LDLN - No 195

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 195
Volume: 23ème Année
Date: Mai 1980
Publisher: R. VEILLITH
Price: 6,50 F
Cover Headline: MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French monthly magazine dedicated to the passionate search for truth regarding unexplained phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles. The cover prominently features an illustration related to the article on Bainville-sur-Madon, hinting at a UFO sighting.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial emphasizes the magazine's commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints, stating that the inclusion of any document does not necessarily imply endorsement of its content. The goal is to present material of interest that can lead towards truth, without bias. The editorial team acknowledges being overwhelmed and requests concise correspondence and the inclusion of stamps for replies.

The issue's content is broadly categorized, with specific articles covering:

• OVNI: Parapsychologie et Rationalisme by Jacques Scornaux: This central article explores the often-perceived conflict between ufology/parapsychology and rationalism. It argues that rationalism, as a philosophical attitude of critical inquiry, should not be an enemy but a tool for understanding. The author critiques the simplistic 'us vs. them' mentality prevalent in some ufology circles and examines how organizations like the "Union Rationaliste" (UR) approach these subjects, finding their stance on UFOs and parapsychology to be more nuanced than often assumed. The article highlights that while the UR advocates for scientific investigation, some of its members have exhibited rigid, dismissive attitudes towards phenomena that challenge current scientific paradigms.
• Pour un politique de la «Porte ouverte» en ufologie (Part 2, conclusion): This article likely discusses approaches to ufology that are open to new evidence and perspectives.
• Décollage à Bainville-sur-Madon (Meurthe et Moselle): A detailed report on a UFO sighting in Bainville-sur-Madon, including witness testimony and an investigation by the "Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéen". The sighting involved a luminous, dome-shaped object that ascended vertically and moved away at high speed without sound.
• Près de Lunel (Hérault): Another case report, likely involving a UFO or anomalous phenomenon.
• Dans les Landes, Dans le Nord à Jeumont et Maubeuge, Catalogue Inédit, En Norvège - Escadrilles d'OVNI à Costa-Rica, Surveillances Internationales du ciel 1980, Etude Spectrographique du Phénomène OVNI (continued), D'un livre à l'autre, Nouvelles récentes, Mise au point Courrier, and Nos activités: These sections likely cover various UFO reports, related research, news, and organizational updates.
• Observation d'un décollage d'objet lumineux à Bainville sur Madon by Pierre PARISELLE and Bernard DUPI: This report details a specific UFO sighting from November 16, 1978, involving a luminous object observed by a 75-year-old witness. The object was described as dome-shaped, emitting orange light, and ascending vertically before moving horizontally at high speed without any audible sound.
• PRES DE LUNEL by Pierre PARISELLE and Bernard DUPI: This section presents testimony from Madame X and her daughter regarding an anomalous experience involving a car engine that seemed to malfunction strangely, accompanied by unusual sensations and a luminous phenomenon.
• des "vaisseaux-fantômes" aux ovnis (Part 2, conclusion) by Gilbert Cornu: This extensive article delves into the phenomenon of 'phantom ships' or 'ghost ships'. It categorizes these sightings into individual and collective visions, tracing their evolution over time and linking them to historical maritime tragedies. The author discusses various cases, including the 'Tricoleur', the 'Charles Haskell', and the 'Palatine', examining their characteristics and potential explanations. The article concludes by exploring commonalities and differences between phantom ship sightings and UFO phenomena, suggesting they might represent different 'registers' of anomalous experiences.

Key Themes and Discussions

Rationalism vs. Ufology/Parapsychology: The core of Scornaux's article is to deconstruct the adversarial relationship often portrayed between rationalists and those who study paranormal phenomena. He argues that true rationalism, based on critical inquiry and evidence, should be open to investigating unexplained events. He criticizes the tendency of some ufologists to dismiss rationalists outright and, conversely, points out instances where rationalists have shown undue skepticism or rigid adherence to existing paradigms. The article emphasizes that the scientific method itself is a product of rational thought and that progress often comes from challenging established ideas.

The Nature of Evidence and Explanation: The magazine grapples with the challenge of explaining phenomena that defy current scientific understanding. It discusses the limitations of existing scientific frameworks, particularly in electromagnetism, to account for parapsychological effects. The authors suggest that new scientific theories, possibly involving additional dimensions or forces, might be necessary. They also caution against dismissing phenomena simply because they are not yet understood or because they appear 'ad hoc' (designed to explain a specific observation).

Phantom Ships as Anomalous Phenomena: The detailed exploration of phantom ships presents them as a distinct category of anomalous experiences. The article suggests that these visions are often linked to real, tragic events at sea and that they evolve over time, becoming less distinct and sometimes appearing as mere lights or luminous phenomena. The author draws parallels with UFO sightings, noting shared characteristics like the presence of unusual atmospheric conditions (e.g., fog) and the strong sense of reality reported by witnesses. However, differences are also highlighted, particularly in the nature of communication and the apparent 'vitality' of UFOs compared to the repetitive, fading nature of phantom ship visions.

