LDLN - No 179

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 179
Volume: 21st Year
Date: November 1978
Price: 5.50 F

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), a French publication dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena, focuses on the intersection of UFOs (OVNI in French) and parapsychology, while also exploring cases of spontaneous human combustion and the official French investigation into UFOs.

Parapsychology or Escamotage?

This lengthy article by Charles Garreau critically examines the approach of parapsychology towards UFO research. Garreau argues that parapsychologists tend to dismiss or ignore physical evidence collected over 30 years by private researchers, focusing instead on psychological interpretations of witness testimonies. He contends that this approach, which he terms 'escamotage' (scamming or hiding), prevents a serious scientific understanding of the phenomenon. Garreau highlights several cases with tangible physical evidence, such as landing traces and ground disturbances, questioning how parapsychology can explain these without resorting to the physical data.

He contrasts the parapsychological focus on the witness's psyche with the need to analyze material evidence. Garreau expresses concern that official bodies like GEPAN might prioritize psychological expertise over physical investigation, citing an interview where Claude Poher listed psychologists first among his team. The article provides detailed examples of UFO sightings with physical traces:

• Marignane (1952): A customs officer witnessed a cigar-shaped craft landing and taking off, emitting sparks and a sound like a firework rocket.
• Renwez, Ardennes (1954): Two gendarmes observed an object taking off from a field, emitting sparks and a whistling sound, leaving behind a rectangular imprint (1.60m x 1.30m) and damaged fence posts.
• Quarouble, Nord (1954): A worker encountered two small beings and found heavy-duty tracks on the railway line, attributed to a 30-ton craft.
• Prémanon, Jura (1954): Four children saw a 'sugar cube' shaped entity and a luminous ball, with ground traces and rectangular holes found later.
• Valensole (1965): A farmer observed a 'rugby ball' shaped craft taking off, leaving a shallow central hole with 2-meter long furrows and completely dehydrated soil.
• Marliens (1967): Similar traces to Valensole were found, with dehydrated soil, and the UFO was tracked by radar.

Garreau challenges parapsychologists to explain these consistent findings across different locations and witnesses, suggesting that they point to a real, physical phenomenon that requires a scientific, not purely psychological, approach. He also touches upon theories of propulsion, mentioning Jean Plantier's atomic propulsion theory, Marcel Pagès's antigravitation research, and Jean-Pierre Petit's magnetohydrodynamics, suggesting these are more promising avenues for understanding UFOs than psychological analysis.

Spontaneous Human Combustion

This section, authored by Jacques Bonabot, investigates cases of spontaneous human combustion (SHC). The article presents a table listing 26 incidents, with detailed descriptions of five particularly striking cases:

• Ottawa, Illinois (1885): John Larson discovered Pat Rooney dead in the kitchen, covered in soot, with no signs of fire in the room, only a cavity containing burned remains.
• Silver Spring, Maryland (1953): Veronica Rae Klenke, an 11-year-old girl, was engulfed in flames while playing the accordion, suffering severe burns. Her father reported jets of flame coming from multiple directions.
• Rockford, Illinois (1959): A 4-month-old baby, Ricky Pruitt, died from severe burns while in his crib, with no signs of fire on the crib or bedding.
• Pontiac, Michigan (1959): Billy Peterson was found dead in his car, his face and hands severely burned, with no trace of fire in the vehicle, though a plastic figurine on the dashboard had melted.
• Southern England (1964): In a church sacristy, priestly vestments, furniture, and sacred vessels were covered in soot, with a carbonized circle found on the floor, despite the room being securely closed and showing no signs of fire.

Bonabot notes that in many SHC cases, there are no traces of fire or burned debris, leading him to question the conventional explanations. He highlights that some cases involve vehicles, but the circumstances (like crashes or suicides) differ from the typical SHC profile. He also draws a parallel between the ground traces found in some UFO landing cases (circular cavities, carbonized areas) and those potentially associated with SHC, suggesting a possible common origin related to geomagnetic phenomena or atmospheric events like ball lightning.

