LDLN - No 217-218

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 217-218
Volume: 25th Year
Date: July-August 1982
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES FONDATEUR: R. VEILLITH
Country: France
Price: 13 F

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) explores the complex relationship between the evolution of life, the universe, and the persistent mystery of UFOs. The cover boldly asks, "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems), setting the stage for a deep dive into unexplained phenomena.

Le phénomène OVNI avatar de l'évolution ? (The UFO Phenomenon: Avatar of Evolution?)

This extensive article by F. Lagarde posits that UFOs might be a manifestation of evolution's ongoing drive to create new forms and surpass existing ones. The author traces the history of the Earth and life from the Big Bang to the present, highlighting key evolutionary stages and geological transformations. It emphasizes that evolution is a continuous process, not one that necessarily ends with humanity.

The article delves into scientific advancements, including the mastery of heavy hydrogen fusion and the paradigm shifts brought about by quantum mechanics and Einstein's theories. It cites physicists like Bernard d'Espagnat and astrophysicist Hubert Reeves to discuss concepts like 'non-separability,' suggesting that objects might remain interconnected regardless of distance. This idea is linked to the notion of consciousness and its potential role in reality.

Lagarde speculates that UFOs could be a form of 'energy-consciousness' coalescing on Earth, an emergent phenomenon from the evolutionary process that has already produced complex life and intelligence. The article concludes that considering UFOs as an 'avatar of evolution' offers a framework for understanding their intelligent nature and elusive behavior.

Le poissonnier de Worcester et le garde-chasse du Norfolk (The Worcester Fishmonger and the Norfolk Gamekeeper)

Authored by Jean Sider, this article examines historical anomalies that were explained away by conventional science, often with absurd reasoning. Sider critiques the scientific establishment's tendency to dismiss or rationalize unusual events, citing Charles Fort's work as a precedent for challenging such explanations.

The first case involves a supposed rain of winkles and crabs in Worcester, England, in 1881. While the official explanation involved a waterspout, Sider highlights the selective nature of the 'catch' and the implausibility of a waterspout only collecting marine life. The second case describes luminous objects seen over Norfolk in 1907-1908, which were later attributed to a phosphorescent owl, an explanation Sider also finds dubious.

Sider argues that the scientific community's persistent 'hargne désespérée' (desperate rage) to explain away these phenomena indicates a deliberate effort to maintain ignorance. He criticizes the use of 'poissonniers' (fishmongers) and 'gardes-chasse' (gamekeepers) – metaphorical figures representing conventional explanations – to obscure the truth. The article suggests that the scientific approach to UFOs and other anomalies has not evolved, continuing to rely on simplistic or convoluted rationalizations.

L'insolite qui dérange (The Unusual That Disturbs)

This section presents several anecdotal accounts of unusual occurrences that defy easy explanation.

One report details a bus driver in France who allegedly entered a trance-like state, driving for 35 km without touching the wheel, while passengers reported the headlights flashing automatically. Another account describes an automobilist in Perpignan who picked up a female hitchhiker who then inexplicably vanished from the car.

Similar stories are presented from the Creuse region and Elisabethville, involving apparitions of deceased individuals. These accounts, collected by R. Lafanechère, are presented as evidence of phenomena that conventional science struggles to address, often resorting to explanations like collective hallucination or the work of disturbed individuals.

Lot et Garonne: OBSERVATION NOCTURNE D'UNE BOULE LUMINEUSE (Night Observation of a Luminous Ball)

This report details an observation by Jean and Marie-Annick Huard in Lot et Garonne, France, in June 1974. They witnessed a luminous, white ball that descended rapidly towards the ground, then moved horizontally along the treeline before disappearing. The experience caused fear, and local dogs began to howl. The witnesses, now married and living in Monpazier, recall the event with some vagueness due to the time elapsed but express a desire to see such a phenomenon again.

Lot et Garonne: OBSERVATION D'UN OBJET LUMINEUX (Observation of a Luminous Object)

This report describes an observation by Mme Annie De JEso in November 1978 near Monpazier, France. While tending to her cows, she observed a luminous object. The report notes that the witness is a reputable individual and that the observation occurred under clear, moonless conditions.

Les OVNI et la science : introduction à l'ufologie scientifique. L'hypothèse extra-terrestre la seule plausible (UFOs and Science: Introduction to Scientific Ufology. The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis is the Only Plausible One)

This article reviews the book "LOS OVNI Y LA CIENCIA, INTRODUCCION A LA UFOLOGIA CIENTIFICA" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp Carrascosa. The review highlights the book's comprehensive approach to ufology, dividing it into two parts: the evidence for the UFO phenomenon and the scientific context.

