen of the SPW (Studiegroep voor Progressieve Wetenschappen) regarding a UFO sighting by a family member in Wilrijk, Belgium, in the summer of 1949. The witness observed a luminous yellow globe rotating and moving in a back-and-forth pattern before disappearing at high speed. The altitude was estimated at 8000-9000 meters. The article also briefly mentions a similar observation above Melle (Gand), Belgium, involving four witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the mystery of UFOs, presenting various eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and theoretical discussions. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging the pursuit of truth and acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry, even when dealing with seemingly paranormal aspects. The recurring themes include the history of ufology, the nature of UFOs (extraterrestrial, psychic, or other), physical evidence, and the challenges of research. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share information and perspectives on this enduring enigma.