LDLN - No 213-214

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (March-April 1982) is the 213-214th issue in its 25th year of publication. The cover prominently features the title "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" with the subtitle "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES." Key articles highlighted on the cover include an exceptional investigation by the magazine itself, a piece on an "open door" policy in ufology, and a report from Corseul (Côtes du Nord).

Editorial and Content

The editorial section, written by the Groupement International Lumières dans la Nuit de Recherches, founded by R. Veillith, emphasizes the magazine's dedication to truth-seekers and its role in illuminating the unknown. The editorial also announces the upcoming 25th anniversary of the magazine (founded in February 1958) and introduces a comprehensive reader questionnaire designed to gather opinions on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrials, and ufological research. This initiative aims to provide a balanced perspective alongside that of researchers.

Table of Contents Analysis

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• "Une enquête exceptionnelle de L.D.L.N." (An exceptional investigation by L.D.L.N.) (p. 3, 25-26): This suggests a significant report or case study presented within the issue.
• "Pour une politique de 'la porte ouverte' en ufologie de l'ère du spiritisme... à celle de l'Ufologie" (For an 'open door' policy in ufology from the era of spiritism... to that of Ufology) (p. 4): This article, a continuation, likely explores the evolution of ufological approaches and their connection to spiritualism.
• "Remarques sur deux mentions de fées dans les côtes du Nord au XIXme siècle" (Remarks on two mentions of fairies in the Côtes du Nord in the 19th century) (p. 12): This piece delves into folklore and historical accounts of supernatural beings.
• "Extrait par F. Lagarde du livre 'Alerte dans le Ciel' de Ch. Garreau, suivi de 'Un sujet de recherches'" (Extract by F. Lagarde from the book 'Alert in the Sky' by Ch. Garreau, followed by 'A Subject of Research') (p. 16): This section features an excerpt from another work, likely focusing on UFO or aerial phenomena.
• "La Dame Blanche ou quand l'auto-stoppeuse se volatilise" (The White Lady or when the hitchhiker vanishes) (p. 20): This article likely discusses a specific paranormal or unexplained event.
• "Questionnaire L.D.L.N." (L.D.L.N. Questionnaire) (p. 23): This is the reader survey mentioned in the editorial.
• Regional Reports: Several articles focus on specific locations and alleged sightings or phenomena: "Dans le Gers" (p. 27), "Pinterville (Eure)" (p. 29), "Corseul (Côte du Nord)" (p. 30), "Tréhorendeuc (Morbihan) nuits de veilles (extrait)" (p. 34), "A Tresserve près d'Aix-les-Bains (Savoie)" (p. 35), "Un suiveur obstiné dans l'Aisne" (p. 36), "Aubervilliers (Seine St-Denis)" (p. 38), "L'inexplicable panne du 747" (p. 39), "Des ovnis sur Alcala de Guadaira (Séville, Espagne)" (p. 40), "La vague italienne de 1978 (suite 2me partie)" (p. 42), and "D'un livre à l'autre" (p. 45).

Subscription Information

The magazine is described as a bimonthly publication of 48 pages dedicated to the OVNI (UFO) problem. Annual subscriptions are 80 French Francs (F), with a supporting subscription starting at 100 F. International postage incurs an additional charge of 16 F. Payments can be made via international money orders or other means, with international reply coupons accepted at 1.40 F each. Correspondence should be addressed to M. R. Veillith at 43400 Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France.

Special Offer

A special offer is available until June 30, 1982: new subscribers receive 4 back issues plus a "LDLN" sticker. Those who recruit a new subscriber also receive the same bonus.

Article: "De l'ère du spiritisme.... à celle de l'Ufologie" by Gilbert Cornu

This article, the fourth in a series, explores the parallels between spiritism and ufology, particularly concerning the interpretation of observed facts. It traces the historical understanding of phenomena like "raps" (knocks) and table-turning in spiritism, noting how these were known anciently but gained new prominence with figures like the Fox sisters and Allan Kardec. The author highlights the psychological impact of spiritist phenomena, using the example of Victor Hugo's alleged communication with his deceased daughter, Léopoldine. The article argues that the perceived intelligence behind these communications leads believers to conclude the existence of spirits. It then transitions to ufology, noting how the focus shifted from meteors and celestial signs to the concept of extraterrestrial beings in the post-1947 era. The author suggests that the interpretation of UFOs as alien craft is driven by the apparent technological capabilities of the objects, similar to how spiritist phenomena are attributed to spirits. The article also touches upon the historical evolution of UFO sightings, from distant "globes lumineux" to more detailed aerial scenes and eventually to the modern concept of alien spacecraft. It critiques simplistic interpretations of ufology, such as those involving alien invasions, and examines the mystical branch influenced by figures like Adamski.

