LDLN - No 204

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 204
Volume: 24
Date: April 1981
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Country: France
Price: 7,50 F

Article 1: Nouvelles rencontres d'humanoïdes... une information qui nous vient de Chine

This article, authored by François Mummy, discusses recent reports of humanoid encounters in China, drawing from an article in "Le Monde dimanche" by Alain Jacob titled "Les sauvages du Hubei." The reports describe encounters with tall, hairy beings, some measuring up to 2.30 meters, with long red hair. Two specific encounters are detailed: one in February 1979 and another in August 1979. The article also mentions the discovery of unusually large footprints, measuring up to 48 cm long and 28 cm wide, with stride lengths reaching 2.50 meters. These findings are based on a report from the Chinese magazine "journal de la jeunesse" dated October 23, 1980, which in turn cites preliminary results from a scientific mission organized by the Wuhan Academy of Sciences. The article notes that such sightings have historical precedents in China, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century AD). It also touches upon the difficulties of scientific research in China due to ideological constraints, particularly during the Cultural Revolution. The author expresses a cautious optimism regarding the Chinese sources, hoping for confirmation from more established scientific publications. The article analyzes the locations of these encounters, describing the Hubei region as a mountainous and wooded area, not as remote as one might assume. It then delves into the details of the two recent testimonies: one from Li Guohua, who encountered a 2.30m tall hairy being while exploring, and another from Madame Zhou Xiangqun, who saw a similar figure while gathering herbs. Both accounts are presented with a degree of simplicity that the author finds lacking in detail for ufologists. The article also discusses the physical evidence, including footprints of varying sizes and hair samples, and analyzes potential anomalies in the witnesses' reactions, suggesting psychological factors or even deliberate misdirection by the phenomenon itself. The author highlights the 'elusive' nature of these beings, noting their tendency to be seen but not caught, and draws parallels with other UFO-related incidents where technology failed. The article concludes by questioning the true nature of these 'savages,' suggesting they might be related to the Yeti and that their existence poses a challenge to conventional scientific understanding.

Article 2: "Assiettes volantes" ou les ovni en Russie: A l'Est, du nouveau !

This extensive section, contributed by Jean Bastide, details numerous UFO sightings and phenomena reported in Russia from the 1950s to the 1970s. It begins by acknowledging the contributions of Russian researchers like Dr. Félix Youri Zigel and Valeri I. Sanarov, and highlights the risks taken by those who report such phenomena in Russia, where UFOs are officially unrecognized. The article recounts several specific incidents:

• Lumière Nocturne: L'Étoile Rouge (May 30, 1958): Several people at a small airfield in the Ural Mountains observed a reddish-pink, non-blinking star-like object exhibiting unusual flight patterns, including rapid acceleration and stopping.
• Des Perles dans le Ciel: This subsection compiles reports from pilot Valentin I. Akouratov and others, describing sightings of disk-shaped objects, some with pulsating edges, observed in various locations including Nijne Kolymsk and the Greenland sector. These objects were often described as pearl-colored and moved at high speeds.
• Des Sphères Volantes: This section details sightings of luminous spheres, some appearing to land, and others described as rose-colored with different diameters, observed in Ukraine and near Moscow.
• Les Disques: This part covers numerous disk sightings, including one in 1943 near Moscow involving a disk observed by Spanish soldiers during an aerial combat, and reports from Sverdlovsk in 1959 where a rocket base was visited by disk-shaped craft detected by radar.
• Objets Marins Non Identifiés: This section presents findings from Vladimir G. Azhazha, a member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, regarding UFO phenomena in the hydrosphere, including a luminous underwater object escorting a research vessel.
• OVNI en Panne: This subsection recounts an extraordinary incident where a UFO allegedly landed on a lake in the Vologodskaya Oblast, remained submerged for days, and then took off, causing significant disturbance to the shoreline.
• Des Croissants dans le Ciel: This part focuses on sightings of crescent-shaped luminous objects, particularly around September 19, 1967, observed by multiple witnesses in various locations, including Donetsk and near Moscow.

The article also discusses the scientific community's response in the Soviet Union, including the formation and subsequent dissolution of UFO study groups, and the critical stance taken by some academics, such as Lev A. Artsimovitch, who dismissed UFOs as sensationalist fabrications. It highlights the efforts of researchers like Dr. Zigel to document and study these phenomena despite official skepticism. The section concludes by touching upon theories about the nature of UFOs, including extraterrestrial origins and advanced technology, and briefly mentions the Bermuda Triangle and theories about its disappearances, dismissing a direct UFO link.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena, including sightings of humanoids and aerial objects, are real and warrant serious scientific investigation. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it challenges established scientific paradigms. The publication emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and historical records, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by official skepticism and the elusive nature of the phenomena themselves. There is a clear dedication to presenting information from various sources, including international reports, and to fostering a community of researchers dedicated to understanding these mysteries. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information and encouraging critical thinking about unexplained aerial phenomena and related subjects.

This issue of LDLN, dated July 1981, focuses on detailed investigations into UFO sightings and phenomena, primarily from France and Norway, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony and scientific analysis. The magazine presents multiple case studies, theoretical discussions, and book reviews related to the UFO topic.

