LDLN - No 181

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), volume 22, number 181, dated January 1979, is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related issues. The cover features an illustration of a truck on a dark road with a luminous, round object in the sky, hinting at a landing or close encounter.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The magazine's editorial stance, as stated in the "Libres opinions" section, emphasizes a commitment to seeking truth without taking sides. It acknowledges that not all published documents are necessarily endorsed in their entirety, but are presented for their potential to lead towards truth. The publication also asserts its copyright protection for articles, photos, and drawings.

Key Articles and Features

"L'oiseau de feu" (The Firebird) by René LAURENCEAU

This article explores the historical and mythological concept of the "firebird" and its potential connection to luminous aerial phenomena. It traces the theme from Russian folklore, specifically Ershov's tale, and suggests that the peasant's description of a luminous object in the night sky could be an early interpretation of what we now call UFOs. Laurenceau draws parallels between the mythical firebird and modern UFO sightings, proposing that understanding the mechanism behind such phenomena might be akin to capturing the firebird.

"Témoins et témoignages" (Witnesses and Testimonies) by Raoul FOIN

Foin addresses the ongoing debate between UFO believers and deniers. He criticizes the simplistic approach of deniers who dismiss all testimonies due to their personal lack of experience. Foin argues for a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of objective, material evidence over subjective testimonies, while acknowledging that human observation is prone to error. He advocates for careful analysis and corroboration of evidence, drawing parallels to judicial processes.

"Sur le modèle socio-psychologique de M. Monnerie" (On M. Monnerie's Socio-Psychological Model) by Michel PICARD

This article presents an addendum to a critique of Michel Monnerie's socio-psychological model for explaining UFO phenomena. Picard, building on an analysis by Jacques Scornaux, questions whether Monnerie's model is truly capable of explaining UFO problems. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, including the principles of falsification and experimental verification. Picard argues that Monnerie's model, rooted in behaviorism, fails to account for the lack of UFO-related symptomatology in psychiatric cases, suggesting that it is more of a doctrine than a testable scientific hypothesis.

"Atterrissage à Marchena (Séville - Espagne) avec effets sur moteur et témoins" (Landing at Marchena (Seville - Spain) with Effects on Engine and Witnesses)

This section details a specific UFO incident that occurred in February 1978 near Marchena, Spain. Two witnesses, Andres Gonzalez Masero and Jose Cerpa Mateos, reported seeing a large, red, luminous, round object land on the road. Their truck's engine stopped spontaneously, and they experienced a period of disorientation and fear. The object disappeared after approximately five minutes, leaving no trace. The witnesses reported lingering eye irritation for about a week afterward.

"Entre Géréna et Olivares : un ovni récidiviste" (Between Géréna and Olivares: a Recidivist UFO)

This case report describes an incident from August 1976 near Géréna and Olivares, Spain. Juan Castillo Ortiz, a tractor driver, observed a luminous object with rotating lights approaching his location. He stopped his tractor and hid. The object returned, and he repeated his evasive action. The object eventually moved away, and he was not further disturbed.

"La vague d'OVNI en Nouvelle Zélande en 1909" (The UFO Wave in New Zealand in 1909) by Jean SIDER

This extensive article reconstructs the 1909 UFO wave in New Zealand based on newspaper reports. Sider details numerous sightings from July and August 1909, describing various aerial objects, including luminous vessels, cigar-shaped craft, and objects with human occupants. He highlights the public and media reaction at the time, noting that the phenomena were often discussed as real and unexplained, with some even speculating about extraterrestrial visitors. Sider emphasizes the historical significance of this wave, predating many other well-known UFO events, and argues for its authenticity due to the consistency of reports and the lack of conventional explanations like balloons or aircraft.

"1.2. 3 enquêtes à Louhans" (1.2. 3 Investigations in Louhans) by M. Pierre DUMONT

This section presents three separate investigations into UFO sightings in Louhans, France, occurring in 1954/1955 and 1975.

