LDLN - No 183

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 183
Volume: 22ème ANNÉE
Date: March 1979
Publisher: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) delves into the mysterious world of UFOs and related phenomena, featuring a significant event at the United Nations and exploring various case studies and theoretical discussions.

Event at the UN

The cover story highlights a presentation made on July 14, 1978, in the UN Secretary-General's office. Three researchers – Jacques Vallée, Claude Poher, and Allen Hynek – presented their recent conclusions on the UFO problem to UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. This event, which took place in preparation for a UN political committee session on UFOs, is seen as a significant step in bringing the topic to a global diplomatic stage.

Declaration on the UFO Phenomenon at the UN

Jacques Vallée, an informatician from Palo Alto, California, delivered a declaration to the UN Special Political Committee in New York on October 27, 1978. Vallée addressed the growing social phenomenon surrounding UFOs, emphasizing that the belief in extraterrestrial visitors is becoming a reality in itself, independent of the physical proof of UFOs. He noted that the scientific community's past dismissiveness has created a gap between the public and science, pushing people to seek answers outside of rational inquiry. Vallée outlined three aspects of the UFO phenomenon: the physical manifestation requiring scientific study, the psycho-physiological effects on witnesses, and the belief system it generates. He stressed that while the physical reality of UFOs is undeniable, proof of extraterrestrial visitors is still lacking. He also highlighted the potential for this belief system to foster a global aspiration for peace but warned of the need for careful handling of these emotions.

Commentary on Vallée's Declaration

F. Lagarde provides commentary on Jacques Vallée's declaration, agreeing with Vallée's points that scientists have not yet proven the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, that the physical phenomenon warrants scientific study, and that witnesses experience diverse psycho-physiological reactions. Lagarde also echoes Vallée's concern about the growing gap between the scientific world and eyewitnesses, attributing it to the disinterest or criticism from political and scientific spheres. He expresses satisfaction with this opening from the scientific world towards the public and ufologists.

1937: Tintin, Witness of the 3rd Type

This section, authored by Bertrand Meheust, explores a text from the 1937 book "Les Robinsons de l'île Volante" by Nizerolles, suggesting that the character Tintin might have been an early fictional representation of a UFO encounter. The text describes an encounter with a mysterious flying object, its occupants, and the effects it had on the witnesses, including paralysis. Meheust analyzes the narrative elements, comparing them to later UFO reports and discussing the potential for science fiction to prefigure or influence UFOlogy.

Calcinations, Combustions, Spontaneous Cremations and their Possible Reports with UFOs

Authored by François Mummy, this article investigates three cases that suggest a link between UFOs and phenomena like calcination, combustion, and spontaneous cremations. The first case involves a metal object (a pepper pot and salt shaker) that emitted unusual light and sound, causing TV interference, and appeared partially burned. The second case describes a tree in full sap that was found split and burning from the inside, following a UFO sighting. The third case, though less detailed and dated 1957, involves a man who died from what is described as severe irradiation after seeing an object. The author notes that while these cases present enigmatic phenomena, the direct link to UFOs is not definitively proven, especially for spontaneous cremations, which may have other unknown causes. The article also touches upon the comparison of these cases with other known UFO-related incidents involving physical effects.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: A Real Nature?

Jacques Scornaux examines the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) in light of scientific advancements. He notes that astronomers and biologists increasingly believe life is common in the universe, suggesting that more evolved beings might be capable of interstellar travel and could be visiting Earth. However, Scornaux points out that the ETH remains unverifiable, as no direct proof of extraterrestrial life has been found, citing the negative results from the Viking missions to Mars. He discusses potential methods for detecting extraterrestrial life, such as direct contact or radio communication, but highlights the challenges and uncertainties associated with each. Scornaux concludes that the ETH is a stimulating hypothesis that drives research in various fields, including the origin of life, physics, and psychology, and that it is not necessarily in opposition to parapsychological phenomena.

Important Information on the Bolivia Crash

Jean Sider provides an in-depth investigation into the alleged UFO crash in Bolivia on May 6, 1978. Sider critically examines reports from ufologists and official sources, including documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. He questions the initial reports of a large, metallic, egg-shaped object, suggesting that the information might have been fabricated or misinterpreted. Sider analyzes official communications between the US Department of State, NASA, and other agencies, noting discrepancies and a potential "cover-up." He discusses the involvement of Project MOONDUST, which investigates debris of foreign spacecraft, and the implications of its involvement. Sider also examines the role of Wright Patterson Air Force Base, a known center for UFO research, and its potential connection to the investigation. He concludes that while there was an incident involving an object, its origin (extraterrestrial or otherwise) remains unconfirmed, and the official response suggests a deliberate effort to obscure the facts.

Two UFO Landings in Estonia

Authored by Juri Lina, this section presents two cases of alleged UFO landings in Estonia. The first case, from April 1977, describes an UFO landing with sightings of occupants in the Viljandi district. The second case, from 1950, involves a young girl who saw an object resembling an airplane near her family farm and felt compelled to approach it.

