LDLN - No 190

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), dated December 1979, volume 22, issue number 190, is dedicated to "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems). Founded by R. VEILLITH, the magazine aims to shed light on the unknown through the discoveries of researchers worldwide.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial emphasizes that published documents are presented for their interest and potential to lead towards truth, without necessarily endorsing all their terms. The responsibility for the content rests with the authors. The issue features a table of contents listing 34 articles, including reflections on the unpopularity of the extra-terrestrial hypothesis, TV debates on ufology, and numerous specific sighting reports from various French departments and even international locations.

Article: "Quelques réflexions sur l'impopularité actuelle de l'hypothèse extra-terrestre."

This article, by Jean-François GILLE, a Doctor of Sciences and Researcher at C.N.R.S., discusses the current discrediting of the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (HET) in ufological circles. Gille notes that while parapsychology is often invoked as an alternative, he believes in its importance and potential role in understanding phenomena. He argues that abandoning HET is premature and that objective reasons to do so are lacking. Gille suggests that the shift away from HET is partly due to the ease of writing about parapsychology without the constraints of physics and relativity, and partly due to a subconscious desire to avoid the implications of intelligent extraterrestrial life, perhaps reflecting a broader Western trend towards introspection and away from external explanations.

Article: "TV: Encore un débat ufologique escamoté."

Written by Jean SIDER, this piece critiques a televised debate on TF1 about extraterrestrial life. Sider criticizes the choice of a low-quality film as a prelude and the superficiality of the discussion, which he felt was steered away from the HET. He highlights the contributions of Alain Esterle, who defended the reality of UFO phenomena, and contrasts this with the dismissive attitudes of some other guests, like astronomer André Brahic. Sider notes that Esterle's defense of HET was a significant moment, being the first time an official scientist publicly supported the phenomenon in such a debate.

Case Study: "A proximité du sol, le 26 octobre 1978"

Investigated by A. MARTINEZ, this report details a sighting by Bernard D. near Remoulins (Gard). The witness described a large, incandescent orange light with a white base, hovering near the ground. The experience caused electrical shocks and significant psychological distress, requiring medical attention and a work leave. The investigator confirmed the witness's account and noted the lack of objective evidence but found the witness credible.

Case Study: "En Haute-Garonne"

Investigated by Denise LACANAL, this report describes an observation by two truck drivers between Grateentour and Villemur in May 1976. They reported seeing a large, luminous object, described as a 3/4 sphere with a silver fuselage, maintaining a constant speed and altitude relative to their vehicle for approximately 12 km. The object's colors were noted as red-orange and silver.

Case Study: "Dans le Bas Rhin"

Investigated by Jacques JOURNOT, this report details an observation by Monique HAEGELIN in Sainte Croix en Plaine (Haut-Rhin) on July 22, 1977. The witness saw a bright white, stationary light, shaped like an inverted soup plate, illuminate her house for a few seconds. The light then shrank and disappeared. The witness was not particularly interested in UFOs but was deeply affected by the experience.

Case Study: "Entre Bohain (Aisne) et Cambrai (Nord)"

Investigated by C. NAGLIN, this report recounts an observation by Monsieur and Madame Maurice MALIN on June 25, 1978. While driving between Bohain and Cambrai, they saw a luminous, metallic blue egg-shaped object with a white, iridescent tail moving rapidly across the sky. The object was observed for about thirty seconds and disappeared over the horizon. The witnesses were sober and experienced no adverse effects.

Other Content

The issue also includes sections on "MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Mysterious Flying Saucers) with contributions from Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallee, and details on how to subscribe to the magazine. There are also notes on the French Ufological Encyclopedia and recent UFO news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (HET), the detailed reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, and a questioning of mainstream media's portrayal of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging researchers to pursue the truth without bias, while acknowledging the challenges of objectivity and the need for rigorous evidence. The magazine also highlights the importance of information and research in advancing the field of ufology.

Title: LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: 4
Volume: 4
Date: 4th Quarter 1979
Publisher: R. VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French

Key Articles and Reports

Dolus (Île d'Oléron), France: An Investigation This article details an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of August 1st-2nd, 1979, in Dolus, on the Île d'Oléron, France. The primary witnesses were Pascal Langlade (27, car breaker) and Edwige Collin (20, employee). The weather was rainy and cloudy with low visibility. The incident began around 2:30 AM when a violent green lightning struck the ground about 15 meters in front of their car. This was followed by a powerful, enormous light, estimated to be 100-150 meters high, illuminating the area like daylight. The light hovered silently, describing circles before disappearing behind a hedge. Langlade estimated its diameter to be about ten meters, describing it as white and very bright but not dazzling.

