LDLN - No 215-216

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), volume 25, issue number 215-216, dated May-June 1982, is a 48-page bimonthly review dedicated to the OVNI (UFO) problem. The magazine's editorial stance, as stated in its introductory pages, is to publish discoveries and texts from a growing international community of collaborators who are passionately seeking truth about the phenomenon, aiming to shed light on humanity's current 'night' and guide towards new horizons.

Key Articles and Content

"Alerte à tous" (Alert to All) by F. Lagarde

This editorial expresses frustration with the lack of transparency and cooperation from official organizations like GEPAN in France, which were initially expected to provide information on UFO sightings. The author laments that despite previous efforts to foster collaboration, a 'consigne du silence' (order of silence) has fallen upon official research. Information deemed of interest is withheld, and only cases that can be easily explained away are released. Lagarde argues that this secrecy suggests something truly unusual is happening that authorities do not want the public to know, and that science is currently unable to explain. He believes this policy aims to isolate and discourage researchers, potentially leading to misinformation. He calls for renewed activity and self-reliance among investigators, emphasizing the importance of protecting the anonymity of informants within official structures.

"Lettre ouverte à un ufologue impatient" (Open Letter to an Impatient Ufologist) by Pierre Guérin

Astrophysicist Pierre Guérin addresses an 'impatient ufologist,' acknowledging the physical reality of UFOs, a stance that goes against the majority scientific opinion. He explains that while he doesn't aim to retract his positions or discourage amateur investigators, he wants to clarify the limits of official recognition for ufology within the scientific world. Guérin believes that the moment has not yet arrived for science, particularly physics, to naturally integrate the UFO phenomenon into its concepts. He attributes the resistance not only to the desire of some services to hide UFO existence for potential technological gains but primarily to the academic scientific community's ingrained habit of dismissing the unexplained. He argues that the scientific community is allergic to silence and would have denounced it if they believed there was something to hide, but most are convinced UFOs don't exist. Guérin posits that UFOs are physical, artificial, and non-human craft, distinct from paranormal phenomena. He suggests that the 'paranormal' aspects often reported are due to psychic interference with witnesses, influenced by their culture and concerns, rather than the primary nature of the phenomenon itself. He also touches upon the difficulty of proving UFO reality to institutions like the Academy of Sciences, contrasting it with the acceptance of meteorites, which could be explained by the then-developed scientific frameworks of chemistry and crystallography.

"Exit l'isocélie" (Exit Isoscelia) by Jean-Pierre Petit

This article discusses the 'isocélie' theory, proposed by Aimé Michel and later investigated by Jean-François Gille. The theory suggested that UFO landing sites formed isosceles triangles, implying a deliberate pattern. Gille's statistical analysis, using a computer simulation of French locations, initially suggested a non-random distribution of these triangles, with a probability of less than one in a thousand for it to be due to chance. This finding received significant media attention. However, the article reports that the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) re-examined the data using a more refined methodology and found that the average distance between points and the standard deviation were different from Gille's results. GEPAN's study concluded that the observed alignments were likely due to chance, effectively debunking the 'isocélie' theory as a significant indicator of UFO activity.

"Un document de la C.I.A. : l'Air Force 'embarrassée' par le cas de Socorro" (A CIA Document: The Air Force 'Embarrassed' by the Socorro Case)

This piece reports on a declassified CIA document from 1966 that assessed the Socorro, New Mexico UFO case as 'the best-documented case on record' and expressed the Air Force's 'embarrassment' and 'puzzlement' over it. The document, released indirectly through a lawsuit by Ground Saucer Watch against the CIA, was initially misfiled under 'Intelligence-Espionage.' The article details the efforts to obtain this document and the CIA's eventual release, noting that the document itself largely reiterates known information about the case, including Lonnie Zamora's testimony and the lack of conventional explanations. It highlights Major Hector Quintanilla Jr.'s assessment that the case was 'unsolved' and that Zamora's credibility was not in doubt, suggesting the CIA document confirms the perplexing nature of the Socorro incident.

"Phénomène dans le Haut-Rhin près de Munster et Mulhouse" (Phenomenon in Haut-Rhin near Munster and Mulhouse)

This is an investigative report by the GHREPA-SAHR detailing a sighting by Henri Poussel on December 11, 1980. Poussel, a former air force member with extensive flight experience, observed a bright, descending object near Muhlbach. The object grew larger, appeared to have multiple short rays, and then suddenly disappeared, replaced by a luminous mass with red, green, and white lights. Poussel estimated the object's altitude and speed, noting the complete silence and lack of any conventional aircraft sounds. The report includes a map of the sighting location and discusses the phenomenon in the context of a broader wave of sightings in the autumn of 1975, noting the lack of correlation with geological factors or known military activity.

