LDLN - No 219-220

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 219-220
Volume: 25e Année
Date: September-October 1982
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Price: 13 F

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" delves into mysterious celestial objects and related problems, with a prominent cover story linking UFOs to a 15th-century tapestry.

Articles and Content

OVNI et la Tenture de "La Vie de la Vierge" à Notre Dame de Beaune (Côte-d'Or)

This extensive article by Gérard Fieffe explores a 15th-century tapestry at Notre Dame de Beaune, France, which depicts scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. The author identifies two specific scenes within the tapestry that appear to contain anomalous aerial objects, described as having shapes and configurations reminiscent of modern UFO sightings. The article meticulously details the historical context of the tapestry, its creation, and the potential sources of inspiration, including apocryphal texts. It questions the interpretation of these objects, suggesting they might be more than mere artistic conventions or symbolic representations. The author notes the difficulty in finding definitive historical explanations for these depictions, highlighting the lack of documentation and the conflicting hypotheses proposed.

Ballon-Sonde et Gaz des Marais

This section critically examines a GEPAN investigation into a reported UFO sighting by passengers on a flight from Saint-Etienne to Paris in February 1982. The object was later identified by GEPAN as a weather balloon. The article questions the thoroughness and objectivity of the GEPAN investigation, particularly in light of the visibility of the planet Venus at the time. It features an interview with Hubert Curien, President of CNES, who expresses a cautious and skeptical view on UFOs, defining them as 'phenomena' rather than 'objects' and suggesting they are often misinterpretations of natural phenomena or psychological effects. The article contrasts this with the earlier, more open approach of Claude Poher, the former head of GEPAN.

Uruguay : Enquête sur un face à face insolite

This article, likely a continuation or summary of a case from Uruguay, is briefly mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

La vague italienne de 1978. Phénomènes du 1er type.

This section, indicated as a continuation from a previous part, likely details UFO sightings from Italy in 1978, focusing on 'Type 1' phenomena (visual sightings).

Nuit Nationale de surveillance : samedi 16 octobre

This article announces or reports on a national UFO surveillance night held on October 16th, likely encouraging public participation and reporting of sightings.

Aux Hogues (Eure)

This report details a sighting by a family in Aux Hogues, France, in February 1978. They observed a red, spherical object emitting sparks and flames, which caused significant electrical damage to their home and the surrounding area, including a nearby transformer. The witnesses expressed fear and confusion, and the incident was investigated by local authorities and EDF (Electricité de France).

Anomalies dans le ciel de Maubeuge (Nord)

This article recounts an observation by several witnesses in Maubeuge, France, on February 19, 1982. The witnesses reported seeing a grey ball, followed by a luminous disk rotating and ascending, and then two small white phosphorescent clouds. Another grey ball was then observed ascending. The event was witnessed by multiple individuals, including maintenance staff from a sewage treatment plant.

La fin du monde

This article by F. Lagarde discusses apocalyptic scenarios, drawing parallels between ancient prophecies (from the "Vishnu Purana") and modern scientific theories about the end of the solar system and the universe. It explores concepts like the Sun becoming a red giant, engulfing the inner planets, and the eventual dissipation of the solar system into a nebula. The article also touches upon the possibility of ice ages caused by the solar system's passage through galactic arms. The author concludes that these cosmic events are on timescales far beyond human comprehension and should not cause immediate anxiety.

Nos activités

This section outlines the activities and services offered by the "Lumières dans la Nuit" organization to its readers. It includes opportunities for readers to become official investigators, access technical information and schematics for UFO detection equipment, and contribute to archival research. It also appeals for donations of old documents and materials to support their research efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, particularly those provided by GEPAN. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the need for thorough, unbiased investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring unconventional explanations while maintaining a scientific curiosity. The magazine also highlights the historical aspects of UFO research and the potential for ancient art and texts to contain relevant information. The publication seems to be a platform for independent researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and concerns about the UFO phenomenon and its investigation by official bodies.

This issue of LDLN, dated January-March 1982, focuses on a variety of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and investigations. The cover prominently features an observation near Roissy-en-Brie, France, and an investigation in Wittelsheim, France. The magazine includes detailed accounts from witnesses, investigative findings, and some statistical analysis of UFO waves.

