LDLN - No 200

Magazine Overview

'Lumières dans la Nuit' is a French monthly magazine dedicated to the investigation of UFO phenomena and related mysteries. This issue, number 200, published in December 1980, is the 23rd year of publication and features a prominent cover story on the Valensole incident. The magazine emphasizes passionate research and the pursuit of truth, aiming to shed light on the unknown.

Main Articles and Features

"Retour sur l'affaire de Valensole (1ère partie)" by Pierre Guérin

This extensive article revisits the famous Valensole UFO incident of July 1, 1965. Guérin, an investigator, details the event from the perspective of the witness, Maurice M..., a lavender farmer. The incident involved a landed UFO, two small, non-human occupants, and the witness's subsequent temporary paralysis. Guérin meticulously reconstructs the events, including M...'s initial report to the gendarmerie and his more detailed account given later. He analyzes the physical evidence, such as the landing traces (a circular depression with a central hole and grooves), and the unusual soil composition. The article critically examines 'reductionist' explanations proposed by other ufologists, such as D. Caudron, who suggested the event was a hallucination induced by the sun or a misidentification of a vehicle or helicopter. Guérin refutes these theories by highlighting inconsistencies and the lack of supporting evidence, emphasizing the witness's sincerity and the objective nature of some of the evidence.

Guérin also discusses the psychological effects on the witness, including prolonged sleepiness and hand tremors, which lasted for several months. He argues that M...'s behavior and statements, particularly his later reluctance to fully disclose details, suggest a 'contactee' experience rather than a simple sighting. The article stresses the importance of rigorous historical methodology in UFO research, criticizing superficial approaches that rely on speculation rather than documented evidence.

"Des Extra-Terrestres dans la Bible ?" by Reginald Marquis

Reginald Marquis explores the controversial interpretation of biblical texts as evidence of extraterrestrial visits. He addresses the claims made by some ufologists who interpret passages like the 'sons of God' in Genesis or the description of Ezekiel's 'chariot' as encounters with UFOs and aliens. Marquis, drawing on his background in biblical studies, argues for more traditional theological and historical interpretations. He suggests that terms like 'Elohim' can refer to God in a majestic plural or to pagan deities, and that descriptions of divine interventions often employ symbolic and poetic language rather than literal accounts of technology.

Marquis critiques the tendency to impose modern concepts onto ancient texts, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context. He cites scholars like Father François Russo and Cardinal Daniélou, who, while acknowledging the reality of the UFO phenomenon, caution against forcing extraterrestrial explanations onto biblical narratives. Marquis concludes that while the existence of extraterrestrial life is not denied by theology, biblical accounts are best understood as religious and spiritual narratives, not as scientific reports.

"Les ovni du passé" by Nicolas Greslou

Nicolas Greslou, a historian, outlines a rigorous methodology for researching UFO phenomena in historical records. He criticizes the superficial approach of many ufologists who cite historical accounts without proper verification or archival research. Greslou stresses the importance of distinguishing between historical fact and 'history-fiction,' particularly in the context of ancient texts and medieval documents.

He details the challenges of researching different historical periods: the availability of sources for Antiquity, the scarcity of written records and the need for paleography skills for the Middle Ages, and the increasing availability of printed materials for the Modern and Contemporary periods. Greslou advocates for meticulous documentation, the creation of detailed research notes, and the use of archival services. He warns against the tendency to interpret historical events through a modern lens and emphasizes the need for a critical, analytical approach to historical evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, evidence-based approach to UFO research, contrasting with what it terms 'reductionist' or speculative interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and rigorous investigation. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of genuine UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence, but demands thorough documentation and critical analysis. The magazine aims to provide readers with well-researched articles that shed light on mysteries, rather than resorting to sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth through diligent investigation and a respect for historical methodology.

This issue of L'Écho des Recherches, published in 1981, focuses on UFO and paranormal phenomena, with a significant investigation into an incident in Séverac-le-Château, France. The magazine also includes reports from Ostricourt and Feignies, historical UFO sightings from Italy and France, a book review on cancer research suppression, and a review of a book detailing a purported extraterrestrial encounter.