• First Investigation (1954/1955): A witness observed a strong red light from a round object in a cornfield. The object then ascended, changing color from red to white and leaving a trail. The witness reported a strong downdraft. The cornfield showed signs of being flattened and burnt.
• Second Investigation (around February 1975): A witness reported a small, rose-colored flame-like light hovering above a field, estimated to be about 10 meters high. The light gradually diminished and disappeared.
• Third Investigation (1978): This investigation is mentioned in the context of the second observation, suggesting a later event in the same area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and critical approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging rigorous investigation and analysis. It acknowledges the subjective nature of witness testimony but emphasizes the need for corroborating evidence and scientific methodology. The publication appears to lean towards the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena, as evidenced by its historical deep dives and critiques of purely psychological explanations. There is a recurring theme of the ancient nature of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it is not a recent invention but has been observed throughout history. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking truth and understanding without succumbing to sensationalism or premature conclusions.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), volume 17, issue 177, published in the first quarter of 1979, focuses on UFO investigations in France. The cover story highlights a 'quasi-landing' in the North of Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée. The magazine features detailed witness testimonies, investigator reports, and analyses of photographic evidence.

Case 1: The Prudent Family Observation (Fontenay-le-Comte, February 19, 1978)

This section details an encounter by the Prudent family, including their son Eric, who first spotted a dark, round mass with white lights. The family then observed a luminous, half-sphere-shaped object, approximately 1.40m high and 1m in diameter, with a dark green color and surrounded by what appeared to be about fifty colored, pink lights, resembling bougies. The object was described as resembling a gas bottle. It was observed hovering, then moving horizontally, and eventually disappearing. The witnesses reported no sound and no traces were found. The investigator noted the unusual description and sought similar sightings.

Case 2: The Guilbaud Couple Observation (Pissotte, April 29, 1978)

Mr. and Mrs. Guilbaud reported observing a large, luminous object while driving near Pissotte. The object, described as a semi-circle with blurry contours, was very red in the center, degrading to orange at the edges. Its dimensions were estimated at 10-15 meters at the base and 5 meters in height. The object emitted flashes every 20 seconds and moved horizontally from East to West before disappearing. The observation lasted several minutes. The witnesses later reported the object to the gendarmerie. The area is noted for its geological significance and proximity to a forest.

Case 3: Vraine Valley Sightings (Vosges, March 14, 1978)

This investigation, conducted by René Faudrin and J-Pierre Février, covers sightings of a luminous object in the Vraine Valley. Three witnesses, Mlle de Belly, Daniel Maine, and Serge Tête, independently observed a phenomenon described as a luminous dumbbell-shaped object with white, square-like lights and an orange gyrophare in the middle. The object was observed moving, sometimes described as 'spinning' or 'vrilling', and disappearing. Mlle de Belly observed it for about 4 minutes, while Maine and Tête observed it for 2-3 minutes at the intersection of Rainville and St Paul. The object was estimated to be smaller than the full moon. The investigators noted that the region between Neufchateau and Mirecourt is rich in unusual aerial phenomena.

Analysis of Photographs (Laon, July 23, 1975)

This section presents an analysis by Michel Monnerie of photographs taken by Mr. and Mrs. Bonnet near Laon. The witnesses described a luminous red object. Monnerie, an investigator for 'Frontières de la Science', suggests that the object observed and photographed might have been a refracted sunrise phenomenon, rather than an extraterrestrial craft. He meticulously analyzes the witness testimony, the photographic data, and astronomical information to support his conclusion, noting discrepancies in the witness's description and the object's apparent movement.

Reader Contributions and Editorials

Several letters from readers are included. François Quinton expresses agreement with a previous 'Open Letter from a Witness,' emphasizing the importance of objective observations over subjective interpretations. Guy Quillliou proposes that some UFOs might be material objects that shed debris, drawing parallels to space debris and mud on vehicles.

Recent News (Condensed)

This section provides brief summaries of recent UFO sightings reported in various French and international newspapers from October and November 1978. These include sightings of luminous objects, discs, and tubular crafts in different locations across France, Brazil, Australia, and the USA.

Book Reviews and Selections

The magazine concludes with a list of selected books on UFOs and related topics, including works by Charles Garreau, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, and Jean-Claude Bourret. It also announces a new review called "SCIENCES-FRONTIÈRE" and lists its editorial board and featured articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the challenges of investigating such phenomena, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the critical examination of photographic evidence. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet analytical approach, presenting diverse cases and offering potential explanations, including misidentifications and natural phenomena, alongside the possibility of unknown aerial objects. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of objective observation and rigorous investigation, while acknowledging the subjective nature of human perception and the influence of popular culture on UFO beliefs.