Theorie du Contact Secret

The issue opens with an exploration of the 'secret contact' theory by Youri A. Fomine. He posits that extraterrestrials might engage in a passive form of contact, observing and gathering information without direct interaction, thereby allowing human evolution to proceed naturally. This hypothesis is supported by the idea that such methods are most effective when the passive partner's developmental level is relatively low, serving to stimulate their progress. The article references numerous sources suggesting past contacts through unexplained material vestiges and ancient texts.

Enquête de Philippe Caquet: Norvège

This section details a sighting that occurred on a Monday in December 1979, near Engerdal, Norway. The witnesses, Mr. and Mrs. Olsen and their daughter, observed a luminous object described as being about one-fifth the size of the moon. The object exhibited slow movement, sudden stops, oscillations, and rapid acceleration, all without apparent order. Its height was estimated at 150 meters. The witnesses, experienced farmers, were deemed credible. The report notes that the observation was communicated three months later, making precise dating difficult, and the witnesses had not taken notes.

Enquête d'Henri Julien: Phénomène lumineux au-dessus de l'Esterel (Var)

This report from August 1979 describes an observation by two young witnesses, Maurice X. (12 years old) and Patrick R. (17 years old), in Saint-Raphaël, France. They saw a bright light moving slowly across the horizon for 4-5 minutes. Using binoculars, they observed a brilliant yellow-white center surrounded by a corona that shifted from orange to incarnate. The corona appeared to be made of closely packed, curving rays, giving the impression of rotation. Irregular, bright sparks or 'flashes' were also seen. The phenomenon's distance was estimated between 2 and 5 km. The investigator notes that the Esterel region is not typically frequented by aircraft at night and that navigation would be dangerous due to the irregular terrain. The report also mentions a subsequent observation by Madame Olsen on April 3, 1980, of a luminous ball descending erratically.

Enquête de Didier Brière et Jean-Marie Crevel: A Fourmetot (Eure)

This investigation from September 23, 1980, in Fourmetot, France, involves a witness, Monsieur Philippe Tuvahe, who reported seeing a large, luminous object behind the church steeple. The object, described as oval and orange, rose vertically, emitting electrical discharges like lightning, and then moved rapidly horizontally. The witness estimated its size to be comparable to the width of the steeple and noted its metallic appearance. He also reported that his car watch and wristwatch stopped functioning during the observation, and he experienced eye irritation for four days. The witness, initially skeptical of UFOs, believed he had observed a sophisticated Russian or American craft.

Enquête de J.-P. Bailly-Maitre: Cesson - la - Forêt (Seine-et-Marne)

This report from July 26, 1980, in Cesson-la-Forêt, France, details an observation by a 13-year-old boy, Stéphane Evrard. While standing in his garage, he saw a metallic object with a brilliant white beam of light underneath, moving rapidly and silently. The object appeared to be about 200 meters high and disappeared suddenly, as if 'erased'. The witness, who has a strong interest in archaeology, stated he was certain it was not an airplane or helicopter. His brother, Eric, who was also present, believed it to be a special type of aircraft. The investigator notes that Stéphane has only recently become interested in UFOs and is convinced by his experience.

Dominique de Tarragon: Les anges sont-ils des extra-terrestres?

This section presents a theological debate, responding to an article by M. Marquis. The author, Dominique de Tarragon, argues that biblical 'angels' or 'celestial creatures' could be interpreted as extraterrestrials, citing passages where angels appear physical, eat with humans, and engage in physical struggles. She contrasts this with the idea of angels as purely spiritual beings and suggests that many biblical accounts of phenomena could be interpreted as UFO-related, such as 'flying chariots' and luminous beings.

Book Reviews and Selections

Several book reviews and selections are featured:

• "UFO PHENOMENA AND THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST" by Gilles Smiena: This review praises the collective work as one of the best on UFO phenomena, highlighting its scientific rigor and contributions from leading researchers. It is noted as being dense and requiring a dictionary for French readers.
• "Une nouvelle façon d'apprendre par l'image, sans larmes, en s'amusant" by Michel Figuet: This section reviews a series of educational comic books (Le GEOMETRICON, SI ON VOLAIT?, and I'INFORMATIQUE) by Anselme LANTURLU, which explain complex scientific concepts like geometry, fluid mechanics, and informatics in an accessible and entertaining way.
• NOS LIVRES SELECTIONNES: A comprehensive list of books available for purchase through LDLN, covering various aspects of UFO research, extraterrestrial encounters, and related scientific and historical topics. Titles include works by Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, Aimé Michel, J. Allen Hynek, and others.

Other Sections

• NOS ACTIVITÉS: This section outlines how readers can become investigators, receive official investigator cards, and access resources like documentation sheets and technical plans for building detection equipment. It also solicits contributions of stamps and information for archives.
• Courrier: This section contains reader contributions, including a letter from G. Dagnaux discussing a personal UFO sighting that caused his wife to become temporarily paralyzed with fear, and a letter from M. Jean-Baptiste providing corrections and references for a previous article.
• Précisions: This section offers corrections and clarifications regarding previously published articles, including details about publication dates, object descriptions, and scientific measurement methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, scientific approach to UFO research, encouraging detailed investigations and critical analysis. It emphasizes the importance of witness testimony while also seeking scientific explanations and theoretical frameworks. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging constructive debate and the exchange of ideas rather than personal attacks. The publication aims to provide a platform for in-depth research and discussion on UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from more sensationalist approaches.