The first part details analyzed UFO cases, including photographic evidence, and concludes that many remain inexplicable through conventional means. The second part discusses epistemological declarations, the motivation behind UFO intelligence, and standard methodologies for evaluating UFO cases. It also introduces the CATIB (Iberian UFO Observation Catalogue).

The review emphasizes the book's discussion of the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' as the most plausible explanation for UFOs, supported by scientific reasoning and astronomical knowledge, including the probability of other intelligent life in the universe. The authors also touch upon the physics of UFOs, including infra-red photography and the absence of sonic booms, suggesting that current physics may need to evolve to fully comprehend these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the pursuit of truth beyond conventional scientific explanations. It critiques the scientific establishment for its reluctance to seriously investigate anomalous phenomena like UFOs, often resorting to dismissive or overly simplistic rationalizations. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional hypotheses, particularly the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, and encourages readers to question established narratives. There's a strong undercurrent of belief in an ongoing, perhaps intelligent, evolutionary process that may extend beyond human comprehension and manifest in phenomena like UFOs. The magazine also highlights historical accounts of unexplained events, suggesting that these anomalies are not new but have been consistently downplayed or ignored by mainstream science.

This issue of L'ÉCHO DES MYSTÈRES, published by LDLN in 1982, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, with a prominent cover story on the Île de Ré. The magazine presents a collection of detailed reports from various locations in France and Italy, primarily from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Investigations and Sightings

Île de Ré (Charente-Maritime): A Luminous Disk

The main feature details an observation on the Île de Ré in October-November 1977. Alain and Mireille Daubinnier, a couple, witnessed a luminous object over the sea near La Flotte. Initially appearing as a light, it grew larger and approached them, stopping at an estimated distance of 300-400 meters. The object, described as a large, luminous sphere, emitted a beam of light that scanned the water. It then ascended, performed a quarter turn, and disappeared at high speed, changing colors from red to green to yellow. The witnesses, a barman and a restaurant employee, were initially frightened but later found the experience memorable. The report includes an investigator's notes and a diagram of the object's presumed trajectory.

Saint Martin de Ré (17): A 'Fireball'

Another report from Saint Martin de Ré, dated November-December 1977, describes a 'fireball' observed by Chantal Favard (an institute teacher) and Patrice Dechelette. The object, described as a large, orange-red fireball, appeared to approach and descend. Its observation was brief, lasting only about 30 seconds, as it disappeared behind trees. The area remained lit for a few moments afterward. The report notes previous observations in the region.

Badailhac (Cantal): A Luminous Object

An investigation by Didier Gilibert details an observation by Jeanne Morziere, a 60-year-old farmer, on November 11, 1980. She reported seeing a luminous, square-shaped object with a tail, initially mistaken for a helicopter. The object emitted colorful lights (green, violet) and had a row of bright lights underneath. It passed about a hundred meters from her, at an altitude of 40-50 meters, and she described it as 'very pretty'. She felt no fear for herself but was concerned for her piglets. Her husband also corroborated the event. The report also mentions another witness in a nearby village who had a similar experience shortly before.

Courbevoie (Hauts de Seine): 'Cigar' Shaped Objects

Robert Taulet investigated an observation on February 12, 1978, by M. and Mme Fourest. They reported seeing two 'cigar' shaped objects in the sky towards Argenteuil. The objects were described as vertically aligned, with the top one slightly ahead of the bottom one. They were luminous, with a white, almost neon-like color, and had blurry edges. After about 3-4 minutes, the right object tilted horizontally and disappeared at high speed, followed by the second object. The witnesses, an inspector and his wife, were initially skeptical but became convinced by their experience.

Grasse (Alpes Maritimes): A Luminous Bar

An investigation by H. Julien on January 1-3, 1980, describes Jean-Luc Andrieu observing a luminous bar moving slowly towards Cannes. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 1000 meters and moving at less than 100 km/h. It was described as luminous, with dark extremities and a dark zone in the center. The witness took photos, but they did not capture the phenomenon. The report suggests a possible natural explanation related to atmospheric electricity and moonlight.

Roanne (Loire): Luminous Aerial Phenomenon

An investigation by Michel Figuet on February 23, 1982, details an observation by passengers and the commander of a Caravelle aircraft. The phenomenon was described as very luminous, water-green in color, and launching flashes. It was observed at an altitude of 8000 feet. The report discusses potential explanations, including Venus and a weather balloon, but leans towards an unidentified aerial phenomenon.

