LDLN - No 207

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 207
Volume: 24e ANNÉE
Date: August-September 1981
Price: 7,50 F
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), number 207 from August-September 1981, is dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." It features a cover illustration depicting a rural scene with a distinctive metallic, disc-shaped object resting on a hillside, hinting at the content within.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The magazine's table of contents highlights several key articles and investigations:

• "Pour une politique de la 'porte ouverte' en ufologie. Des 'phénomènes solaires' au phénomène OVNI" (For a 'open door' policy in ufology. From 'solar phenomena' to the UFO phenomenon): This multi-part series, continuing from a previous issue, explores the potential links between unusual solar events and UFO sightings. The article delves into detailed witness accounts of solar phenomena that deviate significantly from normal astronomical observations. It discusses how these events, often perceived as religious or miraculous, might share characteristics with UFO encounters. The author, Gilbert Cornu, meticulously analyzes witness descriptions, comparing them to known UFO case files and suggesting a common underlying cause or connection.
• Part 1: The ambiance and the beginning of the phenomenon: This section describes how solar phenomena often precede or coincide with Marian apparitions. It details how the sky might clear unnaturally, or how strange, colored clouds appear. The author notes the difficulty in explaining these occurrences and emphasizes the need for precise witness descriptions.
• Part 2: The immediate environment of the sun during the phenomenon: This part contrasts two types of witness perceptions: some see abnormal sky coloration (blues, reds, greens), while others report seeing the night sky with stars even during the day. This discrepancy is presented as a significant puzzle.
• Part 3: Luminosity and variations in the sun's appearance: Witnesses describe the sun becoming 'white and matte,' easily observable without fatigue. The appearance then changes rapidly, with colors like pink, grey, and blue-azure. Some describe the sun as appearing 'on fire' or like a 'mass in fusion,' with internal movements and pulsations, leading to interpretations of 'life' or an 'invisible presence.'
• Part 4: Nested discs behind each other: Some witnesses report seeing two solar discs, one slightly larger than the other, with the central disc appearing through a narrow band of the outer one. This suggests a complex visual phenomenon.
• Part 5: The rotation of the solar disc: The article details how the visible part of the sun appears to rotate, sometimes alternating directions and reaching 'extraordinary speed.' This rotation is linked to the formation of colorful, concentric circles.
• Part 6: Rays, sparks, flashes... or other 'sheets of fire': Following the formation of colored circles, other phenomena are described, including flashes, sparks, and rays emanating from the sun. One particularly detailed account describes 'geometric figures' projected by blue bars, with shadows visible on the snow, suggesting a physical manifestation.
• Part 7: Multicolored concentric circles: As the sun rotates rapidly, witnesses observe luminous, concentric circles of various colors forming on its periphery.
• Part 8: Rays, sparks, flashes... or other 'sheets of fire': This section continues the description of phenomena accompanying the colored circles, including flashes, sparks, and rays of different colors. A detailed case describes 'SOS' signals and blue bars projected from the sun, casting shadows, leading to the conclusion that it was not a collective hallucination.
• Part 9: The end of the solar phenomenon: The end of these solar events is described as rapid, sometimes involving a 'tilting' of the sky or the stars fading as clouds close in. The duration varies from 10 minutes to over an hour.
• Part 10: Reactions on the landscape and witnesses: The article notes that the phenomena can affect the landscape, with colors appearing on buildings and the ground, and even causing temporary distortions or disappearances of objects. Witness reactions range from fascination to fear.
• Part 11: Other details to note: This section includes observations of other globes near the sun, lateral movements of the sun, and instances where the sun appeared to 'double' or 'split in two.' It also mentions variations in temperature, including sudden cold.

Conclusions of the second part of the investigation: The author concludes that the solar phenomenon is real, confirmed by numerous testimonies, and not solely a psychological effect. He suggests it is not originating from the sun itself but rather from an external source, possibly utilizing solar radiation. The phenomenon appears to have a technological basis and implies an 'organizing intelligence.' The article also acknowledges the psychological implications for witnesses and the existence of 'waves' of such phenomena.