GEPAN: Openings and Hopes for Collaboration

This article by F. Lagarde details the establishment and early progress of GEPAN (Groupement d'étude des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés), a French official UFO research group founded in May 1977 under the CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales). Lagarde emphasizes that GEPAN was created to address the desire of ufologists for scientific study by qualified professionals. He recounts Claude Poher's initial skepticism and subsequent conviction based on studying UFO cases. The article highlights GEPAN's commitment to transparency and collaboration with private research groups. It mentions that GEPAN's work was initially reviewed by an independent Scientific Committee, which gave a favorable opinion, leading to an invitation for more comprehensive research. In September 1978, GEPAN held a meeting in Toulouse with representatives from about a hundred private ufology groups, signifying a major step towards collaboration. Key outcomes include:

1. GEPAN will share results of interesting observations with informers for publication by their groups, provided confidentiality is maintained regarding landing traces.
2. GEPAN is considering training investigators in its methods at CNES in Toulouse.

The article also notes that Claude Poher prepared a report for the UN on GEPAN's research methods and initial findings. It concludes by mentioning Poher's upcoming two-year absence and the search for his replacement.

Gard: A Mysterious White Ball Slows Down a Moped

This report details an encounter experienced by two sisters, Mariette and Viviane Dumas, near Uzès in the Gard region. While riding their mopeds at night, one moped broke down. As they continued on one moped, they observed a bright, luminous white ball approaching. The object, described as a luminous sphere with an orange blinking light at the rear, appeared to be a helicopter initially but moved too fast. The object stopped and hovered vertically over the road. As the sisters approached, their moped abnormally slowed down, almost stalling. They described the object as a luminous white ball, about three to four meters in diameter, with a crown of small, blinking orange lights, resembling a miniature Saturn. A red-orange blinking light followed the UFO. The object's luminosity was so intense it obscured the surrounding trees. The UFO then moved rapidly towards Uzès before disappearing. The report includes a diagram of the location and the object's trajectory.

Tarasteix (Hautes-Pyrénées): The Affair of Tarasteix

This article investigates a UFO sighting that occurred near the Tarasteix monastery. The incident, which happened on the night of July 9-10, 1978, gained significant media attention. The author, accompanied by M. Mirtain, visited the site. The article describes the history of the Tarasteix monastery, now known as ND de l'Espérance, a retreat center run by Père Jean-Claude Mercier. The main witnesses were Pierre Berriau (17 years old) and two other young men. They reported seeing a luminous object, initially described as a 'flying star,' which then appeared as a white luminous ball. The object slowed down their moped as they approached. The report includes testimony from Père Mercier, who also witnessed a luminous object. The investigation by local gendarmes suggested that the sightings might have been confused with helicopters, given the proximity of a military base and frequent helicopter exercises. However, the gendarmerie stated that no helicopter exercises were scheduled for that night. The article also mentions that two workers reported a similar observation in Siarrouy the same night. The author concludes by presenting the facts without definitive conclusions, acknowledging the possibility of confusion with known aircraft but also leaving room for other explanations.

Atterrissage en Touraine (Landing in Touraine)

