LDLN - No 177

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit," number 177, from August-September 1978, is dedicated to exploring the complex relationship between "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover features a photograph of a tree-lined path leading to a cemetery, with a red circle highlighting a distant object in the sky. The main headlines tease articles on "Science Fiction is the 'blind spot' of Ufology" and a 20-year retrospective investigation in Chabeuil.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial board, including R. Veillith, Ch. Guedelot, F. Lagarde, M. Monnerie, and R. Ollier, with technical advisor Aimé Michel, emphasizes the magazine's commitment to publishing diverse documents to shed light on the truth, without necessarily endorsing all viewpoints. The issue is dedicated to those seeking truth worldwide, with discoveries presented as guiding lights.

Article 1: "La Science-Fiction est le «point aveugle» de l'Ufologie" (Science Fiction is the 'Blind Spot' of Ufology) by Bertrand Meheust

This article, the second part of a series, delves into the symbiotic relationship between science fiction (SF) and UFO sightings (SV). Meheust argues that many UFO phenomena, including their forms and narratives, are drawn from fundamental human myths, updated by a "source X" and often predating the reports by decades. He cites Jules Verne's "Robur le Conquérant" as an example of a story that seemingly "copyrighted" the American wave of sightings from 1897. Meheust suggests that mythical language, once diffused, can be 'replayed' in an oneiric logic that produces concrete effects. He proposes a 'mytho-critique' approach to understand these phenomena, acknowledging both the psychological and concrete aspects. He criticizes ufologists for focusing solely on anomalies and ignoring the broader context, and for dismissing the subjective, human element. Meheust concludes that the SV-SF symbiosis challenges our worldview and requires a dual perspective, considering both the internal psychological experience and external concrete effects. He emphasizes the need to analyze the empirical material rather than relying solely on ufologists' theories.

Article 2: "Et si M. Monnerie n'avait pas tout à fait tort?" (What if Mr. Monnerie Wasn't Entirely Wrong?) by Jacques Scornaux

This article reviews Michel Monnerie's book, which challenges the physical existence of UFOs. Scornaux acknowledges Monnerie's expertise as an ufologist and art restorer, noting that Monnerie's doubts stem from his extensive photographic analysis, finding no truly convincing UFO photos. Monnerie proposes that UFO sightings might be a form of "waking dream" or "rêve éveillé," where the unconscious takes over, particularly during moments of distraction or anxiety. He suggests that the extraterrestrial myth is the dominant one in our rational age, filling a void left by traditional myths. Scornaux highlights Monnerie's critique of ufological methods, including biased questioning and selective reporting of evidence. Monnerie argues that ufologists often focus on 'aberrant' observational data, neglecting the normal context, and that many cases attributed to UFOs could be misidentifications of natural phenomena like meteorites or planets. He also points out that physical effects like engine stalls might be psychological rather than physical, stemming from the witness's altered state of consciousness. Monnerie suggests that ufology should shift its focus to socio-psychology. Scornaux agrees with Monnerie's critique of poor investigative practices and the tendency to overlook mundane explanations. He cites examples of misidentified meteorites and the psychological impact of such events. The article also touches upon the idea that UFOs might be products of collective psychism and discusses the rarity of truly inexplicable cases.

Article 3: "La psychokinèse à la Télévision" (Psychokinesis on Television) by F. Lagarde

This piece critiques a television program hosted by Alfred Kastler, which discussed psychokinesis and UFO phenomena. Lagarde criticizes the program for presenting a one-sided view, excluding dissenting opinions, and focusing on negative experimental results. He argues that the failure of specific experiments does not disprove the existence of psychokinesis, especially considering the potential influence of psychological factors and 'favorable ambiance' on such phenomena. Lagarde references Kastler's own writings, which acknowledge the limitations of current science and the potential role of the psyche in matter. The article contrasts the scientific dismissal of psychokinesis with numerous documented cases of physical phenomena attributed to it, citing the work of Commander Tizané and other investigators.

Article 4: "Ma Mère l'Oye. sur champ d'OVNI..." (My Mother Goose. on UFO Fields...) by Jean-Jacques Jaillat

This article explores the symbolic representation of 'giants' in mythology and their potential connection to UFO encounters. Jaillat draws parallels between mythological giants and descriptions of tall, imposing beings reported in UFO cases. He discusses the symbolic meanings of giants, often associated with primal forces, the unconscious, and the material world. The article examines cases where giants are described as emerging from UFOs, noting their imposing size and sometimes aggressive behavior. It also touches upon the symbolism of a single eye (cyclops) and its connection to knowledge and potential malevolence. Jaillat suggests that UFO phenomena might be manifestations of collective psychism, drawing on folkloric and mythological archetypes. He notes a geographical concentration of such reports in Latin America, linking it to the region's history of violence.