Approximately two minutes later, Edwige noticed something moving. Langlade observed a transparent, green, glowing object, about 80-90 cm high and 30-40 cm wide, moving towards a hedge. It seemed to glide close to the ground, moving at the pace of a walking person. When Langlade flashed his car headlights, the object instantly vanished. Later, a luminous opening, about 2 meters high and 1.5 meters wide, appeared, revealing a brightly lit interior. Inside, Langlade perceived a human-like form speaking to another at the entrance and a third figure in the background of a round room. This opening also disappeared.

The following day, Langlade and his father found no trace of the event on the muddy ground. The investigator, M. Pascal LANGLADE, is described as a balanced and serious man, working in his father's car dismantling business. He is engaged to Edwige Collin. He has shown little interest in UFOs prior to this event and has only discussed it with his father and a local café owner.

Pont Scorff, Morbihan, France: An Investigation This report covers an investigation conducted on April 24, 1979, by M. Gérard CHAMPETIER, concerning an event that occurred on March 15, 1979, between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. The witnesses were Mr. and Mrs. CARRE (cultivators) and their 14-year-old daughter Valérie. The location was above the EDF power plant at Le Poteau Rouge and the St-Séverin crossroads. The sky was clear with a full moon.

Mrs. CARRE first saw two large red-orange spheres descending slowly in the sky. After about 15 minutes, one sphere reappeared, ascended vertically, and then disappeared. Shortly after, another sphere descended rapidly. Following this, a large orange glow illuminated the sky for several seconds. Later, a diamond-shaped object appeared above the EDF plant, illuminated with a bright yellow interior and red edges, with three blinking red lights. This object moved back and forth towards the area where the glow had been, stationing itself for about 3 seconds before returning to the plant. This cycle repeated five or six times. Mr. CARRE arrived and observed the object descend vertically above St-Séverin, then ascend and descend twice more before disappearing at high speed towards the power plant.

The investigator notes that Mrs. CARRE and her daughter described the event as ordinary, while Mr. CARRE found it surreal and bizarre. Three days later, they stated they hadn't realized the significance of what they had witnessed.

Loreto, Argentina: A Third Kind Encounter This report, translated by Mile DIDIERJEAN from an article in "La Razon" (Buenos Aires), dated January 15, 1979, describes an incident involving a 12-year-old boy in Loreto, Argentina. The boy encountered two humanoids dressed in aluminum-colored suits who emerged from a flying object. The boy was immobilized by them. The incident took place in a 4m x 4m room in a school where the boy's father worked as a porter. The object was described as rectangular, 60 cm wide, 140 cm long, and 100 cm high, with a black screen-like surface. It hovered about 20 cm above the ground, emitting a fan-like noise. Two doors opened, and two beings, about 80 cm tall, emerged. They wore one-piece shiny suits and helmets. The boy noted the humanoid had only four fingers. The beings spoke in Spanish, telling the boy to sit down and not move. The boy lost consciousness and later found the object and beings gone.

Gamaches, Somme, France: An Observation This investigation, conducted by M. Jacky LAURENT, concerns an observation that occurred in October 1978, around 4:40 AM, involving two witnesses, Bruno DOYEN (24, founder) and Gilbert LAFOLIE (24, founder). The weather was clear and starry with no wind. The location was near Bouvaincourt-sur-Bresle, between Gamaches and Le Tréport.

Lafolie, on his way to work, saw a light above the trees, initially thinking it was an airplane or helicopter. He then saw three lights on a horizontal plane above the trees, moving up and down slowly before forming a circle and heading southwest towards the forest. The lights were red and silent. Doyen, waiting for Lafolie, saw a white light, tinged with yellow, moving silently. As it approached, he distinguished three lights that turned orange-red and moved up and down before heading towards the area Lafolie had observed.

Japan: A Mysterious Humanoid Encounter in Saitama This report, translated by Mile LE GOURRIEREC, is an excerpt from "Modern Space Flight Association" and details an event from November 6, 1978, in Sayama, Saitama region, Japan. Hideichi Amano (29), a snack bar owner, was parked on a mountain when his car interior became very bright. He saw a strange, supernatural creature that pressed a tube-like instrument against his right temple, communicating with him through high-pitched sounds. The being had a round face, no neck, a triangular forehead, large pointed ears, and small, white-blue eyes. It held a tube or had a mouth that extended into one. The creature's message was described as "space message." Amano was shocked and tried to start his car, but it wouldn't respond. The creature vanished, and the car's lights and radio then worked normally. Amano reported the incident to the police, who were skeptical. He later underwent hypnosis, during which he recalled the humanoid asking him to return on a specific date for another encounter and possibly receiving a crystal bracelet.

