LDLN - No 199

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), volume 23, issue 199, dated November 1980, is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems. The magazine, published by the "GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES," features articles that aim to shed light on unexplained phenomena.

Article: OVNI OU OVNIS ? (UFO or UPO?)

Authored by Gérard MARCHAIS, this article discusses the complexity of understanding UFO phenomena. It posits that UFOs likely result from multiple phenomena of different origins, rather than a single cause. Marchais advocates for a methodological approach to differentiate these phenomena, suggesting a process of "sentiment, reason, and experience" to isolate hypotheses. He uses the example of distinguishing between extraterrestrial hypotheses and those involving the witness's psyche, proposing that observations made by individuals with psychic abilities who have multiple sightings might be related to the witness's mind rather than an external craft. The article emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in UFO data analysis and suggests that if hypotheses cannot be found to explain phenomena, the initial sentiment might be incorrect.

Article: DES VRAIS DIRIGEABLES AUX FAUX BALLONS JUSQU'EN 1909 (From Real Dirigibles to False Balloons Until 1909)

Written by Jean SIDER, this extensive article aims to debunk the idea that early aerial sightings, particularly those in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were simply advanced dirigibles. Sider meticulously lists and describes numerous dirigible projects and their actual capabilities from 1784 up to 1909. He categorizes early aerial phenomena as either "positive" (constructive attempts to understand) or "negative" (skeptical debunking efforts). Sider argues that the "false balloons" or "phantom dirigibles" reported, especially in the USA around 1897 and in England in 1905-1909, exhibited characteristics (like wings, powerful projectors, and silent flight) far beyond the technological capacity of dirigibles of that era. He highlights the lack of significant American dirigible development during that period and contrasts it with the reported features of these mysterious objects. The article concludes that these sightings were not terrestrial aircraft but genuine UFOs, challenging skeptics who attempt to explain them away as misidentified dirigibles.

Article: OBSERVATIONS DE PHÉNOMÈNES ATMOSPHÉRIQUES ANORMAUX EN URSS (2 - suite et fin) (Observations of Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena in the USSR - Part 2, Conclusion)

This section presents a condensed analysis of UFO reports from the USSR, based on documents provided by the GEPAΝ. The analysis covers characteristics such as spatial distribution, seasonal variations, diurnal patterns, object shapes, duration, phases, multiple object sightings, external and internal details, luminosity, color, angular measurements, and movement. The authors note that while some phenomena might be explained by atmospheric optics, the majority appear to be of a different nature. They highlight the wide variety of shapes, including crescent shapes linked to 1967, and the presence of self-luminous objects. The data on linear parameters (distance, altitude, dimension, speed) are deemed unreliable. The article concludes that the observed phenomena are real and that their characteristics are distinct from known technical experiments or atmospheric effects, suggesting a non-terrestrial origin for many of them. It also points out that some observations predate the space age.

Article: OBSERVATION A ST-JEAN DU VAR (Var) D'UN DISQUE SOMBRE EN BASSE ALTITUDE - LE 26 AOUT 1979 (Observation of a Dark Disk at Low Altitude in St-Jean du Var (Var) - August 26, 1979)

This report details a sighting by a single witness in St-Jean du Var, France, on August 26, 1979. The witness observed a dark, disk-shaped object with a slightly darker dome, hovering silently behind a cypress tree. The object then moved rapidly to the east, ascending in a curve before disappearing. The witness described the object as metallic, silent, and non-luminous, with a size estimated to be about four meters in diameter. The report includes on-site observations to corroborate the witness's account.

Other Sections:

• VOICI LE CONTENU DE CE NUMERO: Lists the articles and page numbers for the issue.
• ABONNEMENT: Information on subscribing to the magazine.
• SURVEILLANCES INTERNATIONALES DU CIEL 1980: Announcement of an upcoming event.
• COMMENTAIRE DE LA REDACTION: A statement on the editorial policy, emphasizing that the inclusion of documents does not necessarily imply endorsement of their content, but rather a pursuit of truth.
• UN GONIOMÈTRE DE POCHE & LE COMPARATEUR: Descriptions and sales information for two ufological tools.
• LA POLÉMIQUE, STÉRILE, NE CONDUIT À RIEN DE POSITIF. L'ARGUMENTATION, BIEN ÉTAYÉE, EST CONSTRUCTIVE: A concluding remark urging constructive argumentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and require serious investigation, often challenging conventional explanations and skeptical viewpoints. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to gather and analyze evidence from around the world to understand the nature of these unexplained aerial objects. There is a clear emphasis on historical research and statistical analysis to support the existence and distinctiveness of UFOs. The publication appears to advocate for a scientific approach to ufology, while acknowledging the limitations of current data and the need for more rigorous documentation and organization of observations.

This issue of "Deux Enquêtes du Groupe Privé Ufologique Nanceien" focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) investigations, primarily from France and Italy, with a significant report from Spain. The magazine presents detailed witness testimonies, investigator notes, and attempts to analyze the phenomena.