Case Study: Observation à l'Isle sur Sorgue (Vaucluse)

This section details an observation by two witnesses, Mme X and Mile Y, on January 25, 1977. They reported seeing a disc-shaped object with a dome and a red light, moving horizontally. The object was described as metallic and gray, with no sound or smoke. The observation lasted four minutes.

Case Study: Contre-Enquête à Chabeuil (Drôme) (23 years later)

This is a follow-up investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on September 26, 1954. The primary witness, Mme Lucette Leboeuf, reported seeing a disc-shaped object resembling a mechanical top, from which a small being emerged. The being was described as about 1.10m tall, wearing a transparent suit and helmet. The object made a whistling sound and then took off vertically. The investigation notes that Mme Leboeuf's dog reacted with fear, and other witnesses in a nearby cemetery heard the object's sound. The article also mentions two other related sightings in the Chabeuil area from 1977 and 1978.

Case Study: Dans le Sud-Ouest (In the Southwest)

This section presents a quasi-landing incident in Saubens, France, on July 17, 1967. Patrick Calas and two friends observed a white, disc-shaped object descend from a cloud and hover silently above a house. The object was described as having sharp contours and no visible movement or light. The witnesses were frightened, and the object disappeared after about five minutes. The report notes that the witnesses were students and the event left a strong impression on them.

Case Study: Quasi-atterrissage avec effets physiques dans le Gers (Quasi-landing with physical effects in the Gers)

This report details an encounter by Madame Lages on August 27, 1974. While driving, she observed a large, stationary light in the sky that followed her car. The light caused her car to stall and her body to feel electrified. She described the object as round, like the moon, and yellow-orange in color, with a white top resembling a snail shell. The object descended close to the trees and then disappeared upwards at high speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and mythological dimensions of UFO phenomena, challenging purely materialistic explanations. The magazine consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging readers to consider diverse perspectives and to engage in constructive debate. The editorial stance is one of seeking truth through rigorous investigation and open discussion, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding when faced with unexplained phenomena. The issue emphasizes the importance of socio-psychology and the study of the human psyche in understanding UFO reports, moving beyond simplistic extraterrestrial hypotheses. The commitment to publishing different viewpoints, even those that might be controversial, is a core principle.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), volume 18, issue 35, published in the third quarter of 1978, is a French magazine focused on UFO phenomena. It features a collection of detailed reports on UFO sightings and encounters from various locations, including France, Spain, and Argentina, primarily from the 1970s. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events through witness testimonies, investigative reports, and some scientific commentary.

Key Articles and Reports

"Comportement curieux et surprenant d'une 'chose' qui ressemble à un nuage" (Curious and Surprising Behavior of a 'Thing' Resembling a Cloud)

This report, investigated by Roger Gayral, details an observation by Madame Mallie, a 68-year-old woman in Muret (Haute Garonne) on December 12, 1977. She observed an immobile, orange, oval-shaped cloud-like object at an angular height of 45 degrees and an estimated altitude of 400-500 meters. The object was approximately 30-40 meters long. It remained stationary for about an hour before suddenly disappearing to the North without any sound. The witness experienced eye discomfort for 48 hours afterward. The investigator notes the lack of other witnesses despite an appeal.

"RECIT DU TEMOIN" (Witness Testimony) - La Réole (Gironde)

Investigated by Denise Lacanal, this report features Michel Roudiere, a 20-year-old student, who reported an observation on January 24, 1978, around 7:00 PM near Saint Marcel Paulel. He saw a black, round or oval object with indistinct lights (white, yellow, pink) and a deep red light that blinked. A red ray emanated from the red light, stopping abruptly halfway to the ground. The witness experienced intense fear but no other sensations. The object was estimated to be 9-10 meters in size.

"Observation, près du sol, à Pessac (Gironde)"

This report by MM. T. Mathieu and B. Poeydaban describes an observation by Eric R. and Didier X., both 18-year-old students, on October 14, 1977, in Pessac. They saw a yellow-white, oval-shaped object with darker spots hovering silently above a clearing. The object descended behind trees, remained for about a minute, and then disappeared towards the horizon. The observation lasted approximately four minutes. The object was described as having sharp contours and being absolutely silent. A nearby high-voltage line is noted.

"A Toulouse (Hte Garonne)"

Investigated by Denise Lacanal, this report features Patrick Scoma, a 19-year-old student, who reported an observation in Toulouse around 2:00 AM in June or July 1974. While in his garden, he saw a large, black, velvety, round object, described as being like a black velvet piece, about 5-6 meters above the trees. A smaller, phosphorescent green object was seen nearby, agitating erratically. He was illuminated by a ray of light and felt unable to move. His father corroborated that his son was extremely terrified and that urine stains were found near the garage the next day, despite the heat.

