LDLN - No 180

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), dated December 1978, is the 180th edition of its 21st year. The magazine, published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES," focuses on "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems).

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial states that the magazine is dedicated to those seeking truth, with discoveries serving as lights guiding humanity. It clarifies that the inclusion of documents does not imply endorsement of all their terms, but rather their potential to lead towards truth. Documents are published under the authors' responsibility. The issue highlights several key articles:

• "L'ovni et son OMBRE : le mythe" (The UFO and its Shadow: The Myth) by F. LAGARDE: This article discusses the nature of UFOs, contrasting the phenomenon itself with the 'myth' that surrounds it. It references the Condon report, noting that a significant percentage of cases resisted natural explanations. Lagarde argues that while mass media can distort perceptions, they are also crucial for disseminating information about unexplained phenomena. He suggests that the 'myth' is inseparable from the phenomenon and that ufologists must accept these 'parasites' while attempting to sort through them.
• "Logique et recherche ufologique" (Logic and Ufological Research) by Pierre VIEROUDY: This piece delves into the philosophical underpinnings of ufological research. Vieroudy critiques the traditional Aristotelian 'logic of the excluded middle' and introduces the concept of a 'new logic' proposed by Stéphane Lupasco. This new logic accommodates simultaneous contradictions and offers a framework for understanding phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation, such as the dual physical and psychological nature of UFOs.
• "La vague d'ovni de Nouvelle-Zélande ... en 1909 !" (The UFO Wave of New Zealand... in 1909!) by Jean SIDER: This article investigates a significant UFO wave that occurred in New Zealand in 1909. Sider argues that the objects observed were not dirigibles, as there were none in service at the time, and that the wave was part of a larger, global phenomenon. He details numerous sightings, including descriptions of aerial vessels, lights, and unusual movements, suggesting an extraterrestrial presence adapting to the technological level of the era.
• "Brésil - Tentative d'enlèvement à Vila-Velha ?" (Brazil - Attempted Abduction in Vila-Velha?): This section, a condensed translation of an article by Walter Buhler, reports on two incidents in Vila Velha, Brazil, in February and March 1973. The first involved a luminous object and strange noises, while the second described an alleged attempted abduction with red marks left on the witness's arms.
• "Tunisie - observations et panne d'électricité" (Tunisia - Observations and Power Outage) by Marcel Valdelièvre: This report details three incidents in Tunisia. The first, on July 10, 1978, describes a witness observing a bright, orange-red fireball moving erratically in Tunis. The second, on the same night in Sfax, involved a widespread power outage followed by the sighting of a large, luminous, disc-shaped object. The third incident, also in Sfax, is mentioned as a follow-up to the second.
• "Un ovni s'écrase dans une montagne BOLIVIENNE" (A UFO Crashes in a Bolivian Mountain): This article, transmitted by I. Darnaude, recounts an incident on May 6, 1978, in Tarija, Bolivia. Hundreds of witnesses observed a metallic, cylindrical object crash on El Taire mountain, resulting in a massive explosion, earthquake, and a bright light. The object was described as highly luminous and metallic, with a conical front and emitting blue smoke. The impact created a large crater, and subsequent investigations by NASA and Bolivian authorities are mentioned.
• "Un évènement surprenant à San Luis (Argentine)" (A Surprising Event in San Luis, Argentina): This report describes an observation on July 22, 1978, in Villa Mercedes, Argentina, where an escadrille of at least fifty flying saucers was seen performing maneuvers. The objects were described as ovoïde, emitting powerful but soft beams of light, and were observed for over two hours, with some reports suggesting they crossed into Chilean airspace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational yet open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging in-depth research and the exploration of new logical frameworks to understand unexplained phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the UFO phenomenon itself and the 'myth' or cultural interpretations surrounding it. The editorial stance is one of seeking truth without prejudice, acknowledging that conventional scientific logic may be insufficient to grasp the full scope of these events. The publication serves as a platform for diverse viewpoints, encouraging constructive debate among researchers.

