LDLN - No 210

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), issue number 210 from December 1981, is dedicated to "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The magazine, in its 24th year of publication, is presented as a monthly review (with combined issues for summer months) committed to uncovering the truth about UFOs (OVNI).

Article 1: The Point on Animal Mutilations (Part 3)

This extensive article, authored by Jean Sider, critically examines the phenomenon of animal mutilations, particularly focusing on the official investigation in New Mexico led by former FBI agent Kenneth Rommel. Sider expresses deep skepticism towards the official conclusion that wild animals were responsible, viewing it as a deliberate act of "disinformation" to conceal the true nature of these events. He cites the high cost of the investigation ($50,000) and the prolonged duration as evidence of an attempt to bury the issue. The article highlights the widespread criticism of Rommel's report from New Mexico newspapers and Senator Harrison Schmitt.

Sider then shifts focus to Canada, detailing a "wave" of animal mutilations that began in May 1979 and intensified in September, particularly in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Unlike in the US, Canadian newspapers reportedly gave significant attention to these incidents, suggesting the involvement of human perpetrators rather than natural predators. The article quotes various Canadian officials and experts, including Dr. David Green (veterinarian), Dr. Alan Aycock (anthropologist), and Dr. Robert Weyant (psychologist), who offer differing perspectives, ranging from ritualistic cults to potential extraterrestrial involvement.

The article also includes a news clipping from the "SUN" in Edmonton, Alberta, dated June 11, 1980, titled "We'll shoot mutilators," reflecting the ranchers' frustration and vow to take matters into their own hands. The piece details specific cases, such as a bull with its tongue cut out and another with its hindquarters removed. The involvement of the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) is noted, along with their ongoing investigation.

Further testimonies from Canadian officials like Mr. John Wise (Minister of Agriculture) and Professor William Meilen (University of Alberta) are presented. Meilen suggests the involvement of aerial means and advanced technology, avoiding the term "UFO" but implying non-human intelligence. Corporal Lyn Lauber of the RCMP expresses skepticism about UFO involvement, leaning towards organized human groups, possibly satanic cults, while dismissing the idea of sexual deviants or aliens.

The article then delves into the "Snippy" case from 1967 in Alamosa, Colorado, which Kenneth Rommel attempted to debunk. Sider meticulously dissects the contradictory official reports concerning Snippy's death (bullet wounds, lightning, infection), arguing that Rommel selectively used evidence to support his disinformation agenda. He points out the improbability of the explanations and highlights the testimony of the horse's owner and witnesses who observed the carcass before decomposition set in.

Sider criticizes Rommel's dismissal of evidence such as the absence of blood, the lack of predator activity, and the precise nature of the wounds, which he argues are inconsistent with natural causes. He contrasts Rommel's conclusions with numerous newspaper reports from various US states that describe the mutilations as baffling and potentially linked to cults or unknown forces.

Article 2: Science-Fiction (Part 3 - Conclusion)

Authored by Jean-Pierre Petit, this section explores theoretical concepts related to physics and cosmology, potentially linked to UFO phenomena. Petit discusses the idea of "twin universes" and their connection through black holes. He proposes a model where matter and energy are conserved through transfers between these universes, explaining how objects might appear to move at relativistic speeds or instantaneously.

The article touches upon the conservation of energy-matter, suggesting that objects appearing in the "twin universe" would possess kinetic energy due to their apparent speed. Petit also introduces the concept of "tétramodale" logic, which considers spatial orientation from two different perspectives (the universe and its twin).

He then applies these concepts to gravitation, referencing Poisson's equation and Einstein's cosmological constant. Petit suggests that the "ghost" of the twin universe might explain repulsive forces. He proposes that the structure of galaxies can be calculated using a "gemellar" (twin) perspective, where the potential returns to zero.

The author then discusses the propulsion of UFOs, positing that they do not use conventional propulsion but rather exploit the principle of energy-matter conservation by transferring between universes. This transfer, he explains, results in a loss of mass being converted into kinetic energy, allowing for apparent rapid movement.

Article 3: Investigation in Charente-Maritime

This report by M. Pascal Grousset details an observation made by Madame Marie-José Barrathe in Villeneuve des Salines (near La Rochelle) around June 1974. Madame Barrathe described a brilliant, metallic object descending vertically, emitting a substance resembling smoke or fire. The object then ascended rapidly, performed zig-zag maneuvers, and disappeared among the clouds. The witness initially thought it was a falling airplane but dismissed the idea due to the object's rapid ascent and lack of noise. She noted traces left in the sky resembling contrails.