Case 1: Observation near Roissy-en-Brie (Seine et Marne)

This section details a report from Allen Gridelet concerning his son Laurent's sighting on April 18, 1981, between 3:00 PM and 3:20 PM in Pesselières, Yonne. Laurent, aged 11, and his 3-year-old cousin, described a luminous, elongated object of significant size (estimated 1.5m high by 10-15m long) that caused them fear due to its brightness. The object was seen descending towards a group of trees. The parents, who were in the garden, did not witness the event. They later visited the field but found no ground marks. The report notes that regional TV technicians denied any possibility of electrical or other phenomena related to the local transmitter pylons.

Case 2: Investigation in Wittelsheim (Haut Rhin)

This report, a follow-up to a previous article in LDLN, details an investigation conducted on December 17, 1980, concerning a phenomenon observed the previous evening in Wittelsheim. The principal witness, 16-year-old Lucien Peloso, along with his family (Christine, François, and Mme Peloso), reported observing a luminous object. The object was described as having multiple lights (yellow, green, red) and a white outline, moving at an unusual speed at an estimated altitude of 200 meters. The observation lasted approximately 4 minutes. The report includes a sketch of the object's trajectory and notes that meteorological conditions were similar to a previous investigation. The psychological profile of the principal witness suggests an interest in ufology. The investigators noted some skepticism regarding the precise details and duration of the observation, suggesting a possible link to a phenomenon observed in Muhlbach.

Case 3: "Ponet" near Die (Drôme) - July 1976

This section presents an account from a 13-year-old witness, identified as M. B., who was at a holiday center near Die in July 1976. Around 2 or 3 AM, the witness and other children observed an unusual light and sound. The object, described as discoidal and hat-shaped, landed on the ground. It emitted a yellow-orange light so bright it was difficult to look at. The object had a dome-shaped upper part and a central ellipsoidal section with red squares. A gray vapor was seen escaping from the top. The witness reported that many children and staff observed the phenomenon, with some fainting. The object then ascended and disappeared. The next morning, a 5 to 6-meter calcinated circle was found at the landing site, with smaller burnt circles and a groove. The gendarmerie and firefighters confirmed the traces. The investigator, F. Lagarde, notes the lack of official reports and the difficulty of corroborating the single witness's account, despite the presence of physical evidence.

Case 4: Luminous Phenomenon at St. Raphaël

This article, titled "Phénomène lumineux à St Raphaël (ou la chasse aux fantasmes soucoupiques)", details an event from November 6, 1978. The principal witness, Mme M., reported a strange noise and a bright white light that illuminated the area during a general power outage. She described the light as a "cloud of fog" and experienced migraines and irregular watch function afterward. The report includes an investigation by a private ufology association and notes that the witness was convinced she had witnessed a "cosmic phenomenon." The investigator suggests a possible psychological explanation, influenced by readings and television, and notes the witness's fear of recurrence.

Case 5: Uruguay: An Unusual Face-to-Face Encounter

This report, translated from an Argentine publication, details an incident on June 14, 1980, in San José, Uruguay. Juan Froche Jaciola, a farrier, reported an encounter with two humanoid beings attempting to enter his home. The beings were described as young, with pale faces, wearing tight gray suits, and having a red scar on their foreheads. Froche sustained burns on his left hand when he resisted one of the beings. The report also mentions unusual electrical consumption, strange smells, and traces found on the property, including three holes forming a triangle and a semi-circular mark. The investigation notes contradictions in the witness's account and the possibility of self-inflicted injuries or hallucination, though the physical traces and the witness's demeanor are considered noteworthy.

Other Observations and Statistical Analysis

The magazine also includes brief accounts of other observations, including two from Die, France, in 1975 and 1976, involving luminous objects. A section on the "Italian wave of 1978" provides a statistical analysis of UFO sightings, comparing data from 1978 with earlier periods (1954 and ITACAT). It highlights the temporal distribution of sightings, noting that Wednesdays and Fridays were more frequent observation days in 1978, and that most sightings occurred during nighttime hours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs), witness testimonies, physical evidence (traces, burns), and the challenges of investigating such cases. The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Notre Ligne de Conduite" section, emphasizes the importance of constructive debate based on ideas rather than personal attacks, and a commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints to maintain an open-minded approach to the subject.