"Nord : étranges éclairs avant une observation en février 1979" (North: Strange Flashes Before an Observation in February 1979)

This report details an observation by the M family (Mr. and Mrs. M. and their elder daughter) in Haspres in February 1979. The family witnessed two bright, white flashes, described as violent lightning, illuminating their veranda and courtyard, despite a clear sky. Shortly after, they observed a luminous ball, described as being the size of a ping-pong ball at arm's length, moving across the sky with fixed rays. Mr. M. observed the object for about 10 minutes, noting its straight trajectory, constant altitude, and silence. The report includes a diagram of the location and notes that the witnesses were not particularly interested in UFOs prior to the event.

"Haucourt-Moulaine (Meurthe et Moselle)"

This report by Fabrice Zéni documents a sighting by Mme F.B. and her family on October 10, 1975. Mme F.B. initially mistook a luminous 'fireball' on a neighboring rooftop for a house fire. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a strange, slightly oval 'ball' that illuminated the roof. The object, described as 'feu' (fire-colored) and 'bleu pâle' (pale blue), hovered silently about a meter above the roof, then moved slowly towards Chenières. It returned to the same spot before departing again. Mme F.B.'s husband and grandson also witnessed the event. The report notes that the object's movement was not entirely smooth, with some 'undulations' on its surface. The investigator visited the family but found them unconcerned and the house showing no signs of the event.

"Courrier" (Mail/Correspondence)

This section contains letters and opinions from readers.

• Opinion and Citation: A reflection on the persistent mystery of UFOs, comparing it to people looking at a festival from the outside without being able to enter. It quotes the late academician André Siegfried stating that 'lying' best characterizes our era.
• Reflections by L. Jeanne: This piece encourages continued reflection and exploitation of recent UFO wave data, acknowledging that the field of investigation is widening rather than narrowing, suggesting a complex phenomenon that includes human behavior and sociological aspects.
• Letters to the Editor: Includes requests to purchase specific UFO books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of investigating them, and the perceived lack of transparency from official bodies. The magazine champions the pursuit of truth through rigorous investigation and witness testimony, even when faced with scientific skepticism and official secrecy. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging researchers to rely on their own efforts and networks, and to protect the anonymity of informants. There's a clear critique of 'rationalist' dismissal of UFO evidence and a call for a more open-minded scientific approach, acknowledging that current scientific paradigms may be insufficient to explain the phenomenon. The magazine also highlights specific cases, providing detailed accounts and investigative notes, underscoring the importance of documenting these events.

This issue of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (LDLN) focuses on a 'National UFO Surveillance Night' scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 1982, from 9 PM to dawn. The initiative, spearheaded by the LDLN surveillance network, encourages participants to organize their observations at megalithic sites to investigate potential influences. The magazine emphasizes a pluralistic approach to UFO research, accepting various investigation methods.

National UFO Surveillance Night

The article details the organization of the National UFO Surveillance Night. Participants are asked to choose megalithic sites (Dolmen, menhir, Cromlech) for their vigils to test the hypothesis of their influence on UFO phenomena. Organizers are instructed to send reports to the LDLN headquarters, with results to be published in future issues. The event aims to identify active LDLN groups nationwide and foster collaboration. The deadline for participation is set, and good luck is wished to all involved.

Case Files and Sightings

The issue presents several case files and recent sightings:

Case 103: Santa Tecla, Italy (December 28, 1978)

Several people near a beach witnessed a zone in the sea agitate and then open, releasing a dark, disk-shaped object that flew rapidly over the village, causing a strong wave. The object emitted intense rays, and a 'black ring' was observed beneath it. Simultaneously, exceptional phenomena occurred in the village: bar doors opened as if by a gust of wind, a ceiling cracked, an iron tripod moved and righted itself, and a fish stall 'jumped and overturned' without anyone touching it.

Case 104: Cupra Marittima, Italy (December 30, 1978)

A 24-year-old witness observed a large red sphere descending slowly towards the sea, reflecting in the water, and disappearing near the ruins of an old castle. Other witnesses, including a sailor and villagers, also observed the phenomenon.

Case 105: (Date and location not explicitly stated, but implied to be related to the Italian wave)

An object described as 'hill-shaped' and a luminous sphere were mentioned in relation to the Italian wave.