Ramatuelle (Var): Unusual Luminous Aerial Object

An investigation by H. Julien on November 10, 1980, reports on Laurent X.'s observation of a luminous, oval-shaped object. The object was described as having a bright yellow-orange color with a sustained blue-green trail. It appeared to be immense, like a building on fire, and moved at the speed of a commercial airliner. It emitted no sound and cast no shadows. The witness felt a sense of 'presence' before and during the sighting.

Historical Context and Analysis

The Italian Wave of 1978

The magazine includes a section on the 'Italian Wave of 1978', detailing several sightings:

• Pesaro (December 30, 1978): A bright object flew over two barracks, leaving physical traces.
• Posada di Siniscola (Nuoro) (December 31, 1978): Two men observed a luminous sphere and a dark object, with a large oval trace found later.

Other Reports

Several other brief reports from Italy are included:

• Salerno (March 1978): A spherical, white, stationary object emitting an acrid smell.
• Torrazza Coste (Pavia) (June 1978): A spherical object, the size of the full moon, emitting intense yellow light.
• Villfranca Lunigiana (Massa-Carrara) (June 1978): A luminous triangle with a red halo.
• Livorno (August 1978): A circular object with lights and a transparent dome.
• Spinetta Marengo (Alessandria) (September 1978): A dark 'disk' with red lamps underneath.
• San Giorgio di Nogaro (Udine) (September 1978): A dome-shaped object with three large feet, observed with a humanoid figure.
• Cosenza (September 1978): A multicolored oval object with a silhouette and antennae.
• Cologna (Teramo) (December 1978): A spherical luminous object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies with detailed investigative notes, attempting to provide factual accounts of aerial phenomena. While some reports lean towards natural explanations (meteors, Venus, weather balloons), many are presented as unexplained or anomalous. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to submit their own observations. The publication emphasizes the credibility of witnesses and the need for thorough investigation, while acknowledging the historical context of such sightings and the challenges in definitively explaining them. There's a recurring theme of the 'absurdity' of some observed behaviors, suggesting non-human intelligence or unknown technology.

This issue of LDLN features a retrospective on UFO sightings in Spain during March and April of 1950, compiled by F. Lagarde. It also includes a significant section on UFO research and observations in China, along with recent UFO news from various international locations and a review of a book on unexplained phenomena.

Spain: Retrospective 1950

The article begins by referencing a previous publication in LDLN from January-February 1982 that discussed UFO information from 1950. The author, F. Lagarde, explains that the focus on Spain is due to a signal from Antonio Ribéra, who noted that hundreds of UFO observations were discovered in Spanish newspapers from March-April 1950. Ribéra's research, published in his book "Ces mystérieux OVNI," is highlighted.

Lagarde notes that the Pyrenees do not pose an obstacle to UFO phenomena. He mentions consulting the 'La Vangardia' newspaper from Barcelona and suggests that many other declarations are likely buried in provincial newspaper archives.

Following Aimé Michel's BAVIC line, several observations in Spain are detailed:

• March 21, 1950 (around noon): Near Altos de Gainchurizqueta (between St Sébastien and Irun), two young people saw two luminous points appear after a Madrid-bound airplane passed. These points grew larger, moved at high speed, changed direction, and disappeared over the sea.
• Night of March 21-22, 1950 (midnight): In Miranda de Ebro, Francisco P. Nanclares, a chemical engineer, observed a brilliant object crossing the sky at high speed, leaving a luminous trail.
• March 29, 1950 (noon): At Villafria Airport (Burgos), the meteorological service chief, the teleprinter operator, and the transmission sergeant observed a bright object resembling a flying wing. It flew at an estimated altitude of 500-1000 meters and a speed of 1800 km/h, passing directly over the control tower.

The article also includes a section on a "ITALIAN WAVE" (Suite de page 39) which describes a lenticular, very large object appearing in the sky, described as a whitish gaseous form with red and green lights. It transformed into a large white neon-like light. Two strange silhouettes emerged from a greenhouse and walked slowly towards the beach. The witness, Melle Baldassarre, tried to call her parents, but they were tired. The entities disappeared behind the greenhouse, and the neon light vanished without a trace.

