LDLN - No 197

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), dated August-September 1980, is the 197th issue of the 23rd year of publication. It is priced at 6.50 F and is dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover prominently features an illustration of a UFO hovering over a road, with headlines highlighting articles on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and animal mutilations.

Table of Contents and Editorial Stance

The issue begins with a "VOICI LE CONTENU DE CE NUMERO" (Here is the Content of This Issue) section, listing articles such as "A la recherche des intelligences extra-terrestres" (Searching for Extraterrestrial Intelligences) on page 3, "Et si l'Homme était d'origine extra-terrestre" (What if Man was of Extraterrestrial Origin) on page 6, and "Mutilations d'animaux dans le monde: les OVNI en accusation" (Animal Mutilations in the World: UFOs Under Accusation) on page 7. The editorial notes that the magazine is dedicated to those who passionately seek truth worldwide, viewing their discoveries as lights guiding humanity. It also states that any document inserted is published for its interest and potential to lead to truth, without necessarily endorsing all its terms, and that authors are responsible for their contributions. The magazine also includes a legal notice protecting its content from reproduction without authorization.

Articles and Features

A la recherche des intelligences extra-terrestres (Searching for Extraterrestrial Intelligences)

Authored by Jean-François Mayault, this article details a scientific congress organized by UNESCO in November 1979, initiated by Albert Ducrocq. The congress focused on the search for Extraterrestrial Intelligences (IET). Mayault expresses surprise that the event received little press coverage. He reports on presentations by various experts:

• Audouin Dollfus discussed solar-type stars as "planet-stars" and the study of planetary systems as a goal for "planetology" in the coming decade.
• Professor Buvet explored the mechanisms of life, noting the presence of carbon molecules in space, meteorites, and laboratory experiments, questioning if life can develop from these and suggesting a transition from chemistry to biology.
• Professor Drake highlighted the difficulties in detecting IET and the immense cost of interstellar travel, noting that communication via radio or light waves is possible. He mentioned the Arecibo radio telescope's capability to detect civilizations up to 1000 light-years away.
• Monsieur Lebeau discussed the potential for building large radio telescopes and the contributions of space technology, including in-situ measurements on planets and astronomical observations outside the atmosphere.

Mayault interjects personal reflections, discussing the limitations of scientific inquiry when it ignores emotional aspects and the importance of intuition and desire for knowledge. He also touches upon the concept of Earth's "tectonic plates" and how geological changes might influence the evolution of intelligence, referencing the Ramapithecus as an example of adaptation leading to increased intelligence.

He also reports on an initiative by Albert Ducrocq to have children write messages to IET, with a winning message from a young girl named Valérie Smétanski being read aloud.

Mayault quotes Einstein on the importance of emotion and wonder, suggesting that a lack of these qualities signifies a "dead man." He questions whether war would be possible if humanity felt a true sense of belonging to the whole. He also notes that while humans have developed advanced technology, they have not achieved peace, and that the current state of humanity might export its "disease of war" beyond Earth.

He concludes this section by reflecting on the idea that while humans are conscious, society is not, and that the act of questioning our communication with IET forces us to confront what is essential.

Et si l'homme était d'origine extra-terrestre (What if Man was of Extraterrestrial Origin)

Authored by F. Lagarde, this article explores the nature of human existence from a scientific and philosophical perspective. Lagarde posits that human nature is the culmination of physico-chemical processes. He contrasts the "classical science" view, which sees life as mere reactions of inanimate matter, with a more "modern" science that acknowledges a unique, indestructible force underlying all phenomena.

Lagarde highlights the discovery of proteins in nebulae scattered throughout the cosmos, suggesting that since stars and planets form from these cosmic dusts, and Earth is a result of this condensation, proteins are fundamental to life on Earth. He argues that life, including human life, originates from the combination of proteins and nucleic acids. Therefore, he concludes, it is not paradoxical to assert that humanity's arrival on Earth is of extraterrestrial origin. This also implies that other planets, formed through similar processes, could also harbor life originating from the same basic elements.

Mutilations d'animaux dans le monde : les OVNI en accusation (Animal Mutilations in the World: UFOs Under Accusation)

Authored by Jean Sider, this extensive article investigates numerous cases of animal mutilations across the globe, particularly focusing on incidents in 1975.

• Australia (1975): Cases of cattle and two shepherds being found mutilated were reported, coinciding with UFO sightings. Descriptions of a large, hairy anthropoid creature, similar to Bigfoot, were also noted.
• Bolivia (1975): A UFO reportedly landed, and three humanoid creatures emerged. They used a device to drain blood from sheep, resulting in the death of 34 animals. The carcasses were found to be devoid of blood, and the skulls were empty.
• Canada (Alberta, 1975): Two horses were found mutilated in a snow-covered field. Unusual, large, webbed footprints, unlike those of any known bird, were found nearby.
• USA (Wyoming, 1978): In Natrona County, a 200 kg heifer was found mutilated. Investigators noted the precise removal of body parts, absence of blood, and cauterized wounds. High radiation levels were detected at the scene.
• USA (New Mexico, 1976): A bull was found mutilated, with a white substance found on its skin. Investigations by private labs revealed the substance contained high levels of potassium and magnesium, with some components potentially being extraterrestrial.
• USA (Missouri, 1978): Sheriff Jon Livengood of Elsberry suspected UFOs were responsible for cattle mutilations in his county, a claim that gained media attention.
• USA (New Mexico, 1978): A white substance, similar to that found in New Mexico cattle mutilations, was discovered on a truck near a reported UFO landing in Taos.

Sider details the investigations by various law enforcement officers and private researchers, including Captain Keith Wolverton, who spent over eight months investigating mutilations in Montana. He highlights the unusual nature of the wounds, the lack of forensic evidence pointing to terrestrial culprits, and the inconsistencies in official explanations.

