LDLN - No 194

Magazine Overview

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (Lights in the Night), volume 23, number 194, dated April 1980, is dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover features an illustration of a man looking up at two bright, round objects in the night sky, with a guitar beside him, set against a stark, silhouetted landscape. The issue is published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES" and costs 6.50 F.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The issue's content is detailed on page 2, with articles covering a range of topics:

• Page 3: Des ondes... et des hommes (Waves... and Men) by F. LAGARDE. This article, though outside the direct UFO subject, is published for its significant interest, highlighting how obvious truths can remain hidden due to a "conspiracy of silence." It discusses the historical context of electrotherapy and the work of Antoine Priore, an inventor whose machine, producing electromagnetic and magnetic radiation, faced resistance from the scientific community. The article traces Priore's efforts from 1960, the formation of commissions to evaluate his work, and the eventual negative conclusions despite positive experimental results confirmed by researchers like Marcel Rivière and Professor Maurice Guérin. It also mentions the involvement of Nobel laureate Professor Lwoff and the subsequent difficulties in obtaining funding and recognition for Priore's research.
• Page 6: Communication de la Revue STENDEK (Communication from STENDEK Magazine). This section details the work of the Association des Consultants de Stendek, an unofficial group of scientists and engineers researching UFOs. They report an unusual phenomenon recorded by M. Javier Bosque, involving electromagnetic signals from a UFO, which they believe could be related to propulsion and surveillance. They are seeking to compare their technical results with similar recordings worldwide.
• Page 7: Pour une politique de la «Porte ouverte» en ufologie (For an "Open Door" Policy in Ufology) by Gilbert CORNU. This article argues that ufology should avoid sterile debates and instead explore connections between various enigmas, including UFOs, premonitions, and "phantom ships." It suggests that examining these related phenomena might offer insights into ufology itself.
• Page 13: Vagues d'OVNI et inquiétudes (2 suite et fin) (UFO Waves and Anxieties (Part 2, conclusion)) by Nicolas GRESLOU. This article critiques the theory correlating UFO waves with unemployment. The author analyzes data presented by Vieroudy, questioning the accuracy of statistics and graphs, and arguing that the proposed correlation is not scientifically sound. He points out discrepancies and alleged falsifications in the data used to support the theory.
• Page 18: Phénomène lumineux insolite à Lorgues dans le Var (Unusual Luminous Phenomenon in Lorgues, Var). This is an investigative report by Henri JULIEN based on an account by Jean-Michel GUISIANO. The witness, a 18-year-old student, describes seeing two intense, white, round lights, estimated to be 3-4 meters above the ground, moving rapidly and silently towards him on a road near Lorgues in January 1978. The lights stopped and hovered, and the witness experienced fear and a sensation of pressure, followed by a humming sound. He later suffered from fatigue and eye inflammation. The witness's account is presented as credible due to his reserved and reflective nature.

Other articles include:

• Page 17: Nos activités (Our Activities), detailing the work of FIDUFO (Fichier Informatique de Documentation sur les UFO) and their need for participants in documentation and research.
• Page 21: Banlieue de Saint-Etienne (Loire)
• Page 23: Saint-Etienne (Loire)
• Page 24: A Vannes (Morbihan)
• Page 25: A 8 km au S.E. de Lorient (Morbihan)
• Page 27: Observation du 25 mai 1978, GUESNAIN (Nord)
• Page 29: Le point sur le cas de Cergy-Pontoise (Val d'Oise)
• Page 32: Observation aux Andelys (Eure)
• Page 33: D'un livre à l'autre (From one book to another)
• Page 34: Nouvelles récentes (Recent News)
• Page 35: A propos du détecteur magnétique «Lumatic» (About the Magnetic Detector "Lumatic")

Subscription and Correspondence Information

Page 2 provides details for subscribing to the monthly magazine, which publishes 10 issues per year (with combined issues for June-July and August-September). The annual subscription is 63 F (or 75 F for supporting members). International subscriptions add 13 F. Correspondence and payments should be addressed to M. R. VEILLITH at 43400 LE CHAMBON-SUR-LIGNON, FRANCE. Information on how to check subscription expiry is also provided.

Book Announcement

A book titled "LE NOEUD GORDIEN, Ou LA FANTASTIQUE HISTOIRE DES OVNI" by Thierry PINDIVIC is announced as "just released" and available for purchase.