Our Line of Conduct

The editorial team emphasizes their commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints constructively and without personal attacks. They encourage open debate on ideas rather than individuals, aiming for a high-level discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles: scientific investigation, social impact, historical accounts (both fictional and alleged real-life), and potential government secrecy. The magazine maintains an open-minded yet critical approach, seeking truth through rigorous examination of evidence and diverse perspectives. The editorial stance is one of encouraging research and open discussion, acknowledging the complexity and mystery surrounding UFOs while advocating for a scientific approach to understanding them.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), issue 181, published in the first quarter of 1979, focuses on a detailed investigation into a UFO landing and humanoid encounter in Fontfauret, Dordogne, France, which occurred on December 9, 1977. The magazine is published by LDLN and is in French.

Fontfauret Landing and Humanoid Encounter

The primary case detailed is the Fontfauret incident, investigated by MM. R. and Ph. Darnaudguilhem. The witness, a young girl named Chantal, reported seeing a large, red, cigar-shaped object land in a field near her home on the evening of December 9, 1977. She described the object as approximately 7 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, with a bright red, luminous surface. She noted the absence of wings or wheels.

Chantal observed three to four 'feet' emerge from the underside of the object. Subsequently, a tall humanoid figure, estimated to be between 2 and 2.5 meters, emerged from the top of the craft. This figure moved with a slow, deliberate gait, its limbs remaining straight and immobile, and circled the object before re-entering it. Chantal described the humanoid's head as square and grey-white, with a dark, impenetrable visor covering its face. Its body was thin, with long, disproportionate legs, and it wore a grey-medium colored suit. The humanoid's movement was described as if gliding, without any visible means of propulsion or connection to the object.

The object then lifted off silently and landed again about 150 meters away, near a bush. Chantal observed the object for approximately 10 minutes while it was on the ground and a total of 15 minutes. She reported hearing a motor sound comparable to a Peugeot 203, which stopped upon landing. After the second landing, the object ascended and disappeared in a North-Northwest direction.

Physical traces were found at the landing sites. After the first landing, two footprints were identified by Chantal's father. After the second landing, more footprints were found, and the ground in one area appeared burned in a circular shape, approximately 2 meters in diameter. Strange, bond-like tracks were also found extending up to 30 meters towards a nearby track. Tiles placed on the footprints by the parents remained undisturbed, and the grass in those areas did not appear to have regrown.

Supporting Testimonies and Analysis

The magazine includes an interview with M. Bonfils Alix, who lives about 1.5 km from Fontfauret. On the same evening, around 6:15 PM, he observed a large, red-orange ball-like object descending vertically from about 2000 meters. He also reported seeing two smaller luminous spheres, one white and one blue-green, descend briefly before disappearing behind trees. He initially thought the object might be related to the Fontfauret incident.

Another witness, M.R.R., reported seeing a rapidly moving, rounded object with a bright green-blue light between December 7 and 13, 1977, near Nojals. The object was described as the size of a saucer and was compared to the lights seen by M. Bonfils.

The investigation also touches upon other UFO sightings in the region and mentions the possibility of government secrecy surrounding the phenomenon. The article notes that the Gendarmerie investigated the Fontfauret case but concluded it was of no interest, a conclusion that was questioned by the local priest, M. L'Abbé Fournel, who expressed confidence in Chantal's testimony.

Estonian Case (1968)

An earlier case from the summer of 1968 in southern Estonia is also detailed. Three teenage girls witnessed a bright star-like object moving at high speed, which joined a cigar-shaped object. The object then disappeared, only to reappear later as a large, brilliant object surrounded by red-orange and yellow spotlights, followed by blue-green light. The object, described as disc-shaped, remained visible for about 5 minutes before departing with a faint hum. After its departure, one of the witnesses saw a small, human-like silhouette, about 1.40-1.50 meters tall, which then vanished into the air. The following morning, the ground where the object had been seen was found to be burned, and strange footprints were discovered.

Object Characteristics and Analysis

The magazine provides detailed descriptions of the objects and humanoids observed, including their shapes (cigar, disc, sphere), colors (grey-silver, black, red, orange, yellow, blue-green, white), estimated sizes, and behaviors (silent movement, hovering, rapid ascent/descent, emitting light). The Fontfauret object was estimated to be 7 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, while the humanoid was around 2 to 2.5 meters tall. The Estonian object was described as cigar-shaped and later disc-shaped.

Book Reviews and News

The issue includes reviews of several books related to UFOs and parapsychology, including works by Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jean-Claude Bourret, and Leonard Stringfield. It also features a section on recent UFO news from around the world, with brief reports from Italy, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Venezuela, the UK, Israel, South Africa, and Argentina.

Correspondence and Editorial Stance

A letter from Pierre Vieroudy discusses the nature of UFO phenomena, arguing for a dual physical and psychic reality, and challenging purely materialistic explanations. He suggests that UFOs and humanoids may be manifestations of collective consciousness or energy that can temporarily materialize. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown phenomena, encouraging further investigation and critical analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, physical evidence (footprints, burned ground), witness testimonies, and the potential for official cover-ups. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation and encourages readers to contribute their own observations. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand the phenomenon through rigorous data collection and analysis, while acknowledging the psychological and potentially non-material aspects of UFO experiences. The publication aims to be a comprehensive source of information and research for its readers.