Séverac-le-Château Incident

The primary focus is on an event that occurred on August 1, 1979, around 8:30 PM in Séverac-le-Château. Witnesses, including M. Bourrel and Mme Nibelle, reported seeing a luminous object. M. Bourrel described it as large, brighter than a first-magnitude star but smaller than the moon, moving erratically and with an irregular trajectory. He initially thought it might be a piece of a satellite re-entering the atmosphere. The object then disappeared, leaving behind a cloud-like formation. This was followed by significant electrical phenomena, including intense sparks and power fluctuations, affecting the local electrical grid.

Mme Nibelle reported that the sparks originated from electrical junction boxes and lasted for about a minute, then resumed. She cut off the main power to her house for about two minutes. The streetlights also dimmed and went out. The electrical company (EDF) later attributed the incident to a 'partial cable rupture,' but the timing and nature of the repair, occurring hours after the phenomena ceased, raised questions for the investigators.

The area of Séverac-le-Château is described as having a complex geological and historical environment, with nearby menhirs, Gallo-Roman vestiges, extinct volcanoes, and schists.

Ostricourt and Feignies Sightings

Two other significant cases are detailed:

Ostricourt (Nord) - August 8, 1975

Three witnesses, including a 17-year-old student and her 7-year-old brother, reported seeing a luminous object descending in a curve. They went to investigate and observed a bright, reddish-yellow object shaped like an overturned plate with flashing red and orange lights. Two humanoid figures, approximately 1.50 meters tall, with a robot-like, angular appearance, emerged from the object and moved horizontally close to the ground. The figures emitted a strong white light. The witnesses fled in fear. Later, they found a circular area of scorched ground where the object had reportedly been.

Feignies (Nord) - September 23, 1979

Around 5 AM, witnesses observed a luminous object, described as a greenish toupie with rotating red and green lights, moving towards the horizon. Later, a similar object appeared near a streetlight, blinking and approaching. It transformed into a bright white mass with red and green lights. The object then extinguished, became dark, and ascended with a reddish trail. The witnesses also reported a close encounter with the object near the ground, which they described as being about 4 meters in diameter.

Historical UFO Reports

The issue includes a compilation of numerous UFO sightings from Italy during September 1979, cataloged by location and date. These reports describe various objects, including spherical, cylindrical, triangular, and disc-shaped craft, often with luminous effects and unusual movements. Notable locations include Caserta, Nuoro, Cagliari, Agrigento, Siracusa, and Bolzano.

Additionally, historical accounts are presented, including a reference to Pliny the Elder's 'Natural History' describing a phenomenon interpreted as a possible UFO sighting in 678/76 BC. Another example cites Tacitus' 'Annals' mentioning a 'phoenix' accompanied by a procession of birds attracted by its strange form, and a reference to a 1743 sighting in Anglesey, Wales, of a silent, flying vessel observed by farmers, with birds gathering around it.

Book Reviews

"Ces condamnés qui auraient pu être sauvés" by Charles Garreau

This review discusses a book that highlights the work of three scientists—Professor Villequez, Professor Estripeaut, and Doctor Solomides—who developed methods for early cancer detection and treatment. The review alleges that these scientists faced significant opposition and persecution from the medical establishment, hindering the widespread adoption of their discoveries, which are claimed to have saved thousands of lives. The book also touches upon the genetic basis of cancer, referencing the discovery of reverse transcription by Temin and Baltimore.

"Rencontre avec les Extra-terrestres" by Rose C.

This review examines a book by Madame Rose C., who claims to have had encounters with extraterrestrials. The reviewer notes her history of paranormal phenomena, including premonitions and visions, which lend credibility to her account. The book describes an encounter in April 1952 where Rose C. allegedly met three tall extraterrestrials and saw a large, circular craft. The reviewer suggests that while the account is extraordinary, it warrants consideration due to the accompanying paranormal events and the detailed analysis by ufologist Charles Gouiran.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous historical research in ufology, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach. It highlights the need for detailed documentation, cross-referencing sources, and critical analysis of witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking to uncover the truth behind unexplained phenomena while acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and vested interests, particularly in the medical and scientific communities. There's a recurring theme of suppressed discoveries and the struggle against established paradigms.

Conclusion

The issue concludes with a call for collaboration within the UFO research community, including information on how to submit findings and a promotion for a magnetic detection device. The overall tone is one of dedicated inquiry into the UFO phenomenon and related unexplained events, encouraging readers to contribute to the collective effort of understanding these mysteries.