Article: "Remarques sur deux mentions de fées dans le département des Côtes du Nord au XIXe siècle" by F. Dumerchat

This article examines two 19th-century accounts of encounters with "fées" (fairies) from the Côtes du Nord region of France, as recorded by folklorist Paul Sébillot. The first account, from François Mallet (age 60 in 1880), describes beings with seamless, brilliant clothing that lost its luster upon closer inspection, and a distinctive bonnet. The second account, from Marie Chéhu (age 88), describes seeing two women and a man dressed in "toile" (linen or canvas) walking on rocks as if on solid ground. These beings entered a cave. Both accounts suggest that such encounters became rare by the early 19th century. The author notes the originality of these personal testimonies and compares them to broader folklore traditions associating fairies with subterranean realms, treasures, and natural sites. The article also draws parallels between these folkloric descriptions and modern humanoid sightings, noting differences such as the absence of luminous objects in fairy lore and the distinct terrestrial or chthonic association of fairies versus the spatial dimension of UFOs. The author discusses the hypothesis that fairy legends might stem from encounters with a prehistoric race of small people.

Article: "Extrait par F. Lagarde du livre 'Alerte dans le ciel' de Charles Garreau"

This excerpt details a remarkable encounter experienced by the crew and passengers of a Fawcett Peruvian Airlines DC-4 aircraft on February 2, 1967, near Chiclayo, Peru. Captain Olwaldo Sanvitti reported observing a luminous object, shaped like an inverted cone, flying parallel to the aircraft at an altitude of 2000 meters. The object exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, including vertical ascents and descents. It then passed over the plane, changing color from bluish to reddish. During the encounter, the aircraft's radio failed, and its lights dimmed significantly. The object, estimated to be 70 meters in diameter, circled the plane for about an hour before disappearing. Jorge Calderon, an engineer and passenger, described the object as completely alien and beyond known technology. The commentary by F. Lagarde suggests the event is credible due to the detailed information provided and the number of witnesses. Lagarde also draws parallels between this UFO encounter and the behavior of dolphins accompanying ships, noting the unusual disruption of the aircraft's systems as a key element that distinguishes it from simple observation.

Article: "UN SUJET DE RECHERCHE" by F. Lagarde

This article investigates whether UFO phenomena choose specific witnesses or if certain psychological conditions in individuals provoke their appearance. It presents three cases involving a woman named Mme L. who reported multiple sightings of unusual lights and a disc-shaped object between December 1978 and January 1979 in the region of Haudemont-Vandœuvre and Neuves-Maisons, France. In the first incident, she observed a light above a hospital. Two weeks later, she saw a similar light that seemed to be watching her. On January 13, 1979, she reported being overtaken by a golden disc on a rural road, which then circled a building and seemed to wait for her. The author notes that while the initial sightings were not unique, Mme L.'s subsequent experiences suggest a persistent interest from the phenomenon. The article also briefly mentions a case involving a young couple in the Lunéville region who reported sightings of red spheres in late 1979, some of which followed their car. F. Lagarde concludes by suggesting that UFOs might be intelligent and tele-guided, possibly with an agenda related to observing or interacting with humans, drawing a parallel to Charles Fort's ideas about humans being 'property'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, the paranormal, and the scientific. It demonstrates a clear interest in historical accounts of unexplained phenomena, such as folklore figures (fairies, spirits) and compares them to modern UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation through questionnaires and the submission of testimonies. While acknowledging the skepticism surrounding these topics, the magazine aims to present evidence and foster research, suggesting that many phenomena remain inexplicable by current scientific understanding. There's a recurring theme of challenging established scientific paradigms and exploring alternative explanations for observed events, often drawing parallels between seemingly disparate phenomena like spiritism and ufology. The magazine seems to advocate for a more comprehensive approach to understanding these mysteries, moving beyond simplistic explanations and embracing the possibility of unknown factors or intelligences at play.

This issue of LDLN (Lumières Dans La Nuit) focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and related investigations, primarily featuring reports from France in 1980 and 1981. The cover story, "La Dame blanche ou quand l'auto-stoppeuse se volatilise," details a perplexing case from Palavas Les Flots.