Canary Islands, Spain: Spectacular UFO Observation This article, based on a report from "Diez Minutos" (Madrid) on March 24, 1979, describes a spectacular UFO observation over the Canary Islands on the night of March 4-5, 1979. Antoine Gonzalez Llopis photographed a phenomenon resembling a sunset over the sea, which then transformed into a bright, "old ivory" light that emerged from the ocean. This light rose rapidly, and a UFO in the shape of a pyramid materialized at its summit. The luminous sphere exploded, and the pyramid-shaped UFO continued its ascent, leaving a trail. Hundreds of witnesses across the Canary Islands observed the event, with some experiencing panic. Descriptions included a "ball that approached, changing color: mauve, gray, orange, it was very beautiful..." and a "white cup-shaped UFO with a blue halo around it." Several vehicles, including a bus, had their headlights inexplicably turn off. Pilots of a charter plane reported the object moving at an estimated 21,000 km/second. Spanish air force radars detected the UFO.

Rota, Cadiz, Spain: UFO Over Naval Base On June 12, 1978, around 11 PM, Maria Luisa Bermudez Travieso and an American friend observed a classic disc-shaped object with a dome over the naval base of Rota. The object emitted colored lights and made no sound. It was estimated to be four to five times the size of a jet plane. The car's engine was affected, slowing down as the object passed overhead.

Brazil: A Doubtful CE III Case This report, from "Noticias Populares" (Brazil), December 21, 1978, describes an encounter by night watchman Jésus-Antunes MOREIRA at the Maribondo power plant. A flying saucer landed, and four humanoids, described as identical to Earth humans, emerged. One, identified as female, approached Moreira and engaged in a dialogue using a translation device. The beings claimed they meant no harm and invited him to participate in an "experiment." Moreira, fearful and concerned about his family, declined. The dialogue, lasting about 15 minutes, ended with the beings returning to their craft and departing. The investigator expresses skepticism about the case, suggesting it might be a fabrication common in South America, particularly involving individuals of low social standing.

Book Reviews

"CES MYSTERIEUX OVNI (Jusqu'à présent ils nous épient, mais demain ?)" by Antonio RIBERA This 555-page book by Antonio Ribera is a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena worldwide, covering historical accounts from ancient Egypt to modern times, including foo-fighters, the Magnet program, and various scientific theories. It discusses public opinion on UFOs in different countries and includes photographs and detailed case studies.

"LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES: LE GRAND REFUS?" by G.A.B.R.I.E.L. This book, published after an eight-year delay, is described as a serious ufological work focusing on the technical aspects of UFOs rather than sensationalized narratives. It examines UFOs as machines, their occupants, their maneuvers, and related phenomena. The review notes its detailed analysis and comprehensive approach, though it acknowledges some parts might seem dated.

"LES 12 MYSTERIEUX TRIANGLES DE LA MORT. DES BERMUDES AU JAPON." by Ivan Sanderson This book explores twelve magnetic observation centers on the planet, reviewing singular events that occurred in these areas. The reviewer, while not fully endorsing Sanderson's theory, finds the book to be a fascinating collection of observations.

Other Sections

Statistics on UFO Sound Observations in Andalusia (Spain) A table presents statistical data on UFO observations in Andalusia between 1950 and 1978, categorizing them by whether they were silent or produced sounds (rumbling, whistling, or other noises). The data is compared with studies by C. POHER.

Book Selection A list of selected books on UFOs and related topics is provided, with titles, authors, prices, and brief descriptions. Titles include works by Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J. Allen Hynek, Jean-Claude Bourret, Bertrand Méheust, and others.

Exhibition in Eure et Loir An announcement seeking assistance for a reader interested in a topic related to UFOs in Eure et Loir.

Updates and Corrections Corrections are provided for previous articles in the magazine regarding article numbering and wording.

New Publications Announcements for new books, including "LES APPARITIONS D'HUMANOIDES" by Eric ZURCHER and "LES OVNI OU LA GRANDE PARODIE" by Jean ROBIN.

Useful for the Investigator: The ATLAS Index Information on the ATLAS Index, a tool for locating places in France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features detailed reports of UFO sightings and alleged humanoid encounters, often presenting witness testimonies and investigator's notes. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these phenomena, with a focus on providing factual accounts and encouraging further research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject matter, while also maintaining a degree of critical analysis, as seen in the skepticism expressed towards some of the more sensational or less substantiated cases. The magazine also promotes ufological literature and research tools, aiming to inform and engage its readership in the ongoing study of UFOs.