LDLN - No 208

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 208
Volume: 24th Year
Date: October 1981
Price: 7,50 F

This issue of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (Lights in the Night), a publication dedicated to the passionate search for truth in ufology and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles. The cover prominently features the headline "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems), hinting at the issue's core themes.

Articles and Content

"Pour une politique de la 'porte ouverte' en ufologie. Des 'phénomènes solaires' au phénomène OVNI" (3e partie) by Gilbert Cornu

This extensive article, the third part of a series, delves into the complex relationship between solar phenomena and UFO sightings, particularly in the context of religious apparitions. Cornu distinguishes between "private" solar phenomena, witnessed by small groups, and "mass" phenomena, observed by large crowds, citing Fatima as a prime example.

He analyzes the chronological and geographical distribution of these events, noting that mass phenomena often precede private ones. The article highlights the scarcity and often desperate poverty of documentation for mass solar phenomena, contrasting it with the more personal accounts of private sightings. Cornu discusses the challenges in gathering information, especially from regions with religious or political sensitivities, like Czechoslovakia.

A key point of discussion is the nature of the solar phenomena themselves. In private sightings, the sun often appears as a disk with unusual colors and behavior, sometimes described as a 'wheel of fire' or emitting multicolored sparks. In mass events like Fatima, the phenomenon is more dramatic, with the sun appearing to descend towards the earth, causing intense fear and awe. Cornu meticulously details the Fatima event, including the sun's apparent rotation, its descent, and the unusual atmospheric conditions, such as a violet sky and a sudden warmth.

He also touches upon the potential connection between these solar events and UFO sightings, referencing Paul Misraki's work and the enigmatic correspondences noted by ufologists. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study of these phenomena, rather than focusing on isolated aspects.

Science Fiction by Jean-Pierre Petit

This section shifts gears to explore theoretical physics and cosmology through a science fiction lens. Jean-Pierre Petit discusses the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity, particularly regarding speed and mass, and the seemingly insurmountable barrier of the speed of light for interstellar travel. He introduces the concept of 'twin universes' with opposite cosmic times, suggesting that black holes might serve as bridges between them.

Petit also delves into the geometry of the universe, referencing concepts like the Möbius strip and the idea of a 'folded' space. He proposes a model where matter and antimatter are separated into 'hemispheres' of the universe, with annihilation occurring at the 'equator.' The article touches upon the mystery of why matter still exists if matter and antimatter were created in equal amounts and annihilated each other.

"Confrontation dans le Haut-Rhin"

This section presents a detailed account of a UFO sighting by three witnesses: Mlle P. (27), M. L. (24), and Mme L. (19). The event occurred on April 9, 1980, between 11:30 PM and 11:50 PM, on Route D.56 II, near Kembs, France.

Mlle P., driving alone, reported seeing a bright, orange-red ball descending from the sky. The object appeared larger than the sun and seemed to hover, causing her car to stall and her to experience a sense of being pursued. She described the object as having a metallic, dull color, with intermittent red and white lights. Mr. and Mrs. L. also witnessed the phenomenon, describing it as a large, luminous ball.

The report includes detailed questions and answers, exploring the witness's experience, the car's malfunction, and the object's behavior. The phenomenon was described as having a size comparable to a house at a distance, and its movement was erratic, appearing to 'wobble' or lose balance. The witnesses noted the absence of any sounds or other unusual atmospheric effects, apart from the object's presence and the car's sudden failure.

"Y-a-t-il eu enlèvement à Sion-les-Mines ?" (2e partie)

This article, the second part of a series, continues the investigation into a possible abduction case in Sion-les-Mines, Loire-Atlantique. It likely details further witness testimonies, analysis of evidence, and attempts to reconstruct the events surrounding the alleged abduction.

"La vague italienne de 1978 - Phénomènes du 1er type (2) suite."

This ongoing series continues to examine the wave of UFO sightings in Italy in 1978, focusing on 'first type' phenomena, which typically involve sightings of unidentified objects in the sky.

"D'un livre à l'autre" and "Courrier"

These sections likely include reviews of relevant books and letters from readers, providing a platform for discussion and feedback within the ufology community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'Lumières dans la Nuit' maintains an open-minded yet critical approach to the study of UFOs and related phenomena. The editorial stance, as stated in the 'ligne de conduite' section, is to publish diverse viewpoints and encourage constructive debate based on ideas rather than personal attacks. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the pursuit of truth, even when dealing with complex and controversial subjects like religious apparitions and potential extraterrestrial encounters. The recurring themes of solar phenomena, their connection to UFOs, and the nature of reality itself are central to the publication's mission.