This document is a catalog or selection of books offered by Librairie VALLAT, which has taken over from Librairie SCHRACK. Titled "NOS LIVRES SELECTIONNES" (Our Selected Books), it functions as a specialized bookstore's offering, focusing heavily on the subject of UFOs (Objets Volants Non Identifiés), extraterrestrial phenomena, and related science fiction. The publication date is indicated as the fourth quarter of 1980, with a "Dépôt légal" (legal deposit) in the same period. The director of publication is R. VEILLITH, and the printing was done by Imprimerie Imprilux in St-Etienne.

Book Selections

The core of the document is a comprehensive list of books available for order. Each entry includes the title, author(s), a brief description, and the price in French Francs (F). The descriptions highlight the content and appeal of each book, often mentioning specific chapters, themes, or the author's approach.

Key Authors and Works:

• Jacques Vallee is featured with "LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE" (The Invisible College), described as thought-provoking with chapters on psychic components, the triple camouflage, and the control system. He is also credited with "CHRONIQUES DES APPARITIONS EXTRA-TERRESTRES" (Chronicles of Extraterrestrial Appearances).
• Henry Durrant offers "LE LIVRE NOIR DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (The Black Book of Flying Saucers) and "LES DOSSIERS DES O.V.N.I.S." (The UFO Files), the latter being presented as even more interesting than the former.
• Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi are prominent with several works in comic strip format, including "LES DOSSIERS DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (The Flying Saucer Files), praised for its excellent illustrations and appeal to both young and old readers. They also offer "OVNI, DIMENSION AUTRE" (UFO, Another Dimension) and "CEUX VENUS D'AILLEURS" (Those Who Come From Elsewhere), the latter being a continuation of the previous comic book.
• J.C. Bourret has multiple entries: "LA SCIENCE FACE AUX EXTRA-TERRESTRES" (Science Facing Extraterrestrials), "LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (The New Wave of Flying Saucers), which includes interviews from the "France-Inter" radio show, and "LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI" (The New UFO Challenge), featuring reports from gendarmes.
• J. Allen Hynek, a well-known figure in UFO research, is represented by "LES OVNIS: MYTHE OU REALITE ?" (UFOs: Myth or Reality?), described as a scientifically rigorous work and a valuable resource for investigators.
• Bertrand Meheust contributes "SCIENCE FICTION ET SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (Science Fiction and Flying Saucers), noted for its intellectual depth.
• Other authors and their works include P. Kohler on astronomy, Pierre Vieroudy on UFOs and the concept of the superhuman, Jean Bastide on UFO memory, R. Roussel on the secret of UFOs, Aimé Michel on mysterious celestial objects, David Saunders, C. Poher, P. Guérin, J.P. Petit, J.J. Walter, Ch. Garreau, R. Lavier, Franck Edwards, Lon Hobana, J. Weverbergh, Donal E. Keyhoe, François Gardes, Leonard Stringfield, Ch. Piens, M. Figuet, J.L. Ruchon, Antonio Ribera, Th. Pinvdinc, Ch. De Zan, and Rose C.

Book Descriptions and Themes:

The descriptions often emphasize the scientific rigor, investigative approach, or thought-provoking nature of the books. Some titles suggest a focus on specific aspects like the psychological impact of UFOs, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, the history of sightings, or the potential military implications. Several books are presented in comic strip or illustrated formats, indicating an effort to make the subject accessible to a wider audience.

Ordering Information:

Customers are instructed to send their orders, along with payment, to Librairie VALLAT at the address in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. The store notes that delivery times can vary and that customers will be informed if there are delays. Only the books listed are available for order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are overwhelmingly UFOs, flying saucers, and extraterrestrial visitors. The editorial stance, as presented through the selection of books, is one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation, documented cases, and critical analysis, while also acknowledging the speculative and science-fictional aspects of the subject. The inclusion of works by respected researchers like Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek, alongside more popular formats like comic books, suggests an aim to cater to both serious researchers and a broader public interested in the mystery of UFOs.

The magazine, through its book selection, positions itself as a resource for those seeking information and deeper understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena and the possibility of life beyond Earth.