"Espagne : un ovni pourchassé par 2 avions à réaction" (Spain: A UFO Chased by 2 Jet Planes)

This report, sent by M. Darnaude and translated by M. Fernando, features the testimony of M. José Chavez Jimenez, a 28-year-old bachelor from Gerena, Spain, in late March 1977. While hunting at night, he observed a very bright white star-like object that grew larger and moved towards him. It was described as a round object, about three times the apparent diameter of the full moon, with a white central light and numerous red, green, and other colored lights around the edges. The object was silent. Suddenly, the sound of jet planes was heard, and the UFO tilted and fled westward at a vertiginous speed, disappearing in 2-3 seconds. The planes returned without success. The witness was not previously familiar with UFO phenomena.

"MELLE (BELGIQUE)"

This account, from an investigation by MM. Lenoir, Lacube, Roy, and Bourron, details an observation on the night of November 15, 1977, near Melle, Belgium. Four witnesses, including Josef de Smet, were fishing when they saw a "fireball" moving towards them from the northeast. It illuminated the area brightly, making the Melle bridge visible. The object then stopped, moved backward, traced a cross shape, and then moved away to the northeast, becoming a bright streak before vanishing. The witnesses reported catching a large quantity of eels immediately after the event.

"MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Mysterious Flying Saucers)

This section reviews a book of the same title, co-authored by Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, and presented by F. Lagarde. The book is described as a collaborative effort by specialists who have personally experienced the phenomena they investigate. The review highlights the authenticity of the accounts, the verification of testimonies, and the accessibility of the locations and evidence presented. The book is available from Editions Albatros for 30 French Francs.

"Rencontre du Troisième Type" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind)

This article discusses Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," arguing that it was misunderstood by critics and the public. The author contends that the film, rather than being pure fiction, serves as an invitation to reflect on modern myths and the UFO phenomenon. It highlights the film's accuracy in depicting certain aspects of UFO encounters, such as light phenomena and electrical disturbances, drawing parallels with documented cases. The article also touches upon the role of Jacques Vallée and J. Allen Hynek as consultants for the film and discusses the potential connection between UFO phenomena and parapsychology.

"Nouvelles récentes" (Recent News)

This section provides a collection of brief UFO sighting reports from May 1978:

• Argentina: On May 10, 1978, six soldiers in San Juan saw two formations of flying saucers. On May 11, 1978, police officers in Catamarca saw about thirty brilliant UFOs in formation.
• Ecuador: On May 10, 1978, a cigar-shaped UFO was seen in the coastal province of Guayas.
• Argentina: On May 4, 1978, in Villa Mercedes, about thirty UFOs in a V-formation were seen. A similar formation was reported the previous day in Mendoza.
• Poland: On May 17, 1978, in Lublin, a farmer reported seeing two strange beings in black suits with green faces and oblique eyes, and was invited into a craft.
• France: On May 25, 1978, near Ste Féréole (Corrèze), an intense orange light from an object was observed, causing seigle to be flattened in a field.
• Chile: On June 16, 1978, off the coast of Valparaiso, fishermen saw a multi-colored luminous object flying at low altitude.
• France: On June 19, 1978, in Gujan Mestras (Gironde), a phosphorescent red oval object with white flames was seen, causing one witness to faint.

Other Sections

• "Courrier" (Mail): A letter discusses the Almonaster la Real case, questioning the conclusion and suggesting the beings intentionally revealed themselves.
• "CARTE DE FRANCE METROPOLITAINE DES LIEUX D'OBSERVATION DU PHENOMENE OVNI AU COURS DE L'ANNEE 1954": A map of UFO sighting locations in France in 1954.
• Book Reviews: Reviews of "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée, and "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES" by Aimé Michel.
• **"SUR LA ROUTE DES VACANCES N'OUBLIEZ PAS VOTRE MACARON L.D.L.N."
• "Prenez note" (Take Note): An announcement regarding the secretariat's closure from September 2 to 18.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony and rigorous investigation. There is a clear effort to document a wide range of UFO sightings, from luminous objects to structured craft, and to explore potential explanations, including atmospheric phenomena, misidentifications, and even psychological factors. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting cases without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations but acknowledging the persistent mystery of the UFO phenomenon. The recurring theme is the collection and analysis of evidence, encouraging readers to contribute their own observations. The magazine also highlights the growing public interest in UFOs and the challenges faced by researchers in this field.