• "Atterrissage d'un engin non identifié à Trans-en-Provence (Var)" (Landing of an unidentified craft in Trans-en-Provence (Var)): This article, by M. Julien, details an investigation into a UFO landing that occurred on January 8, 1981, around 5:40 PM in Trans-en-Provence, Var, France. The witness, Mr. Nicolai, described a dark grey, matte, disc-shaped object descending silently. He observed it from approximately 80 meters away. The object was described as ovular, with two unequal hemispheres separated by a flat rim. It landed on a hardened earth platform. After a brief observation, the object rose silently, leaving behind compacted ground traces. The investigation team, including gendarmes, collected soil samples. The article includes detailed descriptions of the ground traces, noting their regularity, striations, and the absence of vegetation damage beyond the immediate area. The witness also reported seeing four accessories under the craft as it ascended. The article speculates on the nature of the object and the traces, ruling out conventional aircraft or vehicles.

• "COMMENTAIRES DE F. LAGARDE" (Comments by F. Lagarde): This section provides additional context and data related to UFO observations in the region around Trans-en-Provence. F. Lagarde includes a map showing numerous observation sites and dates within a 12 km radius, dating back to 1945. He highlights a concentration of sightings in the Var region, suggesting that the environment might play a role in these phenomena. He also notes the proximity of seismic activity and high-voltage power lines to some observation sites.

• "Nouvelles récentes (condensé de presse)" (Recent News - Press Summary): This section compiles brief reports of recent UFO sightings from various French regions, including Saint-Quentin (Aisne), Îles aux Moines and Île d'Arz (Morbihan), Ardres (Pas-de-Calais), Neuville and Vouillé (Vienne), and Vévey and Crançot (Jura). These reports describe various luminous objects, spheres, and disc-shaped craft.

• "St-Maxime (Var)" (Saint-Maxime (Var)): This is an investigation by Pierre Dumont into an observation from August 1964. A witness, M. Patrice Faillet, described a cigar-shaped object with sharp edges, white-grey in color, with streaks and points, hovering immobile for about twenty minutes over Saint-Maxime during strong mistral winds. The object's stillness contrasted with the movement of the clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysterious nature of UFOs and their potential connection to other anomalous phenomena, particularly unusual solar events. The magazine adopts an "open door" policy, presenting witness testimonies and investigative findings without immediately jumping to conclusions, while encouraging critical analysis and discussion. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the collection of detailed evidence, and the open exchange of ideas among researchers and readers. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between ufology, solar phenomena, and even religious apparitions, suggesting a complex, interconnected reality that challenges conventional understanding. The recurring mention of 'waves' of sightings and the idea of a 'revealer' linked to terrestrial conditions points towards an ongoing search for underlying causes and patterns in these unexplained events.

This issue of 'L.D.L.N. - A.A.M.T.' features an in-depth investigation into the mysterious traces discovered in Charvieu, Isère, France, titled 'Traces à Charvieu (Isère)'. The article, authored by Michel Figuet, details the circumstances of the discovery, witness testimonies, and the subsequent investigation.

Charvieu Incident

The incident occurred on July 19, 1977, when farmer Pierre Latreille, while operating his combine harvester, noticed a peculiar formation in a wheat field near 'Le Plan'. He initially suspected a fallen munition but later alerted the gendarmerie. The gendarmerie of Pont-de-Chéruy and the air gendarmerie from Satolas arrived on July 20th. An excavation was performed by a masonry company (Toffoleti) using a mechanical shovel to take measurements and photographs of the central hole and surrounding marks. The gendarmerie concluded, reportedly, that it was caused by lightning, a conclusion disputed by the article's author.

Pierre Latreille stated that contrary to a press report in 'Dauphiné-Libéré', there were no burn marks on the wheat or the soil. The author, Michel Figuet, along with M. Chaloin, visited the site on July 20th, noting the fresh disturbance of the soil within a 5-meter diameter. The soil composition was described as arable land to 20cm, then clay and pebbles down to one meter, followed by gravel and sand. Soil samples were taken but deemed compromised due to the excavation.