Title: Lumières Dans La Nuit
Issue: 35
Volume: 3
Date: 1982
Publisher: L.D.L.N.
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Lumières Dans La Nuit, a French ufology magazine, presents a diverse range of content including detailed case studies, book reviews, recent sighting reports, and announcements for ufological events.

Analysis of Italian UFO Observations

The issue begins with an analysis of nocturnal UFO observations in Italy, comparing data from 1954 and 1978. The study, referencing ITACAT and other sources, indicates that the hourly distribution of sightings remains consistent across different periods, suggesting that the phenomenon's temporal characteristics do not change significantly. However, the article notes that 'subjective parameters' related to human perception can vary considerably, necessitating further analytical verification.

Book Reviews

"Le feu qui vient du ciel" by Michel Harrison: This section reviews the book, translated by Madeleine Beaucaire, which compiles approximately sixty cases of unexplained phenomena. These include instances of spontaneous human combustion, such as the cases of Billy Thomas Peterson, Mrs. Satlow, and Mrs. Mary Reeser, where bodies were reduced to ashes. The review also touches upon 'hyperthermia' cases, like that of a patient reaching 50°C, and mentions the 'fire that attacks objects' and cases of fire associated with the presence of adolescents. The book explores the link between UFO phenomena and fire, drawing parallels with poltergeist activity.

"OVNI - Témoignages" by J. Claude Bourret and Philippe Claeys: This graphic novel album is presented as a new dimension in ufological publications, making the subject accessible to a wider audience. The review praises Bourret's adherence to factual testimonies without incorporating science fiction or dubious elements. It highlights eight specific UFO cases, balancing classic incidents like Cussac with lesser-known French and international cases, such as the Luxeuil air base incident and the Caporal Valdes case in Chile. The artwork by Patrick Claeys is described as pleasant and realistic.

"Parole d'Espion" by F. Gardés and J. Pradel: This book, related to espionage stories, is mentioned by F. Gardés, who also authored "Chasseur d'OVNI." Gardés emphasizes the importance of being aware of current realities beyond UFOs, encouraging readers to reflect on significant historical events and actions.

Recent UFO Sightings (Condensé de Presse)

The magazine compiles recent UFO reports from various French regions and Argentina:

• June 12, 1982, Langres (Haute Marne): An unusual conical object was observed moving slowly towards the Northeast.
• July 16-17, 1982, Kerglouff (Finistère): A tourist reported a large, intense orange light that disappeared at high speed.
• July 1982, Ronchamp (Haute Saône): A witness and his dog encountered a dark, human-like figure in the bushes.
• August 1982, Catamarca Province, Argentina: A UFO sighting led to a fire that destroyed 11 houses and caused significant damage.
• August 10-11, 1982 (Location not specified): An astronomical enthusiast observed a 'fireball' for about two hours.
• August 13, 1982, Hérault: A couple reported seeing a figure resembling "La Dame Blanche."

National Night of Surveillance

An announcement for the "Nuit Nationale de Surveillance" (National Night of Surveillance) scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 1982, is featured. This event aims to gather UFO observation data, particularly during the new moon. Participants are encouraged to test the detection abilities of dogs and the use of red light signals, based on suggestions from ufological groups. Results are to be published later.

CB-OVNI - Canal 12

This section lists participants in the CB-OVNI activities, providing their call signs, departments, and regions. It also announces that stations will be on standby on channel 12 FM (or channel 24 FM for local calls) on the second Friday of each month between 9 PM and 11 PM for contact among participants.

Announcements

Several classified ads are included:

• A telescope for sale.
• A request for old issues of LDLN magazines with UFO photos and reports.
• An offer to sell specific issues of LDLN and "Phénomènes Spatiaux."

Reader Contributions and Regional Network

The magazine includes a section for reader correspondence, such as a letter from M. Guillet referencing historical accounts of aerial phenomena from the "Chronicles of Lyon" during Charlemagne's era. It also provides contact information for regional delegates of the L.D.L.N. surveillance network across France, encouraging participation and reporting of observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous ufological research, emphasizing factual reporting and scientific inquiry. It aims to educate the public about UFO phenomena and encourage active participation in observation and data collection. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation, distinguishing between factual accounts and speculative fiction, and striving for clarity and scientific rigor in its publications.