Article 4: Investigation near Crépy en Valois (Oise)

Authored by Pascal Poral, this investigation recounts an event on January 2, 1980, involving the Paklikowski family and Mr. Alain Bel. Witnesses observed a large, orange-yellow sphere ascending from a field, changing color to lighter shades and becoming more elongated. The object moved towards Crépy en Valois, passed over agricultural buildings, and then exploded with a bright flash, disappearing behind trees. The witnesses reported no unusual sensations. The local gendarmes investigated and found no immediate evidence, but later discovered a trace on the ground, described as black, burned substance with vegetation absent. Samples were sent for analysis.

Article 5: Diurnal Observation of a Metallic Sphere in Magny (Moselle)

This report details an observation on March 30, 1981, in Magny, where a group of residents witnessed a metallic sphere moving low over their neighborhood. The object, described as changing colors (red, blue, black), hovered for about fifteen minutes before ascending rapidly and disappearing into the clouds. The report notes that local press and gendarmes were informed, and the gendarmerie opened an investigation. A letter from the National Meteorology Station in Tomblaine confirmed that no weather balloons were launched and that the sky was cloudy with intermittent rain on the day of the observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and the phenomenon of animal mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, challenging official explanations and suggesting the possibility of cover-ups or disinformation campaigns. There is a clear interest in presenting witness testimonies and investigative reports, even when they involve complex or theoretical explanations. The magazine also engages with speculative science-fiction concepts that may relate to UFO phenomena, such as parallel universes and advanced propulsion systems. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth in the face of mystery and official obfuscation.

This issue of 'Enquête du Cercle Vosgien LDLN' (Bulletin N° 4), dated February 1977, focuses on UFO investigations, with a prominent article titled 'A Golbey dans les Vosges'. It also includes reports from Saint-Quentin (Aisne), the Cantal region, and Faymoreau (Vendée), as well as an investigation into UFO sightings in Portugal and a review of the Italian UFO wave of 1978.

A Saint-Quentin (Aisne)

This section details an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on Sunday, April 26, 1981, around 10 PM. Two witnesses, Madame Léonce S. (59, retired) and Monsieur Maurice D. (49, police officer), independently reported observing a luminous red ball moving from Southwest to Northeast, against the wind. Madame S. described it as a bright, incandescent ball with clear contours, which changed shape, flattening into a white light resembling an arc weld. She also noted sparks falling from the object. Monsieur D. corroborated the observation of a red ball with clear contours, also reporting sparks falling from it. He stated the object did not change color or shape. Both witnesses were initially skeptical of UFOs but became convinced by their experience. The meteorological conditions at the time were noted: Force 12 wind, 4 m/s, visibility 12 km, cloudy sky, 92% humidity, and a temperature of 4.6°C.

A Golbey dans les Vosges

This report, dated February 22, 1977, describes an encounter by a 13-year-old boy, T..B.., who observed a strange light descending from the sky. Using 10x50 binoculars, he described the object as appearing like a 'space capsule' with a diffuse red zone underneath, possibly propulsion, and blinking green-orange lights. The object was described as dark and material, with an apparent size of 1mm at arm's length. It hovered silently and then stabilized. The report notes that the witness was not interested in UFOs and had never read specialized books on the subject. A second, identical object was observed approaching from the east. The report also mentions that several other people had observed the same phenomenon but had not reported it to the authorities.

29 janvier 1980. 06 h 33

This section recounts an observation by the brother of the previous witness (P.B., 16 years old) in Golbey. At around 6:33 AM, he saw a strange orange star descending towards the horizon. His brother, who had witnessed a similar phenomenon in 1977, joined him. The object, described as a 'grosse étoile orange' (large orange star), landed on the ground between a wood and a water tower. It then transformed into a 'grosse boule de feu' (large fireball) and then a dark, rectangular shape with a red halo and yellow 'headlights'. The object moved low to the ground, then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The observation lasted 4 minutes. The witness attempted to photograph the phenomenon but the film was not properly loaded. The article notes that three other observations were reported in the region on the same day and one the previous day.

Dans le Cantal

This report details an observation made in the summer of 1974, around 2 AM, at Longairoux, Saint Christophe Les Gorges, in the Cantal region. Louis Beix (67 years old in 1980, a restaurateur) and his wife were in their hotel when he noticed a light. He initially thought it was a car's headlights but soon realized it was a luminous object moving diagonally across the road in total silence. The object, described as roughly ovoid and orange, passed directly in front of him, above power lines, and disappeared into the vegetation. He estimated the observation lasted 4-5 seconds, with the object at about 7 meters above the ground and 10 meters away. He noted its regular trajectory and lack of movement or rotation. The object illuminated the ground with an orange light. He also recalled a previous sighting in 1935 or 1936 of a blinding white light.