Description of the Traces

The traces consisted of a circular cuvette, 1.20 meters in diameter, with wheat stalks tilted but not flattened. In the center, the wheat had disappeared. No animal or human tracks led to the site. The cuvette was 10 centimeters deep in the center. Two distinct levels were visible. At the center was a vertical hole, 12 cm in diameter and 80 cm deep, which was prolonged by an oblique hole of the same diameter and 60 cm long, oriented towards the East. On the excavation, two marks, 50 cm long and 5 cm deep, were observed on a 12 cm width (the diameter of the central hole). One mark was oriented towards the Northeast, the other towards the Southeast. No powder was discovered by witnesses or the gendarmerie.

Witness Accounts of Aerial Phenomena

During a follow-up investigation on July 25, 1977, the Pont-de-Chéruy brigade reported that a witness and his wife had observed a red ball moving towards 'Le Plan' on July 17th at 22:30 and again on July 22nd at 23:00. These witnesses, from Villette d'Anton (7 km north of the site), wished to remain anonymous.

Comparative Cases

The article then draws parallels with similar cases:

Valensole (1965)

On July 1, 1965, in Valensole, an agricultural worker discovered traces after returning to the site of a previous observation. The traces included a circular mark, a cylindrical imprint, and six radiating furrows. The soil was damp, and a mauve powder was found in the furrows and in cylindrical pits within them. Analysis of the powder suggested it was silica with signs of fusion at high temperatures, though this contradicted the absence of fire traces.

Marliens (1967)

On May 5, 1967, the mayor of Marliens discovered a strange disturbance of the soil in a clover field, described as a convex polygon with radiating furrows. The central part was a shallow cuvette, and the soil was dry. No signs of fire or heat were present.

Lay-sur-le-Doubs (1978)

Details of this case are not fully elaborated in this section but are mentioned as being aligned with Charvieu and Marliens.

Official Investigations and Conclusions

In all these cases, gendarmerie investigations were conducted. The author notes that in 1978, he received a reply from Claude Poher, then director of GEPAN, who concluded that Charvieu and Marliens might be cases of lightning strikes. However, the author questions this conclusion, especially regarding the widespread nature of the phenomena and the lack of localized damage typical of lightning.

Analysis of the Mauve Powder

An analysis of the mauve powder from the Valensole case indicated it was silica with rounded edges, suggesting a minimum temperature of 1500 degrees, possibly indicating fusion. However, a later analysis by specialists at the Faculty of Sciences in Dijon yielded similar results but noted that the vegetation was dried but not carbonized, contradicting the fusion theory. The widespread distribution of the powder also argued against a lightning strike.

Other Cases and Observations

The article also briefly mentions other cases from Italy in 1978, including:

• Porto Valtravaglia (1978): A man and woman reported a strange 'box' object that paralyzed them, emitted a sound, and then took off, leaving a dry patch of earth.
• San Gimignano (1978): A man saw a 'flying saucer' land 300 meters from his house.
• Faedis (1978): Two people saw a strange light that intensified into an object, causing their car to malfunction.
• Sesto Fiorentino (1978): A young couple experienced radio interference and a violet halo around a car.
• Ciseriis (1978): Multiple sightings of flying objects, including a landing and an encounter with a tall, luminous creature.
• Villamare di Sapri (1978): Sightings of conical objects, whirlwinds, and luminous spheres.
• Voltri (1978): Observation of three red, sparkling saucer-shaped objects.
• Farneto (1978): A witness saw a red-orange sphere land and then reappear.
• Naples (1978): A witness observed a stationary hemispherical object emitting intense white-orange light and a beam towards the ground.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these cases include unusual ground traces (circular depressions, holes, burnt areas), luminous aerial objects (spheres, discs, unusual shapes), and witness accounts of strange phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts of sightings and investigations while questioning official explanations and highlighting the need for further research into these unexplained events. The article emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and objective analysis, even when dealing with seemingly extraordinary claims.