The "Auto-Stoppeuse" Case (Palavas Les Flots)

The main article recounts an incident on May 20, 1981, involving four young people from Montpellier: Thierry (25, furniture assembler), Lionel (21, dental technician), Florence (20, bank employee/student), and Françoise (17). While driving back from Palavas Les Flots, they encountered a woman dressed in white, seemingly hitchhiking. Despite it being close to midnight, they stopped. The woman, described as possibly in her fifties, wearing a white raincoat and headscarf, got into the back seat between Françoise and Florence. As they drove, she suddenly screamed "Attention au virage" (Watch out for the turn) and pointed ahead. Shortly after, she vanished from the car, leaving the occupants stunned and frightened. The car, a red Renault 5, had its doors closed, and there was no apparent way for her to have exited. The witnesses immediately reported the incident to the police in Montpellier. Inspector Lopez acknowledged the sincerity of the witnesses and stated the investigation was ongoing. The article notes that the witnesses were quickly overwhelmed by media attention, leading them to limit their statements. The case is presented as a significant element in understanding the "mystery of the auto-stoppeuses."

Other UAP Sightings and Investigations

The issue also features several other UAP reports:

Aurillac (Cantal) - November 21, 1980

Huguette GINALHAC and Mme BRUGEAIL reported observing an object described as a "matte gray disc with a dome-like top" hovering over the gendarmerie in Aurillac around 11:40 AM. The object was perfectly still and had sharp contours, with no visible structures like windows or antennas. It was estimated to be less than 300 meters away. The witnesses initially mistook it for a tourist plane but realized its stationary nature was unusual.

Pinterville (Eure) - December 17, 1980

Witnesses M. Binet (21, electro-mechanic) and Nathalie Grandjean (19, secretary) observed a "brilliant, luminous ball, yellow, nº 114 U" at an altitude of about 200-300 meters. The object's glow was dazzling, and it changed color. It suddenly moved at "fantastic speed" in a semi-circle before stopping again over Vironvay. It then took on green and red colors before disappearing. No secondary phenomena like sparks or smoke were observed. Photos were taken but yielded no results.

Corseul (Côtes du Nord) - January 11-12, 1981

Jean-Claude LETORT, a truck driver, reported seeing a bright light that grew larger as he approached it on the D. 794 road near Corseul. He became frightened, stopped his car, and reversed to the home of his neighbor, Mr. Jean-Paul BENOIT. Letort described the phenomenon as a "luminous mass" that remained stationary and blocked his passage due to its intense brightness. He was visibly shaken and crying. Benoit confirmed Letort's distress and the lack of any reaction from his dogs. The phenomenon was described as spherical, intensely bright red, and doubling in volume as it approached. The investigation noted the isolated environment, presence of a power line, and a water source, common elements in UAP reports.

Tresserve (Savoie) - November 14-15, 1979

Daniel B., driving on the N. 201 near Tresserve, observed a "luminous blue ball" crossing the road perpendicularly. It appeared to originate from the top of the trees on a nearby hill, passed over the road, and disappeared into the Lac du Bourget, creating a brief glow. The object was described as about 25 cm in apparent size and moved without sound or rotation. The witness was so startled he lost control of the car. His passenger, Monsieur GIANNI B., also witnessed the event and was visibly shaken. The car's clock stopped working during the observation.

La Garde de Dieu (Aisne) - January 28, 1980

Mme and Mlle LO., and Mlle DE., reported seeing a powerful yellow-orange light rapidly descend towards them on the N. 377 road. They fled to Mme B.'s house, and from her window, they observed the phenomenon stabilize above the road, moving back and forth. It would sometimes dim and then relight. The object was described as spherical, with an orange belt, and about the size of a rugby ball when viewed with binoculars. It later appeared as a smaller, plate-sized object. The witnesses were terrified and changed their habits, avoiding going out at night. The investigation noted the presence of a power line and the isolated location.

Tréhorendeuc (Morbihan) - August 12-13, 1980

Several witnesses observed a "white ball, like a rugby ball, with an orange belt" that moved horizontally with slight zig-zagging motions. It was visible for about 20 seconds, then disappeared. Later, other lights were seen, but less distinctly. The object was described as being the size of a rugby ball and later as a small point of light. The report mentions the possibility of confusion with meteors (Taurids and Leonids were active around that time).