"Des ondes... et des hommes" by F. Lagarde

This section, appearing on page 2, introduces an article by F. Lagarde titled "Des ondes... et des hommes." The editor notes that this text is not directly about UFOs but is published due to its significant interest in highlighting how evident, proven facts can be suppressed by a "conspiracy of silence." The article delves into the history of electrotherapy and the scientific struggles of inventor Antoine Priore. Priore developed a machine that produced electromagnetic and magnetic radiation, which he claimed had therapeutic effects, particularly against cancer. The article details the resistance Priore faced from the established scientific community, including commissions of inquiry and the Academy of Sciences, despite supportive findings from some researchers. It contrasts this with historical uses of electricity in medicine and the work of other scientists in related fields. The narrative follows Priore's journey from 1960, the formation of research groups, the involvement of prominent scientists like Professor Maurice Guérin and Professor Robert Courrier, and the eventual setbacks, including the machine falling out of use and the difficulty in securing further funding.

"Pour une politique de la 'porte ouverte' en ufologie" by Gilbert CORNU

This article, starting on page 7, advocates for a more inclusive and less dogmatic approach to ufology. Cornu argues against getting bogged down in semantic debates and instead encourages ufologists to explore the connections between UFO phenomena and other unexplained events, such as premonitions and "phantom ships." He suggests that by examining these related areas, ufology might gain a broader perspective and potentially find keys to understanding the core phenomenon. The article begins by discussing how premonitions and UFO sightings might be interconnected, and then transitions to the topic of "phantom ships," which are presented as a historical precursor to modern UFO discussions.

"Vagues d'OVNI et inquiétudes" (Part 2) by Nicolas GRESLOU

This critical article, continuing from page 7, scrutinizes the theory proposed by Vieroudy that UFO waves correlate with periods of high unemployment. Greslou meticulously analyzes the data and graphs presented by Vieroudy, alleging inaccuracies and selective use of statistics. He questions the reliability of the sources and the methodology, concluding that the proposed correlation is unsubstantiated and that Vieroudy's arguments are flawed. The author also touches upon Vieroudy's theory of "psychic creation" of UFOs, expressing skepticism.

Maritime Mysteries: "Vaisseaux-Fantômes" (Phantom Ships)

Pages 8 through 11 are dedicated to an extensive exploration of maritime mysteries, particularly "vaisseaux-fantômes" (phantom ships). The author, likely Gilbert Cornu given the context of page 7, categorizes these phenomena into two main types:

1. Real ships with deceased crews: These are often derelict vessels found adrift, sometimes with crews reduced to skeletons or in states of decay, attributed to historical hardships like disease, starvation, or extreme weather. Examples include the Sancta Maria, Abbey S. Hart, and the Ourang Medan (though the latter is presented with a more speculative, potentially extraterrestrial, angle).
2. Unreal or visionary ships: These are described as hallucinations or collective visions, less common but intriguing. The article also discusses cases of real ships found completely abandoned, with no signs of struggle, such as the Mary Celeste (though its notoriety is linked to accusations against the salvaging crew) and the Embiricos. The case of the Ellen Austin, which reportedly picked up a derelict vessel only for its own crew to disappear later, is presented as particularly mysterious.

The author emphasizes the difficulty in distinguishing between factual accounts and sensationalism, and the challenges faced by private researchers in verifying historical maritime records. The section highlights the psychological impact these sightings had on sailors and the enduring mystery surrounding many unexplained maritime events.

Other Content

• Page 10: Phénomène lumineux insolite à Lorgues dans le Var (Unusual Luminous Phenomenon in Lorgues, Var). This is an in-depth report by Henri JULIEN, a regional delegate, detailing an interview with Jean-Michel GUISIANO. Guisiano, a student, recounts an encounter in January 1978 near Lorgues where he witnessed two intense, white, round lights that moved rapidly and silently towards him. The lights hovered at an estimated altitude of 3-4 meters, and the experience was accompanied by a humming sound and a feeling of fear. The witness experienced subsequent fatigue and eye inflammation. The report notes Guisiano's reserved nature and his interest in physics and anomalous phenomena.
• Page 12: "Les Baychimo" and "Le Rescue" These are presented as cases of "phantom ships" that are particularly enigmatic due to their elusive nature and the psychological distress they caused to other mariners.
• Page 14: Addendum to "Vagues d'OVNI et inquiétudes" This section provides a list of criteria for societal anxieties (wars, natural disasters, political crises, economic crises, societal crises, fear of the future) that the author believes should be considered when analyzing potential correlations with UFO phenomena. It critiques Vieroudy's selective use of economic data.
• Page 16: NOS ACTIVITES (Our Activities) details the work of FIDUFO and their need for volunteers for archival research, translation, and data processing. It also lists materials available for purchase, such as plans for scientific detectors and accessories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded yet critical approach to unexplained phenomena. It encourages rigorous investigation and data analysis, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth and challenging established paradigms, particularly when evidence suggests suppression or dismissal of novel findings, as seen in the Priore machine case and the critique of the unemployment-UFO correlation theory. The publication also shows a strong interest in historical accounts and the psychological aspects of anomalous experiences.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 26
Date: 1st Quarter 1980
Publisher: Librairie SCHRACK
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" presents a collection of UFO/UAP sightings, investigations, and related articles, offering a detailed look into the phenomenon from various perspectives.