Title: Lumières dans la Nuit
Issue: N° d'inscription Commission paritaire 35.385
Date: 4ème trimestre 1978
Publisher: R VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on witness testimonies, investigative reports, and the socio-psychological aspects of ufology. It covers incidents across France, Spain, and Tunisia, alongside updates on scientific research and related publications.

Sfax Incident: UFO and Power Outage

The issue details an incident in Sfax, Tunisia, where a power outage on August 7, 1978, is linked to a reported UFO sighting. A witness, Mohamed Mahfoudh, heard about the outage and its potential connection to a UFO. An EDF technician, Hedi Agrebl, confirmed the unusual nature of the power failure, noting the non-automatic startup of the backup generator. While the sector manager denied any link, the coincidence of events is highlighted.

Witness Testimonies and Investigations

Several detailed accounts of UFO observations are presented:

• Spain (April 18, 1978): A witness in Spain observed a white, rectangular object hovering silently over mountains.
• France (December 5, 1966): Two witnesses near Uzes reported a dark mass with a luminous contour moving horizontally during a snowstorm.
• France (February 11, 1955): A witness in Chevillon observed a bright yellow flash followed by a barque-shaped object.
• France (1942-1943): A witness in Ormoy reported a bright, intense, orange-colored disc moving in rapid circles.
• France (August 15, 1977): A 16-year-old witness in Lot reported being followed by red and white lights.
• France (August 16, 1975): A couple in Ploemeur observed an oval, orange object ascending into the sky, accompanied by periods of darkness.
• France (November 18, 1977): Multiple witnesses in Bantzenheim reported seeing a large, orange-red, luminous object that transformed into a triangle.
• France (April 5, 1978): A surveillance guard in Le Vaudreuil observed a bright, amorphous, white-yellow ball.

These accounts are often accompanied by investigative notes, detailing the circumstances, witness reliability, and any potential explanations or lack thereof.

Scientific Research and Initiatives

The magazine features an article on NASA's publication, "The Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence" (SETI). It summarizes the conclusions of a group of 16 American scientists who found it opportune and feasible to begin a serious search for extraterrestrial intelligence, highlighting the potential for significant discoveries with modest resources.

Psycho-Ufology and Theoretical Approaches

A communiqué from the "Psycho-Ufology" group proposes a new approach to UFO phenomena, viewing them not merely as extraterrestrial vehicles but as part of a broader spectrum of unusual events (religious apparitions, ghosts, mythical beings) that are linked to the human psyche. This model suggests that UFOs might be momentary energetic materializations originating from the interaction of the psyche and matter, with their forms influenced by socio-cultural contexts. The group emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating psychology, psychoanalysis, ethnology, and linguistics.

Exhibitions and Publications

• Brussels Exhibition: An exhibition titled "OVNI or not OVNI" was organized by Mlle Ch. Piens, featuring selected materials and aiming to inspire new vocations and inform the public. The exhibition was well-received, attracting a large audience and fostering discussions.
• New Magazine: The launch of a new review, "SCIENCES-FRONTIÈRE," is announced, covering topics such as paranormal phenomena, cosmology, archaeology, biological transmutations, and ufology.

Book Selections

A comprehensive list of selected books on UFOs and related topics is provided, with titles, authors, brief descriptions, and prices. Notable authors featured include Charles Garreau, Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, and J.C. Bourret.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony and rigorous investigation. It explores both the tangible aspects of UFO sightings (physical characteristics, electromagnetic effects, trace evidence) and the psychological dimensions, particularly through the "Psycho-Ufology" perspective. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and analytical, seeking to understand the phenomenon through scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary research, and critical examination of available data, while acknowledging the public's growing interest and acceptance of the topic. The magazine promotes a serious and scientific approach to ufology, encouraging readers to share their observations and contribute to ongoing research.