This report details a UFO landing case investigated by the CAPR and GEPS groups in Touraine, France. On May 28, 1977, at 3:10 AM, Mr. D., a witness, was dropped off by a friend. He heard a 'souffle' (whoosh) and saw a dark, parallelepiped object ascending rapidly along an EDF power pole. The object, which appeared to be a 'fireball,' moved towards a hamlet. Mr. D. and his mother observed the luminous, stabilized object over a cherry tree for about ten minutes. The following morning, they discovered traces at the base of the pole: trampled grass in a rotational pattern forming three circles connected by arcs. The friend who drove Mr. D. saw nothing unusual in his headlights. The report includes comparative testimonies from the mother and son, with the son describing the object as initially black, then glowing red, and moving slowly before stabilizing. He also noted a general 'vibration' or 'hum' from the object. The investigation considered the possibility of confusion with aircraft or helicopters but found no definitive explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" consistently champions a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, strongly critiquing parapsychology for what it perceives as a dismissal of physical evidence. The magazine emphasizes the importance of material traces, witness testimonies corroborated by physical findings, and the need for methodical investigation. It advocates for collaboration between private researchers and official bodies like GEPAN, while maintaining a critical stance towards purely psychological interpretations. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth through rigorous examination of phenomena, whether they be UFOs or unexplained events like spontaneous human combustion, with a clear preference for empirical data over speculative theories.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue Date: 4th Quarter 1978
Publisher: LDLN
Country: France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) delves into various UFO (OVNI) phenomena, presenting detailed witness testimonies, investigative reports, and analyses. The magazine emphasizes rigorous investigation and the collection of accurate data, aiming to demystify the subject rather than sensationalize it.

Maubeuge OVNI Information Permanence

The magazine highlights the establishment of an OVNI Information Permanence at the Hôtel de Ville in Maubeuge, France. This initiative, supported by local authorities and law enforcement, aims to provide a serious and rigorous approach to UFO phenomena. It serves as a point for collecting information, demystifying public perception, and disseminating accurate knowledge about UFOs. The service operates on Fridays from 8 PM to 10 PM.

Case Studies and Investigations

France

1. Saint-Martin-aux-Bruneaux (Seine-Maritime):
This section details an observation from December 1977. Mme Allain, while going to her cellar, saw a large, reddish-orange ball moving in bounds, stopping, restarting, descending, and ascending. When closer, she perceived its shape as a 'cigar' and described it as 'incandescent from within.' The object moved silently and disappeared abruptly. Her daughter Marielle was frightened by the sighting. The report notes that the object lacked the usual navigation lights of an aircraft and moved silently.

2. The Somme Incident (September 9, 1975):
An investigation by C. Perrier, based on information from M. Monnerie, details an observation that occurred in three phases. The witness, initially skeptical, described seeing a bright light that grew larger and rounder, then seemed to attempt to land in trees with a loud noise and sparks, likened to a 'reaction plane' or 'infernal machine.' The witness later found traces on the ground, including broken branches and scorched areas on trees, suggesting a material object had landed. The investigation noted unusual damage to trees, including scraping and charring, and the absence of typical lightning strike patterns. The witness also reported experiencing physical sensations after the sighting.

3. Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie):
On September 4, 1978, several people observed a very bright white ball suspended in the sky. When an airplane appeared, the object ascended rapidly and vanished. Another report from the same location on September 14, 1978, describes two hunters observing an object with two gas beams, one of which was incandescent. The beams disappeared, and a nebulous halo formed around the object before it vanished.

4. Dijon (Côte d'Or):
On September 8, 1978, M. Malladieu observed a bright, whistling luminous object for 20 minutes, leaving him stunned. Another witness, Mme Poissenot, saw the phenomenon for 5 minutes, describing it as a large object making circles.

5. Mont Afrique, Dijon (Côte d'Or):
On September 10, 1978, a couple observed an elongated, strongly lit orange-white object above the Mont Afrique relay. It appeared to pass behind the mountain. Later that evening, another witness in Dijon saw two luminous, scintillating balls moving together, displaying yellow, blue, and red colors.

6. Brottes (Haute Marne):
On September 12, 1978, a witness saw a yellow object with a green trail hovering for 20 minutes before disappearing, leaving trails.

7. Sigean (Aude):
On September 13, 1978, a couple observed a whitish object with a dark core above the Roquefort des Corbières cliffs. It disappeared behind a hill and reappeared, hovering for a few seconds. A second appearance occurred later.