This issue of "Courrier" magazine, dated the 3rd quarter of 1981, delves into UFO phenomena with a focus on recent sightings and ongoing investigations. The publication, printed in France, presents a collection of witness testimonies, investigator notes, and analyses of UFO literature, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Key Sightings and Investigations

The magazine details several significant UFO encounters. The primary focus is on events from April 1980, particularly around the France-Switzerland border region.

Kembs and Rixheim Incidents (April 1980)

On Wednesday, April 9, 1980, between 23:55 and midnight, Mr. and Mrs. L. from Kembs reported an incident involving Mlle P. They described a luminous sphere in the sky near a water tower. Mr. L. initially dismissed it but later witnessed the phenomenon himself. The event involved a car being moved and a luminous sphere described as "exceptionally luminous and voluminous." The sphere had a white center with red lights around the perimeter and remained stationary for about 30 minutes. The witnesses noted the phenomenon was unlike an airplane and had distinct characteristics.

On Friday, April 11, 1980, around 23:10, Mr. and Mrs. D. in Rixheim also reported observing a similar phenomenon. They described a large, white sphere with red lights, which moved towards the Vosges mountains. A smaller red sphere detached from the main object and moved horizontally. The witnesses, accustomed to aircraft due to their proximity to an airport, stated the object bore no resemblance to a plane.

Allschwil Sightings (April 1980)

Two reports from Allschwil, Switzerland, detail sightings by M. Philippe Kellerhals and M. Pierre Schmidt. On Wednesday, April 9, 1980, at 23:50, Kellerhals observed a bright yellow sphere with red rays directed downwards, moving erratically. On Friday, April 11, 1980, at 23:50, he witnessed a similar phenomenon moving west.

Sion-les-Mines Case (December 1979)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an investigation in Sion-les-Mines, concerning a potential UFO-related abduction. The primary witness, M. Lucas, a mason, reported seeing a bright orange-red sphere near a car wreck on December 4, 1979. He described the sphere enveloping a preceding car in light and smoke, leading to speculation of an abduction. The investigators, MM. Chosson and Guinel, express skepticism about the abduction hypothesis, noting the lack of corroborating evidence and inconsistencies in the witness's account. They also mention that the car's electrical system malfunctioned afterward. Other witnesses, including Mlle Pinel, reported seeing a similar sphere but did not witness the alleged abduction.

Other Witness Accounts

Additional testimonies include those of Yannick Simon, who observed a slow-moving, uniform red sphere; Mme Geffriaud, who saw a bright light that moved horizontally; and Marie Madeleine Bouju, who reported a blinking, round object with a red light inside.

Meteorological Data

The issue includes detailed meteorological conditions for April 9 and 11, 1980, noting wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, and humidity, providing context for the observed phenomena.

Italian UFO Wave (1978)

The magazine also features a section on the Italian UFO wave of 1978, detailing numerous sightings across Italy. These include reports of luminous spheres, discs, and cigar-shaped objects exhibiting various behaviors such as hovering, rapid ascent, and unusual light emissions. Locations mentioned include Civitanova Marche, Naples, Bolzano, Torre delle Stelle, San Michele, Sassello, and Ostuni.

Analysis and Commentary

Investigator notes highlight the seriousness of the witnesses and the lack of electrical disturbances during some events. The quality of photographic evidence is discussed, with limitations noted for telephoto lenses. The magazine also touches upon radar echoes at Bale-Mulhouse airport on April 9, 1980, potentially linked to an unidentified aircraft or phenomenon.

Commentary by F. Lagarde critically examines the Sion-les-Mines abduction claim, questioning the witness's reliability and the evidence presented. He suggests alternative explanations and emphasizes the need for caution when interpreting such events.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

A substantial section is dedicated to recommending UFO-related books, covering a wide range of topics from historical accounts and scientific analyses to fictionalized narratives. Titles include works by Jacques Vallée, Henry Durrant, J.C. Bourret, and others, with brief descriptions and prices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the challenges of investigation, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the exploration of potential explanations, ranging from misidentification to more extraordinary hypotheses. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative tone, presenting evidence and witness accounts while also encouraging critical thinking and skepticism, particularly regarding sensational claims like abductions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, grounded in factual reporting and scientific analysis where possible.