Aubervilliers (Seine-Saint-Denis) - May 14, 1981

Marthus Christian reported observing a phenomenon composed of four spheres forming a circle, which would then "burst" into four spheres again, repeating the process. The single sphere moved, and with each "burst," the circle it traced grew larger. The phenomenon moved from south to north and then disappeared as if the power was cut. The witness, who works for an airline, is familiar with night aircraft and is considered credible. The investigation notes the lack of precise location and atmospheric data, making a definitive analysis difficult.

Questionnaires and Analysis

The issue includes a detailed questionnaire for participants regarding their interest in UAP, their opinions on extraterrestrials, and their involvement in ufology. It also features a section with "Remarks by F. LAGARDE," who analyzes the testimonies, noting consistencies and discrepancies, and "Remarks by the Investigator" for the Corseul case, discussing the witness's state of mind and ruling out common explanations like Venus or aircraft.

Other Content

There is a brief mention of an "inexplicable breakdown" of a Boeing 747 where all four engines stopped for five minutes at high altitude. The "Courrier" section includes a historical note about Frank Edwards and Donald Keyhoe's work on UAP phases and a critique of a TV program discussing UAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UAP sightings as serious phenomena requiring investigation, often highlighting the credibility of witnesses and the limitations of conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, encouraging reader participation through questionnaires and reports. There's an emphasis on detailed witness accounts and the challenges of corroborating evidence. The recurring theme is the persistence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the ongoing efforts to understand them, often pointing to the psychological impact on witnesses and the difficulty in finding definitive answers.

Title: L'ÉCHO DES OVNI
Issue: 14
Volume: 1
Publication Date: 1982
Publisher: LDLN
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: Des ovni sur Alcala de Guadaïra (Séville, Espagne)

This issue of L'ÉCHO DES OVNI focuses on UFO sightings, with a prominent report on an observation in Alcala de Guadaira, Spain. It also includes a detailed catalog of numerous UFO incidents primarily from December 1978 across Italy, along with recent UFO news and reader engagement sections.

Investigation: UFOs over Alcala de Guadaira (Seville, Spain)

The main article details an encounter by Francisco Léon Burgos, a 54-year-old transport worker from Alcala de Guadaira. He reported observing a large, silent, circular object with intermittent fluorescent light moving slowly from South to North. Burgos, who had no prior interest in science fiction, was initially reluctant to speak but eventually agreed to an interview. He described the object as emitting a fluorescent light that intensified periodically and moved at a slow speed. He also mentioned that an friend and his wife witnessed the object suddenly accelerate and disappear. Later, Burgos saw the object again, this time with a bright red color and a blue light around its edges, appearing to descend without noise.

Burgos clarified that the object was not an airplane, citing the lack of intermittent lights and the absence of engine noise, which are characteristic of aircraft. He also noted that the object's movement was unlike anything he had seen before, suggesting it was not a conventional aircraft.

Another witness, Antonio Gutiérrez Jiménez, also from Alcala de Guadaira, reported seeing a spherical object, red in color, moving at airplane altitude. He described it as spherical in the front and slightly elongated on the sides, with an intense red color that made it appear to be burning from a distance. He observed it for a few minutes, noting its silence and speed, which at times exceeded that of an airplane. Gutiérrez mentioned his sighting occurred about a month and a half before Burgos's.

Ch. Gouiran provides a commentary on potential explanations, dismissing the idea of induction coil saturation for jet engines and referencing past cases where UFOs allegedly interfered with chemical reactions.

Catalog of UFO Incidents (December 1978)

The magazine presents a chronological list of UFO sightings, primarily from December 1978:

