LDLN - No 186

Magazine Overview

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT, dated June-July 1979, is the 186th edition and the 22nd year of publication. It is published by the GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES and focuses on "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover features a dramatic illustration of a helicopter near a camp with an unidentified aerial phenomenon above.

Contents and Key Articles

The magazine presents a variety of articles and condensed reports on UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on crash retrievals, alien occupants, and military involvement.

Reconstitutions de cas spéciaux du 3ème type (2-Suite)

This section, authored by Léonard H. STRINGFIELD and translated by Jean SIDER, delves into special cases of "third type" encounters, focusing on UFOs and their occupants allegedly handled by the American military.

Condense n° 7 introduces a witness, Major Daly, who was an Air Force specialist in metals at Wright-Patterson AFB in 1953. He recounts a UFO crash where he examined a silver craft, approximately 8-9 meters in diameter, with no external damage. The craft had an access way measuring between 1.20m and 1.50m high. The witness was blindfolded during parts of the operation, suggesting high security measures.

Condense n° 8 features an informant who claims that in 1973, five transparent containers, each holding a small humanoid body, were seen on a forklift inside a hangar at Wright-Patterson AFB. The bodies were estimated to be around 1.20m tall. The informant points to Arizona as the approximate location of the event.

Condense n° 12 presents the testimony of Mme G., who worked at Wright-Patterson AFB in the 1950s and 60s. In 1959, she reported seeing two deceased humanoid bodies, estimated between 1.20m and 1.50m tall, with disproportionately large heads and oblique eyes. These bodies were preserved by chemical processes.

Condense n° 13 details the account of James Mitchell, a former US Navy aviation specialist who worked at Wright-Patterson AFB. His son, Mike, recalls his father showing him a "secret document" photo in 1966 depicting a small humanoid, about 1.05m tall, killed during an encounter with a US military unit in Arizona. The humanoid had a pear-shaped head and a tight, metallic suit.

Condense n° 14 shares information from Robert D. Barry about a UFO crash in 1962 in New Mexico. The circular craft, 20.4m in diameter and 4m high, crashed at a low speed. Two deceased occupants, about 1.05m tall, were found inside, wearing one-piece suits. The bodies were transported for examination, and the craft was studied by experts.

Condense n° 16 relays the testimony of Mme S.I., whose husband Carl, a security guard at Wright-Patterson AFB, witnessed the arrival of three deceased alien bodies in 1973. The humanoids were about 90 cm tall with large heads and pale skin.

Condense n° 18 discusses a report about a UFO landing at Nellis AFB in Nevada in 1968. A large UFO reportedly hovered for three days, and three smaller craft ejected from it. One landed on the base, and a humanoid emerged, paralyzing a Colonel with a beam of light before the craft departed.

Condense n° 19 mentions a report about a UFO crash in the southwestern US in 1957, involving four humanoid bodies found in the wreckage. The craft was described as having a metallic structure and the bodies were found in silver suits.

Apparitions et disparitions sur place

This section, authored by Jacques SCORNAUX, continues the classification of UFO sightings and encounters, focusing on "on-site" apparitions and disappearances.

Several cases are detailed:

• Volvic (Puy de Dôme), April 26 and June 6, 1975: Multiple witnesses observed a brilliant discoidal UFO moving at high speed, disappearing and reappearing intermittently.
• South-East France, November 2, 1968: A case involving Dr. X is mentioned, where an object seemed to dematerialize, leaving a nebulous form.
• Beauvais sous Matha (Charente Maritime), 1586: A round, dark brown cloud was observed.
• Bagnères de Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées), March 15, 1968: An automobilist was escorted by a luminous, saucer-shaped UFO that disappeared abruptly.
• Forli (Italy), September 2, 1394: A large flying object traversed the sky, immobilized, and then gradually disappeared, leaving behind vapor trails that formed serpent-like shapes.
• Nuremberg (Germany), April 4, 1561: A complex array of objects, including spheres and a black lance, appeared and seemed to engage in a struggle before disintegrating.
• English Channel, February 8, 1672: A ship captain reported seeing a star-like object that left smoke trails forming two ships with sails, which then dissipated.
• Bruneck (Tyrol, Austria), November 14, 1832: A powerful luminous beam of light appeared and formed an ovoid shape that remained stationary.
• Huntington (West Virginia), July 19, 1916: A luminous object gradually faded and reappeared.
• Baie de Bottom (Finland), April 1967: A green-white disc was observed rotating and becoming less distinct, with stars visible through its edges.
• Tosny (Eure), May 15, 1973: A luminous object transformed from oval to lenticular, then to a rocket shape with metallic appearance, before disappearing by estompement.
• Toulx Ste. Croix (Creuse), 1930: A witness saw a small humanoid, less than 1.30m tall, disappear instantly.
• Le Fauga (Haute-Garonne), Summer 1952: A witness saw a small, blue-clad humanoid with a helmet disappear instantly.
• Vaureille (Creuse), October 26, 1954: A tall figure in a suit, emitting bright blue lights, caused the witness to be thrown across the road before disappearing.
• Studham (England), January 28, 1967: Children observed a small, blue humanoid with a large hat and black box on its belt, which disappeared and reappeared several times.