Recent Press Reports:

• Dole, Jura, France (March 1, 1982): A witness observed a red, daisy-shaped object for 4-5 minutes. Later that day, another person saw a slow-moving trace in the sky.
• Ingre, France (January 23, 1982): Two gendarmes observed an elongated, grey-whitish object with no glare, which illuminated the ground as it moved along the highway.
• Amiens, France (January 29-30, 1981): A witness saw luminous beams (red, green, yellow, blue) and a blue light. Others observed a triangle with lights and semi-circles. Near Villers Carbonnel, motorists saw a large luminous ball.
• Mulhouse, France (February 15, 1982): Fifteen police officers observed a bright white ball moving at low altitude and slow speed. Photos were taken but did not reveal the phenomenon.
• Washington D.C., USA: The US Supreme Court ruled that the National Security Agency is no longer required to publish secret information concerning unidentified flying objects, ending a legal debate.

Book Review: 'Science et Conscience'

This section reviews a book titled 'Science et Conscience,' based on a colloquium organized by France-Culture in Cordoba in October 1980. The review highlights the diverse participation of experts in physics, neuro-psychophysiology, analytical psychology, philosophy, and religion. Key figures mentioned include David Bohm, Fritjof Capra, Hubert Reeves, Karl Pribram, and Georges Weissmann. The review emphasizes the urgent need for citizens to be confronted with new ideas, even if complex, and quotes extensively from Willis H. Harman's contribution on the implications of recent discoveries in psychological and psychic research. The review touches upon the debate surrounding psychic phenomena, the role of fraud, deception, and error, and the limited resources allocated to such research by traditional scientific organizations.

Discussion: Interventions

Several experts shared their views:

• Georges Weissmann (Switzerland): Argued that past civilizations perceived the universe with great depth, but this was limited to minorities, while the dominant social reality was exploitation. He noted that modern society has improved, but warned against rejecting scientific progress in favor of esoteric traditions.
• Paul Chauchard (France): Focused on the concept of 'finality,' particularly concerning the eye, and the scientific admission of purpose in nature. He questioned whether admitting one level of finality would necessitate admitting others, linking it to biological evolution and the role of chance versus necessity.
• Karl Pribram (USA): Expressed concern about the historical tendency to accept esoteric translations, leading to widespread misery. He acknowledged societal improvements but cautioned against negating scientific achievements.
• Hubert Reeves (France/Canada): Responded to Pribram by pointing out that alongside improvements, phenomena like the Gulags exist. He advocated for integrating intuitive thought with conceptual thinking, warning against both uncritical embrace of esotericism and unlimited pursuit of rationality.

New Association: AIHPI

The article announces the formation of the 'Association Pour l'Investigation Historique des Phénomènes Insolites' (AIHPI), a group of young ufologists from the Paris region dedicated to historical research of UFO phenomena. The association, legally established under the 1901 law, aims to investigate UFO-related events from prehistory up to the end of World War II. Membership requires proof of research work, and findings are to be shared with the association. AIHPI seeks to consolidate historical documents, correct inaccuracies in existing ufological literature, and collaborate with specialists from other disciplines. The group has already amassed around 500 unpublished documents through diligent research.

LDLN Activities and Services

This section outlines various activities and services offered by LDLN:

• Enquiries: Subscribers over 18 can become investigators and receive an official ID and guide.
• 'Service Lecteurs': Provides information, guidance, and advice to readers on investigations, photography, measurements, and unusual observations. A fee (in stamps) is charged for specific requests.
• Technical and Research Group: Offers schematics for building equipment like magnetic detectors, acoustic detectors, and a Geiger counter, as well as a brochure for automatic photographic stations. Fees apply.
• Donations: The organization appeals for donations of old postcards, books, comics, letters, and stamps to support their activities.
• FIDUFO: A computer-based UFO documentation file seeking participants for data entry, translation, and analysis.
• Archive Research: Encourages participants to systematically search press archives for unknown facts. Mme Guedelot is the contact person.
• Surveillance Network: Calls for readers, investigators, and regional delegates interested in a new form of UFO research. It highlights 'Night Vigils' and 'Experimental Research' as key components.

Editorial Stance: 'Bruits et Rumeurs'

This section addresses and refutes 'baseless rumors' about the modification of LDLN's structures and independence. The editorial staff asserts that LDLN continues its research with its established structures, maintaining its independence and commitment to approaching the truth. They express gratitude to all who have contributed to their efforts over the years, acknowledging the significant personal and financial investment required for unofficial research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organized UFO surveillance, the importance of historical research in ufology, and the exploration of consciousness and its relation to scientific inquiry. The magazine promotes a collaborative and rigorous approach to UFO investigation, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and participate in organized events. The editorial stance is one of unwavering commitment to independent research and the pursuit of truth, while actively debunking misinformation and fostering a community of serious researchers. There's a clear emphasis on the value of empirical evidence, historical documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.