Case Studies and Investigations

Lorgues (Var), January 1978

The article "EXAMEN DU SITE" analyzes a luminous phenomenon reported in Lorgues. The witness described lights seen from a road, which the investigation suggests were an optical illusion due to the terrain and the lights being positioned above the road and surrounding hills. The analysis focuses on the witness's description and how it aligns with the topography, concluding that the phenomenon was likely a luminous object moving through the region.

Saint-Étienne (Loire), October 1978

An investigation by Patrick BERLIER details an event in the suburbs of Saint-Étienne. Two children and their uncle reported seeing a white light illuminating trees in their park. The investigation attempted to recreate the lighting conditions and concluded that the light source was likely on the ground, possibly at the base of a slope, and was not directly visible to the witnesses. The report notes that the family dog barked towards the fields west of the house, not the trees.

Saint-Étienne (Loire), March 1978

Patrick BERLIER also reports on an observation in Saint-Étienne where a witness described a mobile object with white hemispherical lights, a dark yellow bar, and a red pulsating light. The object moved slowly, stopped multiple times, and then disappeared vertically. The witness felt an attraction towards the object.

Nice, January 1980

An observation from Nice describes a luminous object with extraordinary brightness and red glows, which moved rapidly across the sky. The witnesses, a couple, noted that the object appeared to have a hazy halo.

Vannes (Morbihan), January 1979

An 81-year-old witness reported seeing an ellipse-shaped, dark red object above a house, which then moved silently to her property and appeared as a large round red object. It emitted three white light beams before disappearing into dense clouds. The witness also reported seeing small lights the following morning.

Lorient (Morbihan), August 1975

Ten people witnessed luminous objects described as orange, yellow, and red, moving over the sea. The objects then approached the witnesses' location rapidly before disappearing. The witnesses were on a beach for a night vigil.

Guesnain (Nord), May 1978

This case involves a witness who observed a bright light illuminating fields, followed by golden and red spheres, and a luminous silver square with a propeller-like shape. The phenomenon evolved over time, with the witness describing different shapes and colors before it eventually faded.

Arizona, USA, November 1975 (Travis Walton Case)

This section details the famous Travis Walton case, where seven loggers witnessed a saucer-shaped object. Travis Walton approached the object and disappeared after being struck by a beam of light. He reappeared six days later, disoriented and with no clear memory of his time away. The investigation notes the skepticism of the police and the lack of physical traces, but highlights the witness's consistent testimony and the subsequent search efforts.

Les Andelys (Eure), November 1977

A witness reported seeing an elongated, rocket-shaped object with a blueish color and pink flames, which transformed into red sparks and a slow-moving red ball. The object's appearance caused the witness's moped to stop working.

Book Reviews and News

Book Reviews

The magazine features a comprehensive list of selected books on UFOs and related topics, including works by Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Jacques Lob, Robert Gigi, J.C. Bourret, Pierre Kohler, Jean Bastide, R. Roussel, Aimé Michel, J. Allen Hynek, Jean Robin, and others. Each book is briefly described with its price.

"OVNI - LE TOUR DU PHENOMENE EN 80 PHOTOS"

This section reviews a book by Jean-Pierre Gauthier, praising its objective approach and the quality of its photographic evidence. The review discusses the book's structure, which covers various aspects of UFO phenomena, including lights, daytime discs, and close encounters.

Recent News Briefs

A section titled "nouvelles récentes (condensé de presse)" provides brief reports of UFO sightings from various locations in France and Italy, including La Chapelle-Basse-Mer, Savignac-les-Églises, Aquila (Italy), Val d'Ajol, Rupt, Courthezon, Montceau, Marseille, and Santiago (Chile). These reports often describe luminous objects, colored lights, and unusual movements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a focus on detailed witness testimonies and investigative efforts. The magazine appears to maintain an open but critical stance, presenting cases with a degree of skepticism while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of book reviews and news briefs suggests an aim to keep readers informed about the latest developments in ufology. The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the challenges in investigating and understanding them. The editorial stance leans towards presenting evidence and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the importance of rigorous investigation and critical analysis.