Further observations from Portugal are listed:

• March 28, 1950: An observation on the BAVIC line in Portugal, 23 km SE of Fatima.
• March 21, 1950 (three aligned observations): Barra del Leixoes on the northern coast of Portugal.
• March 21, 1950: Miranda del Ebro, an object heading towards the Sierra de Tolono.
• March 21, 1950: Altos de Gainchurizqueta (already reported).
• March 27, 1950 (three aligned observations): Torre donjimeno near Jaen in the morning.
• March 27, 1950: Madrid in the morning.
• March 27, 1950 (18:30): Torre del Algorta, on the Nervion estuary near Bilbao.

At Torre del Algorta, witnesses observed an elliptical object emitting a red light. In Torredonjimeno, the object had a balloon-like shape, sometimes oval, and at other times a clear disk after a turn. It moved at unimaginable speed, leaving a trail of sparks.

• March 29, 1950 (three aligned observations): Santa Cruz de Tenerife: an immobile object above the sea at 9 am.
• March 29, 1950: La Palma del Condado (Seville).
• March 29, 1950: Villafria Airport (already reported).

The author also mentions an observation from 1903 in Madrid, emphasizing that such reports should not be dismissed as collective hysteria or hoaxes, a sentiment he extends to the 1950 observations.

UFOs in China

This section, transmitted by Paul Dong and compiled by J. Bastide, discusses the growing interest in UFOs in China. It notes that in November 1978, "Le quotidien du peuple" published an article titled "OVNI, un puzzle mondial non résolu," authored by M. Sheng Heng Yen of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. A year later, "Journal de Guang Ming" published another article on UFOs, written by M. Chow Hsin Yen, who was responsible for televised scientific broadcasts from Beijing.

M. Chow reported that scientists observed UFOs during an expedition in Hupeh province, an observation corroborated by members of the Chinese Liberation Army. The article also mentioned other observations across China.

On May 12, 1980, "Journal de Guang Ming" published an article by the author detailing reports from pilots, scientists, and professionals worldwide. This led to hundreds of letters to "Connaissance Aérospatiale" requesting a government study on UFOs. This resulted in the organization of a study under the Wuhan University, leading to the creation of the Chinese UFO Studies Association in May 1980. This organization, the first of its kind in China, had correspondents in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and other provinces. It publishes its own journal, "Exploration OVNI."

Two significant events prompted Beijing to authorize a serious scientific study of UFOs:

1. Summer 1965: In Beijing, two discoidal luminous objects flew over the city.
2. Two years later: A similar incident occurred near the city's outskirts, involving a spherical object with flashing red lights, observed by thousands.

These incidents, along with frequent observations reported in the 1970s, led to the decision to form an academic UFO study group.

An opposing view was expressed by M. Ching Tao, scientific editor at "Journal de Guang Ming," who felt that too much importance was being given to UFOs in scientific research, suggesting they were a minor part of a broader spectrum of study and that without serious investigation, they could be dismissed as hallucinations.

However, M. Hsieh Chu, editor of "Connaissance Aérospatiale," agreed that the existence of UFOs could not be denied given the large number of observations.

"Connaissance Aérospatiale" and "Science et Vie" published reports of UFO sightings in China:

• Autumn 1970: M. Chen Yufu observed a luminous, ring-shaped mass in the sky, followed by a vaporous trail.
• September 9, 1976 (around 18:00): Employees of the Second Chemical Plant in Jiangxi and residents of Yichun observed a copper-colored metallic object shaped like two joined, rotating cymbals.
• The following year: Zhang Zhouseng observed a UFO above Chengdu, Sichuan province.

A final report described a large, rectangular UFO over an airfield in Gansu province on October 23, 1978, estimated to be 1000 meters long and at an altitude of 6000-8000 meters.

The article categorizes observed phenomena into three groups: 80% discoidal, 10% large and rectangular, and 10% nebulous.

China's efforts to understand UFOs date back to 1947. The government is educating the public on the subject, including broadcasting a US film and publishing related books and periodicals. The creation of the Chinese UFO Research Organization under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is seen as a significant step.

Specific Chinese UFO Cases:

• October 28, 1961: Several people in Kaifeng observed a strange object for 7 minutes. It moved slowly, sometimes stopping. A young engineer, Chang Ching-Lai, took photographs.
• July 7, 1977: During an outdoor film screening in Zhangpu, Fujian province, two objects appeared, flying very low and emitting an intense orange glow. Panic ensued, resulting in injuries and two child fatalities.
• October 23, 1978: Chinese air force pilots observed a large, luminous rectangular object flying at approximately 21,000 feet over Gansu province.
• August 23, 1980 (around 4:08 am): Two students camping in the mountains near Beijing observed an object emerging from behind a mountain, emitting a white glow. It appeared partially obscured, then took on the shape of a group of three stars as it moved away.
• October 5, 1980 (3 am): A group of fishermen off the coast of northern China observed a cone-shaped object flying at 3000 feet, emitting intense heat and a red-to-blue-green glow.
• November 5, 1980: Two factory workers in Jinghai observed a discoidal object emitting a green glow, moving erratically before reappearing and disappearing.