8. Brignoles and Ginasservis (Var):
On September 13, 1978, a witness saw a cigar-shaped object with two rows of luminous rays forming a triangle. The object disappeared over Brignoles. Simultaneously, two motorists in Ginasservis saw a luminous white crescent with a light trail, emitting smoke, moving above the countryside.

9. Teloche (Sarthe):
Between midnight and 0:30 AM on August 25-26, 1978, a witness observed an orange triangular object, about 15 meters on each side, vibrating above a pond. The object ascended in steps and vanished. The witness reported experiencing tingling and abdominal pain afterward. Frogs also disappeared from the pond.

10. Rome (Italy):
Police patrols confirmed sightings of a luminous disc with a incandescent green trail over three days. Italian experts suggested it might be the American satellite 'Pégase 1' re-entering the atmosphere.

Spain

1. Liria-Olocau (Valencia):
On March 14, 1976, a couple observed a humanoid silhouette moving along the side of the road. The figure was of medium height, wearing a dark, shiny, tight-fitting suit that bulged from the waist up, resembling a Michelin man. It had two small lights on either side of its head. The figure moved by 'waddling' with feet together, floating just above the ground. The car's lighting system failed as they passed the figure.

Recent OVNI News (Condensed)

This section provides brief summaries of recent OVNI sightings reported in various French newspapers:

• August 11, 1978 (Ste Lucie de Tallano, Corsica): Five people saw a yellow-orange object at 4000m, responding to light signals.
• August 13, 1978 (Bieville-Beuville, Calvados): A family observed a bright yellow light moving across the sky.
• August 13, 1978 (Longvic, Côte d'Or): M. Ch. Lacandemine saw a bright ball that changed color and moved in arabesques.
• August 14, 1978 (Mazieres, Les Deux Sèvres): M. Michel Roy saw a round object emitting red and yellow lights. Another witness reported a large orange ball.
• August 18-19, 1978 (Niort, Deux Sèvres): M. Gonnord observed a luminous white-yellow ball. The next day, M.J.P. Granet saw an orange ball and noted a similar phenomenon on August 22.
• August 18, 1978 (Gravigny, Eure): A family observed a large circular disc with orange-red reflections, which ascended rapidly and disappeared.

Correspondence and Opinions

Letter from Gérard Marchals:
Marchals discusses the importance of accurate data in OVNI reporting, criticizing the tendency for sensationalism and inaccurate reporting by the press. He emphasizes that on-site investigations by competent researchers are crucial for verifying information, and that archives primarily help discover new cases rather than correct existing ones.

Response to a Witness Letter (M. A.H.):
This section addresses a letter from a witness who seems to have had a negative experience with ufologists, potentially involving accusations of irrationality and mysticism. The response defends the approach of researchers who explore various explanations, including parapsychological ones, and criticizes the correspondent's perceived intolerance and reliance on insult rather than reasoned argument.

Activities and Publications

NOS ACTIVITES (Our Activities):
This section lists various activities and services offered by the organization, including a nocturnal luminosity variation detector, information on obtaining magnetic detectors, and a call for specialists to submit plans and characteristics of their research equipment. Readers are encouraged to report their observations and any relevant data.

FIDUFO:
An appeal for participants to help establish a database of UFO information, involving tasks like data entry, translation, analysis, and verification.

RECHERCHES D'ARCHIVES (Archive Research):
Encourages readers to explore local press archives for overlooked OVNI observations, highlighting the value of such research for discovering new cases.

New Publication: "SCIENCES-FRONTIÈRE"
Announces a new special issue covering topics such as the paranormal, cosmology, archaeology, biological transmutations, radio astronomy, and ufology. The issue is 40 pages long and costs 10 Francs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, investigative approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting. It emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, physical evidence, and rigorous analysis. The editorial stance is open to various explanations, including those involving advanced technology and potentially parapsychological aspects, while cautioning against unfounded speculation and intolerance. The publication aims to inform and educate its readers, encouraging active participation in data collection and research.