The Role of Witness Testimony: Throughout the issue, witness accounts are central to the reporting of phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed, credible testimony while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and verification. The article on Bainville-sur-Madon, for instance, includes the witness's testimony, the investigators' findings, and verification checks with local authorities.

Subscription and Correspondence Information: The magazine provides practical details for subscribers, including subscription rates, international options, and correspondence addresses. It also includes a note about the workload of the secretariat, requesting concise communication and self-addressed stamped envelopes for replies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

"Lumières dans la Nuit" consistently promotes an open-minded yet critical approach to unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of seeking truth through rigorous investigation and the presentation of diverse perspectives, even those that may seem contradictory. The magazine encourages dialogue and collaboration among researchers from different backgrounds, advocating for a focus on ideas rather than personal attacks. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether it be celestial objects, parapsychological abilities, or historical anomalies like phantom ships, all viewed through the lens of scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection. The issue underscores the idea that current scientific knowledge is not exhaustive and that new discoveries may require a re-evaluation of our understanding of reality.

This issue of L'Écho des Mystères, dated February 1980, is a comprehensive publication dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features a mix of detailed case reports, investigative articles, book reviews, and discussions on ufological methodology. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share and analyze observations, fostering a scientific approach to the subject.

Key Articles and Reports

Mise au Point by Pierre Guérin

This section addresses a controversy surrounding the visits of ufologists J. Hynek and Gérard de Vaucouleurs to France in 1959. Pierre Guérin clarifies that both individuals did indeed visit Paris and spent time with Aimé Michel to review documentation. He refutes claims that Hynek never met Marius Dewilde and corrects the date of Hynek's visit, attributing the discrepancy to a possible translation error. Guérin emphasizes the importance of factual accuracy and criticizes those who spread unsubstantiated rumors.

Observations in the Landes

This report details two separate sightings in the Landes region of France on November 29, 1979. Dr. Krantz and Mme Laloé observed a cigar-shaped object with oscillating luminous intensity, described as bright with red and green lights. The object was visible for about 20 minutes and was initially mistaken for a jet trail.

Case Reports from France

The magazine presents several detailed case reports from various regions of France:

• Lunel-Viel (December 19, 1979): Sylvie and her mother reported seeing a luminous, circular object about 1 meter in diameter, which left a large white stain on the ground. The mother experienced physical sensations while Sylvie observed the object.
• Tilh (November 26, 1979): Marcel Segas, a farmer, observed a luminous, oblong object approximately 15 meters long and 7 meters high, oscillating up and down.
• Le Fousseret (December 4, 1979): An investigation into a reported UFO sighting involved a luminous, rotating object accompanied by electrical phenomena.
• Jeumont and Maubeuge (March 1979): Multiple reports detail sightings of luminous objects, including a green sphere that transformed into a pink triangle, and a white, bright sphere that moved and changed size. These observations were accompanied by reports of electrical anomalies.

International Sightings

• Norway (December 1979): Halldis and Thorleif Stuen reported observing a luminous, greenish object with a red point near Bjoranes, which they described as oval with wing-like features. A similar object was reportedly seen at Notasberget.
• Costa Rica (January 1980): Reports describe entire squadrons of UFOs (OVNIs) moving in the sky, causing fear among witnesses. Objects were described as producing red, blue, and green lights and moving at high speeds.

Catalogues of Cases

Eric Zurcher presents a catalogue of UFO and humanoid encounter cases, providing brief summaries with dates, locations, and witness details. These cases span several decades and geographical locations, offering a broad overview of reported phenomena.

Ufology and Folklore

An article discusses the relationship between UFO phenomena and folklore, particularly in the context of Soviet ufology. It suggests that many folkloric tales of luminous objects, mythical creatures, and unexplained events might have their origins in actual UFO sightings.

Editorial and Methodological Discussions

• Book Review: 'Les O.V.N.I. en Bretagne' by Jean-François Boedec: The review highlights the book's regional focus as a positive aspect but criticizes its lack of depth in certain cases and its organizational structure. It advocates for more comprehensive regional studies that integrate local context, folklore, and social factors.
• 'L'Etude Spectrographique du Phénomène OVNI': This section provides technical details about a photographic filter designed for analyzing UFO light spectra, including ordering information and usage advice.
• 'La Nouvelle Vague des Soucoupes Volantes': This review discusses the importance of rigorous investigation and accurate reporting in ufology, cautioning against errors in dates and details that could discredit the field.

'Nouvelles Récentes Presse' Section

This section provides brief summaries of recent UFO sightings reported in early March 1980 from various locations in France, including Melun, Favaiello (Corsica), Ottmarsheim, Cussey-sur-L'ognon, Valentigney, and Saint-Porchaire. These reports often describe luminous objects with varied shapes and behaviors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, encounters with humanoid figures, and the investigation of associated electromagnetic and physical phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes a scientific and rigorous approach to ufology, advocating for meticulous data collection, cross-referencing of reports, and critical analysis. There is a clear call for investigators to be precise, to avoid speculation, and to collaborate effectively. The magazine also highlights the importance of regional studies and the potential connection between UFO phenomena and folklore. The publication aims to inform and educate its readers, encouraging them to contribute to the ongoing research into these unexplained events.