Près de Faymoreau (Vendée)

This investigation, dated July 1965 (spring or summer), describes an observation by Mr. and Mrs. Talbot. While driving near Faymoreau, they saw an orange halo above a wood. The light seemed to follow them and was described as a large, horizontal crescent shape, about 1 meter wide and 30 cm thick. It stopped above a field and emitted no sound. Another car stopped nearby, and the occupants also witnessed the phenomenon. The object then moved away slowly and disappeared. The total observation time was estimated at 20 minutes.

Portugal, 30 Juillet 1977

This section presents an investigation by the CEAFI group into a UFO sighting that occurred on July 30, 1977, between 2:15 AM and 2:30 AM, between Lisbon and Cascais. The primary witness, Aura Pavia Magalhaes Lisboa (64, conservatory professor), along with her daughter Maria Elisa Magalhaes Lisboa (33, actress) and two other witnesses (Ana Malta, painter, and Manuela Cunha), observed a large sphere emitting a clear light, resembling a small moon, stationary above the Tagus River. The sphere was about a quarter the size of the full moon. A smaller sphere then emerged from the side of the main sphere, followed by two more, forming a triangle. The objects moved rapidly backward and disappeared. The witnesses were in a car and did not stop. The report notes that the other two witnesses, Ana Malta and Manuela Cunha, were not interviewed directly but were described as colleagues of Maria Elisa Lisboa. The report also mentions a previous observation of a similar phenomenon on July 31, 1977, by two tourists in Estoril.

La vague italienne de 1978

This is the second part of an analysis of the Italian UFO wave of 1978, focusing on 'Type I' phenomena (visual sightings). It details 12 cases from October and November 1978:

• October 7, 1978: San Cataldo (Caltanisetta) - A silver disc, 20m in diameter, emitting a bright light, with a transparent 'door' and silhouettes passing through.
• October 23, 1978: 5.5 miles off Cupra Maritime (Ascoli Piceno) - A red sphere (20cm apparent diameter) with an oval dark shape on the water below it.
• October 24, 1978: 4 miles off Grottammare (Ascoli Piceno) - A dark object, 20m long, emerged from the water and then submerged.
• October 26, 1978: Baia Tebalda (Arezzo) - A circular light, 10m in diameter, landed and emitted an 'silver' beam, later turning yellow. Another identical object landed nearby.
• October 27, 1978: 4 miles off Grottammare (Ascoli Piceno) - A large dark object passed over the water, causing a large wave.
• October 27, 1978: Piombino (Livorno) - A dome-shaped object emitting a metallic 'hum' and pulsating yellow light, followed by a round object at high altitude.
• October 31, 1978: Acquaviva Picena (Ascoli Piceno) - A luminous red disc descended into the sea. The phenomenon was observed multiple times.
• November 6, 1978: Silvi Marina (Teramo) - A fisherman saw a red light emerge from the sea, and radar detected unusual signals.
• November 7, 1978: 3 miles off Grottammare (Ascoli Piceno) - A bright orange light was observed, with a white light underneath illuminating a structure on the water. Radar on several boats was disturbed.
• November 8, 1978: 7 miles off Porto d'Ascoli (Ascoli Piceno) - A red-yellow sphere rose from the sea and disappeared.
• November 9, 1978: Macomer (Nuoro) - A bright, dazzling light approached, taking the form of an orange sphere, about one meter in diameter.
• November 12, 1978: Saluzzo (Cuneo) - A yellow shooting star was seen, followed by a red and yellow light illuminating a car and a bright, luminous object with a high dome, resembling a disc, which appeared to land.

Etude et Réflexions sur les OVNI by Jean-Claude Sidoun

This section reviews a book by Jean-Claude Sidoun titled 'Les OVNI et leurs occupants'. The reviewer praises the author's chronological approach to presenting UFO events, which captures the phenomenon's variety and unexpected nature. The book is noted for its author's commitment as a UFO militant and his belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The reviewer highlights the book's third interest: its reflection of a widespread mentality that seeks a 'middle ground' conception of UFOs, often influenced by mass media portrayals of potential extraterrestrial contact. The book is seen as a testament to the formation of the myth of extraterrestrials in popular consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO phenomena, often accompanied by investigative notes and meteorological data. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting evidence and witness testimonies without immediate dismissal. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings and analyzing their characteristics, behavior, and potential implications. The inclusion of book reviews and analyses of UFO waves suggests a broader engagement with the field of ufology. The magazine also acknowledges the challenges in ufological research, such as the difficulty of corroborating evidence and the tendency for witnesses to be credible but sometimes imprecise in their estimations.