Spain: Landing between El Pedroso and Cantillana (Seville)

On April 1, 1978, four witnesses observed an unusual, bell-shaped object on the ground, emitting a motor-like sound and red and green lights. The object was approximately 3-3.5 meters high.

Belgium: Observation in Gent on February 13, 1974

A witness observed a large, vertical, cigar-shaped object hovering before rapidly ascending at a 45-degree angle and disappearing. Three planes later circled the area.

Invasion of the Italian sky or ufological fever in Italy

This section reports a surge of UFO sightings across Italy, with numerous collective sightings and military interventions. Radar detected unidentified objects moving at extremely high speeds.

Iran: Report of an observation

On November 21, 1978, a luminous phenomenon was observed in the sky over Iran by two separate groups of witnesses 90 kilometers apart. The observation was made by an aerial navigation specialist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the theme of UFOs as mysterious phenomena, often involving advanced technology, non-human occupants, and potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and presents a wide range of cases, from alleged crashes to inexplicable disappearances. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints and encourages constructive debate among its readers, prioritizing the exploration of ideas over personal attacks.

This issue of LDLN, dated November 1978 (Issue No. 179), is a French-language publication focused on UFO phenomena. It features detailed reports, investigations, witness testimonies, and news from various international locations, primarily focusing on events from late 1977 and 1978. The magazine also includes a letter from astronaut Gordon Cooper and a section on available back issues.

Key Articles and Reports

Iran Sighting: November 21, 1978

The issue details an observation in Mirajd, Iran, on November 21, 1978. The report, translated from a French account by M. KLIX, describes a large, yellow luminous ball observed by five witnesses at the CGC camp. The object appeared to grow, expand, and then dissipate like a cloud, emitting a yellowish light. The atmospheric conditions were clear with a light wind. The witnesses included pilots and engineers. A separate account from Mr. KHADEMI describes the object as brilliant, turning red like a cloud, and resembling an atomic explosion.

New Zealand and Australia Sightings

An article from "THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC" dated January 1, 1979, reports on a claimed first film of a UFO above New Zealand. A Melbourne TV presenter stated that an object of ovoid shape with three bands was filmed by a New Zealand film crew. The pilot of the aircraft, Bill Startup, described the object as a "ball of light" capable of extreme accelerations. Wellington airport confirmed radar echoes of objects other than aircraft during the filming. The article also references the disappearance of pilot Frédéric Valentich in October, who reported being chased by a "huge metallic gray object."

Luberon, France Sighting: December 28, 1977

This section details an observation by a witness identified as Madame D. in the Luberon region, Vaucluse, France, on December 28, 1977. She reported seeing a bright, round luminous ball, about 50 cm in diameter, moving slowly and horizontally. The object was described as having a halo and moving at approximately 5 km/h. The witness later reported the incident to the gendarmerie. The article notes that other villagers had also reported similar phenomena. The investigation suggests the object was likely Venus.

Assieu and La Chapelle-de-Surieu, France Sightings: December 10, 1978

This extensive report details observations made on December 10, 1978, involving witnesses M. MABILLON and M. REGUILLON. They initially observed a fixed, round, yellow luminous point above the village church in Assieu. The object then appeared to follow their vehicle. Later, near La Chapelle-de-Surieu, they observed the phenomenon again, described as a "hedgehog" with luminous legs and horns. The report includes detailed routes, witness testimonies, and an investigation by Michel FIGUET and Luc VINCENT. The conclusion of the investigation, supported by meteorological data and astronomical information, strongly suggests that the observed phenomena were the planet Venus, particularly given its visibility at that time.

Letter from Gordon Cooper

Astronaut Gordon Cooper writes to Ambassador Griffith expressing his views on "extra-terrestrial visitors." He suggests that these vehicles visit Earth from other planets and advocates for a coordinated, high-level international program to collect and analyze data on encounters in a friendly manner. Cooper believes that demonstrating peaceful problem-solving would lead to acceptance into a "universal team."

Recent UFO News (Press)

This section provides a compilation of recent UFO sightings reported in the press from various locations, including France (Vienne, Seine Maritime, Ille et Vilaine, Vaucluse, Vosges, Manche, Isère), Argentina, and Chile. The reports describe various luminous objects, discs, and formations observed at different times and locations.

Available Back Issues

A list of past LDLN issues (No. 169 to No. 180) is provided, with brief summaries of their contents, indicating a focus on UFO reports, investigations, and related phenomena from the 1970s.

Announcements and Services

The magazine includes sections for "ANNONCES" (Announcements), seeking information on the Philadelphia Experiment and offering an "OSIRIS" wheat ear. It also promotes collaboration with a magnetic detection network and provides details for ordering a detector. Information is given for the "Réseau de poursuite téléphonique" (Telephone Pursuit Network) and contact details for the "TECHNIQUES ET RECHERCHES" group. Finally, it advertises a "MACARON L.D.L.N." (sticker).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and investigative reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, with a preference for rational explanations, such as astronomical identifications (like Venus), while still acknowledging the possibility of unknown phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation in reporting sightings and contributing to research efforts. There is a clear emphasis on collecting data and conducting systematic investigations, as demonstrated by the detailed reports and the inclusion of expert opinions and meteorological data.