The article also touches upon other cases, including those in England (Newquay Zoo, 1978) where animals were decapitated and drained of blood, and mentions reports from other countries like Poland and the USA.

Sider critically examines the testimonies of veterinarians, noting conflicting opinions and suggesting that some may be adhering to official narratives or creating confusion. He points out that the precision and nature of the mutilations suggest a highly advanced, non-human technology.

Other Sections

• REFERENCES: A list of cited sources and speakers from the scientific congress.
• Faites des adhésions autour de vous. Plus nous serons nombreux, mieux vous serez informés. (Make adhesions around you. The more numerous we are, the better informed you will be.) - A call for subscriptions and support.
• ABONNEMENT (Subscription): Information on subscription rates and how to subscribe.
• ATTENTION : CE NUMERO EST COMMUN AUX MOIS D'AOUT ET DE SEPTEMBRE. (ATTENTION: THIS ISSUE IS COMMON TO THE MONTHS OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.)
• POUR CONNAITRE L'ECHEANCE DE VOTRE ABONNEMENT : (TO KNOW THE EXPIRY DATE OF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:) - Instructions on how to check subscription status.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs and their potential connection to unexplained phenomena, particularly animal mutilations. The magazine adopts a stance of critical inquiry, presenting detailed investigative reports and scientific discussions while questioning official explanations and government cover-ups. There is a clear emphasis on the need for open-minded research and the acknowledgment of possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial tone suggests a belief that these phenomena are not easily explained by terrestrial means and may involve extraterrestrial intelligence or advanced, unknown technologies. The magazine encourages reader participation through subscriptions and information sharing, positioning itself as a platform for those seeking deeper truths about unexplained events.

This issue of "Frontières de la Science" focuses on a detailed investigation of a luminous object sighting over St-Mandrier, France, on January 11, 1980. The cover headline highlights this observation, which involved a family witnessing unusual movements and shapes of the object.

Observation d'un curieux objet lumineux au-dessus de St-Mandrier (Var)

The main article details an encounter experienced by a family (mother, father, and their 10-year-old daughter) in St-Mandrier. The daughter first noticed a luminous point, initially mistaken for a star. Using binoculars, she observed a saucer-shaped object with a golden dome and colored ramps (yellow, red, blue) that seemed to change shape between round and saucer. The object moved in arcs, ascending, and performed curious maneuvers for approximately ten minutes. The mother corroborated the observation, describing the object as a saucer that moved erratically and produced colored lights. The father, who saw the end of the phenomenon, described it as a brilliant star ascending into the clouds.

The investigators, MM. FanceLLU Sauveur, LAURENT Jean-Patrick, and SERAY Patrice, conducted their inquiry on January 17, 1980. They noted the witnesses' credibility and the daughter's keen interest in the phenomenon. The report includes sketches of the object as described by the witnesses. The atmospheric conditions were overcast with a ceiling of about 800 meters and stormy weather.

Comparative Analysis

F. LAGARDE contributes a note comparing the St-Mandrier object's description to a similar case from Bradford, England, on December 4, 1971, published in LDLN. Both cases feature a dome-shaped object with lights on ramps, suggesting a possible recurring phenomenon.

Other Sightings and Investigations

Digne, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

On January 11, 1979, Mme Cadin observed a white luminous ball over Digne. The object stopped, descended vertically, and then disappeared rapidly.

Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône

An observation from October 17, 1963, by Denis Unia, an engineer, describes an oval, luminous object moving towards the Southeast. The object was observed through a telescope and appeared to emit its own light.

Barbazan, Haute-Garonne

An investigation by MM. Jacques Journot and Guy Pernot details an encounter experienced by M. B. in late September or early October 1976. The witness observed two luminous orange ovoid objects on the ground. These objects later transformed into a bright green light that diminished and disappeared. The witness reported no sound and described the objects as having a 'lacy' cross shape.

Observation à Marseille (continued)

This section, continuing from page 25, discusses an observation made by Denis Unia in Marseille. He observed a luminous object through a telescope, describing it as oval and very bright, moving in a straight line towards the Southeast. He estimated its size and potential speed, concluding it was likely an unidentified flying object (OVNI).

Phénomène rapproché dans le Haut-Rhin

An investigation by MM. Jacques Journot and Guy Pernot reports an incident on February 3, 1980, involving three witnesses near Weckolsheim. They observed a large, luminous orange saucer-shaped object hovering above the road. The object had a blue auréola and white stripes, and it moved towards their vehicle, causing them to flee. The witnesses experienced adverse physical effects, including tears and headaches.

Theoretical Discussions and Book Reviews

"Ils N'etaient Pas Seuls sur la Lune" by George Leonard

Gilles SMIENA reviews George Leonard's book, criticizing its speculative nature and accusations against NASA. The review discusses anomalies observed on the moon, such as gas jets and luminous phenomena, and questions Leonard's interpretations.

"La Lune et ses défis à la science" by Alfred Nahon

The magazine recommends Alfred Nahon's book as a more serious alternative to Leonard's work, praising its detailed presentation of lunar phenomena and NASA data.

"Lumières dans la Nuit" - Recent News

This section provides a condensed summary of recent UFO-related news from May to July 1980, including observations from Montevideo (Uruguay), Chile, Azerbaijan (Iran), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Tulle (France), and Poland.

"Courrier" - Letters and Commentary

This section includes letters from readers and commentary on UFO phenomena. One letter discusses the "energy of UFOs" and potential electromagnetic effects on vehicles and humans, questioning the hypothesis of a simple conduction suppression.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear interest in comparing different cases and seeking explanations, whether scientific or speculative. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena while also critically examining claims and encouraging rigorous investigation. The publication also engages with relevant books and news in the field of ufology.