Case 1: Meurthe et Moselle - Bouxières-aux-Dames

This section details an observation on December 11, 1979, near Bouxières-aux-Dames, France. Two witnesses, later joined by a third, observed a phenomenon while driving. Initially, they noticed a stationary phenomenon around 17h and another at 17h45. The main witness described an object that was stationary near electrical wires. The investigation was conducted by M. FANCELLU on January 8, 1980, with further site visits on January 13. The witness was initially reluctant to speak but eventually provided details. The phenomenon was observed on the West horizon, appearing fixed for a time before moving. Its altitude was estimated at a few dozen meters, with a slow speed. The object was described as rectangular, with an aluminum-colored body and a pale green light at the rear. It emitted two white beams at the front. The location is noted for its proximity to a river, railway lines, and an electricity production plant.

Case 2: Leyr (Meurthe et Moselle)

This report, investigated by R. DAVILLE, describes an observation on March 24, 1980, in Leyr, France. A single witness, Mr. X, a 18-year-old student, reported seeing two very powerful, horizontal white-yellow beams of light that widened as they approached. These beams originated from enormous projectors. The witness realized these were not projectors but an enormous, frightening mass. The object was described as a parallelepiped with headlights at the front, approximately the length of a Boeing and two-thirds its width. It flew at very low altitude, made no noise, and had no visible structure or wings. The observation lasted about 10 seconds. The witness's mother described it as a "huge TANK in the sky." The witness experienced significant fear and shock. Investigations at the Essey air base found no aircraft active in the area at that time.

Case 3: Near Sondemach (HT-Rhin)

This investigation by Jacques JOURNOT, conducted on January 18 and February 2, 1980, concerns an observation on the night of December 31, 1979, to January 1, 1980, near Sondemach, France. The witnesses, a couple aged 69 and 70, observed two lights: a large, intense, orange-yellow light, almost oval, and a smaller red light. The red light emitted serpentine signals of yellow, orange, and green. These lights remained stationary for about 10 minutes before disappearing. The witnesses also reported that French TV reception was disturbed during this time, while German broadcasts were fine. The couple reported no direct physical effects but felt a sense of well-being afterward. They had previously observed similar phenomena for several months.

Case 4: Observation in the North

This report by M. BROQUET details an observation from August 1978 near Le Moulin Blanc, France. A 17-year-old witness, Patrick D., observed a red-orange light moving at high speed. He then saw an oval object with a red-orange light underneath. As he alerted his friends, the object tilted and moved away rapidly. The dogs in the kennel became agitated. They observed white lights blinking green high up, and the oval object approached one of these lights, turning green before entering it. Three other objects then emerged. The phenomenon repeated for over three hours. Later, a fireball passed overhead at 30-40 meters altitude, descended towards a pasture, avoided a post, and then ascended towards a building, grazing its antenna before disappearing. This fireball was described as about three meters long with a tail, emitting a faint whistle.

Literature: UFOs Beyond the Pyrenees - I Was in a UFO with My Dog

This section presents a translated account from a Spanish publication about a man named Julio who claims to have entered a UFO and traveled in space. The article emphasizes that while the reality of the story is questioned, such accounts contribute to the phenomenon of ufology. Julio, described as a successful and intelligent businessman, recounts an encounter on February 5, 1978, where he and his dog were taken aboard a large UFO by telepathic beings. He describes the interior, the technology, and the beings' interest in Earth. He also mentions undergoing examinations, including blood samples. The article includes extensive footnotes discussing the author George Adamski and his controversial claims.

The September Heat of Italian Ufology (1)

This section, compiled by Martino COSSU, details a wave of UFO observations in Italy between September 15 and 28, 1979. The article notes that the phenomena were often described as round or oval, with variations including triangles, spheres, and cylinders. A list of 58 specific observations from various Italian locations is provided, with dates, times, witness descriptions, and locations. The author questions the common explanation of the Pegasus satellite re-entry for these sightings, citing discrepancies in trajectory and timing. The article concludes by noting that the Italian Ministry of Defense claims no unidentified flying objects have been reported by air defense services.

Other Sections

• NOS ACTIVITES: This section outlines the activities of the ufological group, including opportunities for readers to become investigators, access to documentation, and requests for reader contributions (stamps, old maps, books).
• PRECISIONS COMPLEMENTAIRES: Detailed technical descriptions of observed phenomena, including signal characteristics, angles of vision, object dimensions, and effects on witnesses.
• Condensé de J.C. VANDER: A review of George Adamski's book "Inside the Space Ships."
• Nouvelles récentes (presse): A collection of brief news items about recent UFO sightings and incidents from various locations in France and Senegal.
• NOS LIVRES SELECTIONNES: A catalog of books related to ufology and science fiction available for purchase.
• LE VAISSEAU-FANTÔME DE Pierre LOTI: An analysis by Gilbert CORNU of a passage from Pierre Loti's "Pêcheur d'Islande," suggesting a possible UFO encounter or a paranormal experience.
• UN CAS EXCEPTIONNEL?: A discussion about a case mentioned by Major Donald E. Keyhoe involving an invisible UFO detected by radar.
• LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT: Editorial notes and publication details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as serious phenomena worthy of investigation. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the collection of detailed observational data. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded but cautious, acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject and the need for rigorous investigation. The publication aims to inform readers about UFO events, provide resources for research, and encourage participation in data collection. There's a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and highlighting unexplained aspects of sightings. The inclusion of literary accounts and historical cases suggests an interest in the broader context of the UFO phenomenon.