• December 7, 1978 (2:45 AM), Catanzaro, Italy: Police officers observed a hemispherical object with multi-colored lights that ascended rapidly.
• December 9, 1978 (11:30 PM), Milanere, Italy: Two young men saw a bright white light; one approached it and disappeared, later found in shock and cold.
• December 13, 1978 (Dawn), Reggio Calabria, Italy: Customs agents and police observed a very bright object near the ground emitting an intense beam.
• December 13, 1978 (6:00 PM), Atripalda, Italy: Toll booth operators and other witnesses saw a bright sphere descending close to the ground, emitting colored rays, before departing at high speed.
• December 13, 1978 (10:30 PM), Agira, Italy: Angelo Naselli and others observed a luminous sphere descend, change color, and depart.
• December 13, 1978 (Night), Brindisi, Italy: Two soldiers saw a brilliant object with intermittent lights, from which a cloaked figure emerged.
• December 13, 1978 (Time unspecified), Casalbordino, Italy: Mr. Temistocle Brogli observed a large hemispherical object moving parallel to his car.
• December 14, 1978 (5:40 PM), Mogoro, Italy: Two brothers observed a red hemisphere on the ground emitting reddish rays and white beams.
• December 15, 1978 (12:15 AM), Torrebruna, Italy: A driver encountered an object that landed on the road, causing his radio to fail. He entered the object and found a circular room with unknown instruments.
• December 15, 1978 (12:15 PM), Catania, Italy: Two children and another witness observed an object from which a creature emerged. The creature fired a pistol-like device at a rock, causing it to explode, and was then absorbed back into the object.
• December 15, 1978 (5:50 PM), Macomer, Italy: Two women observed a large orange luminous sphere hovering over houses.
• December 15, 1978 (Night), Licodia Eubea, Italy: A truck driver reported his radio failing, followed by the appearance of two beings who emerged from a light and approached his vehicle.
• Mid-December 1978 (Night), Torpé, Italy: Farmers and shepherds were momentarily blinded by an intense white light that appeared in front of their vehicle.
• December 17, 1978 (4:30 AM), Catania, Italy: A sailor observed a small, oblong, luminous object moving erratically over the sea.
• December 17, 1978 (7:00 AM), San Cataldo, Italy: A boy and his aunt observed a luminous disc-shaped object that stopped and then disappeared.
• December 17, 1978 (Morning), San Cataldo, Italy: Several people observed a luminous object land and then take off.
• December 17, 1978 (Morning), San Cataldo, Italy: Multiple witnesses observed a silver, disc-shaped object hovering near a church.

Recent News (Condensed Press Reports)

This section provides brief summaries of recent UFO-related events:

• November 26, 1981, Fontenay-le-Comte, France: Electrical disturbances and brief detonations were observed, with some witnesses reporting fireballs.
• December 9-10, 1981, Taverny, France: Police officers observed an object with multiple lights hovering above an airbase before ascending with a loud noise.
• December 16, 1981, Vernoux and Privas, France: A strange white, yellow, and bright object was observed. Subsequent investigation by Michel Figuet identified it as the planet Venus.
• December 26, 1981, Essaouira, Morocco: A luminous object was observed over the ocean for about half an hour, rotating on an axis and emitting light rays.

Reader Activities and Services

LDLN offers several ways for readers to participate:

• Investigators: Subscribers over 18 can become investigators and receive an official investigator card and guide.
• Reader Service: A 'Service Lecteurs' provides information, guidance, and advice on UFO-related activities.
• Technical and Research Group: Readers can request schematics for building various detectors (magnetic, light variation, acoustic, Geiger, pulsograph, frequency meter) and a photographic station.
• CB Radio and UFOs: A special service connects readers interested in both CB radio and UFOs, providing a personalized directory and advice.
• Local Telephone Networks: Readers are invited to join a telephone network called 'ARIANE' for regional communication.
• Detector Calls: Readers can report their detector observations.

Book Selections and Announcements

LDLN announces that the 'Librairie VALLAT' is no longer providing its book service, but LDLN will resume this service later. Advertisements include books for sale and exchange, and a notice about a local radio program on paranormal phenomena in Corrèze.

Review: 'INEXPLIQUE' (Second Issue)

This section reviews the second issue of the publication 'INEXPLIQUE', focusing on its UFO-related content. The reviewer notes that the publication dedicates a significant portion to ufology, with 10 articles in the first volume, 6 on UFOs and 4 on humanoids. The reviewer praises the inclusion of addresses for five regional ufological associations and the mention of the LDLN magazine. While acknowledging potential criticisms from dedicated ufologists regarding the depth and rigor of some articles, the reviewer suggests that the publication serves as a valuable introduction for a general audience, adapting its techniques to engage readers with varying levels of knowledge. The review highlights the publication's willingness to explore controversial topics and its focus on scientific context, encouraging ufological associations to build upon the information provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes active reader participation in UFO research through various services and calls for contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and news reports without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and scientific grounding. The review of 'INEXPLIQUE' suggests a pragmatic approach, balancing the presentation of ufological topics for a broad audience with the acknowledgment of more specialized research. The emphasis on constructive argumentation and avoiding sterile polemics is also evident.