The author acknowledges that some cases might be meteors or ball lightning, but asserts that others are genuine UFOs. The article notes that a meteor was seen in China, France, and Spain on November 11, 1979, and November 11, 1980, likely related to the 1866 comet.

Book Review: "Anthologie des phénomènes bizarres, étranges, et inexpliqués"

This section reviews the French translation of a book by John Michell and Robert Rickard, published by Belfond. The reviewer praises the book as an excellent compilation of unusual and unexplained phenomena, urging readers with questions about the mysterious aspects of the universe to read it. The book is described as a comprehensive catalog of bizarre events, drawing from historical and geographical perspectives, and highlighting the universality of these phenomena.

The reviewer notes that the original English title was "Phénoména," but the French title better reflects the content. The book compiles a wide range of inexplicable events, from raining animals and bleeding statues to spontaneous combustion, stigmata, animal mutilations, levitation, phantom battles, and fossils found in rock layers. The authors are commended for their extensive research and for presenting the reality of these phenomena without attempting to rationalize or classify them, which the reviewer sees as a deliberate choice to reflect the complex, interconnected nature of reality.

However, the reviewer also points out some reservations. The authors' conception of reality, which includes a third mode beyond the physical and psychological, is only briefly touched upon. The selection of cases is noted as being predominantly Anglo-Saxon, with less emphasis on other well-known cases. Most significantly, the reviewer criticizes the lack of explicit and precise bibliographic references, stating that while main sources are indicated, more detailed citations are necessary for scientific rigor.

The reviewer expresses hope that a future book by the authors will delve deeper into their ideas about the nature of reality and the connection between UFOs and other phenomena.

Recent News (Press Summary)

This section provides brief reports on recent UFO sightings:

• March 26, 1982 (San Luis Province, Argentina): An 8-meter diameter UFO with three landing legs was sighted and photographed.
• May 4, 1978 (Mercedes, San Luis, Argentina): About fifty UFOs were seen, followed by an UFO landing and the emergence of a green-clad being.
• A few weeks prior (near San Luis): A "blinding blue light" caused a road accident.
• April 1, 1982 (Valaison, Switzerland): A strange celestial phenomenon, described as ten times larger than a star and emitting an intense orange-yellow glow, was observed near La Dent de Morcles.
• April 15, 1982 (Groix, Morbihan, France): An object described as a half-circle attached to a triangle, with a crescent shape and three superimposed rectangles, was observed moving slowly and emitting intense light.
• April 11, 1982 (Suippes, Marne, France): A large orange object, shaped like a half-moon, was seen moving rapidly and silently in horizontal leaps.

Readers are encouraged to send press clippings to LDLN.

Our Policy

LDLN states its commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints, maintaining an open-minded approach to constructive and non-polemical contributions. The magazine emphasizes that debates should focus on ideas rather than personal attacks, fostering a calm and elevated discussion.

Activities of the LDLN Surveillance Network

The LDLN Surveillance Network is seeking interested readers, investigators, and regional delegates for a new form of UFO research. The network has two specialties:

1. Night Vigils: Organized regionally, these events aim to collect observation results.
2. Experimental Research: This involves testing various hypotheses, including "non-conformist" methods, during vigils or specific initiatives.

Interested individuals are invited to write to the Network's headquarters. All results from experiences, vigils, or photographic documents related to UFOs will be published in the review. The network assures that serious correspondence will receive a response.

The National Coordinator is M. Gérard Benéteau.

On the Road for Holidays

Readers are reminded to purchase the LDLN "macaron" (sticker) available in various colors and durable material. Prices are listed for single, three, five, and ten macarons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue demonstrates LDLN's commitment to exploring UFO phenomena from historical and international perspectives, with a particular focus on detailed case studies and the growing official interest in the subject, as seen in the China section. The magazine also promotes active reader participation through its surveillance network and encourages the sharing of information and diverse viewpoints. The editorial stance favors open-minded investigation and the rational discussion of unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the need for further research. The review of the Michell and Rickard book highlights the magazine's interest in broader unexplained phenomena beyond traditional UFO sightings.