LDLN - No 221-222

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: 221-222
Volume: 25e ANNÉE
Date: November-December 1982
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Country: France
Price: 13 F

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena and the search for truth.

Featured Articles and Content

"Energie... Energie... D'où viens-tu ?" by F. Lagarde

This lead article questions the nature of UFOs and their interaction with high-level physics experiments and parapsychology. The author highlights the limitations of current scientific knowledge and suggests that UFO phenomena are driven by an "EXTERNAL ENERGY EXTERIEURE AUX TEMOINS" (energy external to the witnesses). The article reflects on the difficulty of studying UFOs due to their elusive nature and the subjective impact of sightings on witnesses. It calls for a return to solid bases in research, focusing on common characteristics of all manifestations.

The article also presents the results of a questionnaire distributed to readers, noting an overwhelming response and thanking Gilbert Cornu for his extensive work in analyzing the data. This analysis will be published over several issues.

The Mystery of Roswell by Charles Berlitz

This piece critically examines the Roswell incident of July 8, 1947. It recounts the initial official press release from the Roswell Army Air Base announcing the recovery of a 'flying disk,' which was later retracted and explained as a weather balloon. The author, Charles Berlitz, discusses the role of Major Jesse Marcel and the subsequent 'black-out' and 'debunking' campaign initiated by General Roger M. Ramey. Berlitz suggests that the military's swift actions and the contradictory explanations point to an attempt to conceal the true nature of the recovered object, which he implies was not a balloon but something extraordinary.

The article references the work of ufologists like Bruce Macceabee and Jacques Vallée, and details the initial investigation by the FBI. It questions the official narrative and highlights the unusual properties of the recovered debris, suggesting they were made of materials unknown at the time.

"Un agent infâme de la C.I.A." by William H. Banks

This article, translated by Jean Bastide, discusses a classified CIA document concerning UFOs. It refers to an article by Major Hector Quintanilla, head of the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, published in the CIA's internal magazine 'Studies in Intelligence.' Banks questions the authenticity and intent of the article, suggesting it might have been a deliberate attempt to mislead or obfuscate the UFO issue.

"La lutte du C.A.U.S." by Lawrence Fawcett

This section details the efforts of government agencies like the FBI and CIA to control information about UFOs. It highlights the use of administrative delays and other tactics to hinder public access to UFO-related documents under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The article mentions the 'Men in Black' phenomenon and the Supreme Court's decision not to review a case against the National Security Agency, indicating a continuation of government secrecy.

"Un objet cylindrique explose dans une plantation à Apoisso, Côte d'Ivoire"

This report describes an incident on April 6, 1982, where a metallic object, approximately 50 cm in diameter, exploded three times in the air before crashing in a plantation near Apoisso, Côte d'Ivoire. The object, described as spherical with an explosion hole at its base, was recovered by local gendarmes. The article includes a witness testimony from Amadou Coulibaly, who heard the explosions and saw the flaming object fall.

"Au pays du soleil levant" (In the Land of the Rising Sun)

This piece discusses UFO sightings in China, referencing reports from the "Beijing Ribao" newspaper about multiple witnesses observing a round, luminous object in the sky over Beijing on December 14, 1980. The article notes that the Chinese media is beginning to report on UFOs, contrasting this with the USSR's silence on the matter. It also touches upon the possibility of these objects being related to Russian Soyuz and Progress satellites.

"OVNI ou V2?"

This article examines a reported UFO crash near Laredo, Texas, on July 7, 1948. It discusses the claims of ufologist Dennis Pilichis, who provided photographs of a craft and a creature. The Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) analyzed the evidence and concluded that the creature was likely a severely burned laboratory monkey, suggesting the object was a V2 rocket test rather than an extraterrestrial craft. The article explores the implications of this finding, questioning whether the US Army was testing rockets with living subjects and using the extraterrestrial hypothesis to cover up their activities.

"Le mystère de Roswell" (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on the Roswell incident, focusing on the testimony of Major Jesse Marcel, who was involved in the recovery of the debris. Marcel reportedly described the fragments as being made of an unknown, highly resistant material with strange 'hieroglyphs.' The article contrasts this with the official explanation of a weather balloon and questions the fate of the recovered materials.

"En Espagne" (In Spain)

This report details apparitions of the blessed Brother Diego José de Cadix to a woman in Cadix. The apparitions involved instructions to excavate a specific spot in a bathroom, leading to the discovery of 18th-century manuscripts. The article suggests a connection between these paranormal events and the property's history.

"NOS ACTIVITES" (Our Activities)

This section outlines the activities of the "Réseau de Surveillance O.V.N.I." (UFO Surveillance Network), which encourages readers to submit UFO-related documents, photographs, and research findings. It also details the network's experimental research initiatives, including nocturnal vigils.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the existence of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and advocates for rigorous investigation. A central theme is the concept of an "external energy" associated with UFOs, suggesting that these phenomena operate beyond current scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and participate in collective research efforts. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations that dismiss or cover up UFO incidents, as seen in the discussions of Roswell and the CIA's role. The magazine aims to uncover the truth, even when it challenges conventional beliefs and established authorities.

This issue of "Phénomènes" from 1982, with a cover headline "De curieux événements," presents a collection of UFO/UAP-related reports and analyses, primarily from France and Norway, with a significant section dedicated to statistical studies of Italian UFO cases. The magazine explores witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and the findings of investigators.

Norwegian Case: The Valnesfjord Experience

The issue details a strange experience reported by a woman, referred to as Mme NN, who stayed with her daughter and son-in-law in Kasmo, Norway, in September 1979. During the night of September 10-11, she witnessed a powerful beam of light entering her bedroom window, originating from what she described as a "torch flame" near a fuse panel. The light beam was greenish, and the "flame" had a yellow center with greenish and reddish periphery. After a brief, uniform sound, the beam seemed to shift its origin to a neighboring house before disappearing. The entire event lasted 10-15 seconds. Upon waking later, Mme NN experienced an unusual itching sensation. Her watch, and later her son-in-law's, showed a significant time discrepancy, indicating a loss of time. The following morning, a strange burn mark, about 3 cm in diameter, with two 10 cm soot streaks, was discovered on the wall above her bed.

Mme NN's account was corroborated by her neighbor, Mme Gunhild Andersen, who reported hearing a humming sound around midnight that lasted a few seconds. Mme NN only realized the significance of the event when she learned that others had also witnessed phenomena that night.

Other corroborating accounts included lights pulsing in a house under construction, a wall clock stopping at midnight in another home, and a tractor battery being completely discharged. Mme Andersen also reported a separate incident on the night of September 19-20, where she saw a bright light in her chimney, from which a luminous ray emerged, terminating in a red-yellow sphere the size of an orange. This ray moved erratically before disappearing. She also experienced a feeling of heaviness and observed agitated livestock.

An investigation by Dag Ove Johansen noted that neither Mme NN nor Mme Andersen had similar experiences before these events. The commentary by F.L. suggests that the initial description of the "flame" might have been a misinterpretation and that more details about the object's characteristics would have been beneficial.

Italian Wave of 1978: Statistical Analysis

Pages 21-27 are dedicated to a detailed statistical analysis of UFO Type I phenomena in Italy, focusing on the 1978 wave. Maurizio Verga and M. Le Gourrierec present data on the geographical distribution of sightings, distinguishing between "uninhabited places" and "isolated places." They found that the majority of phenomena were observed in places with a probability of potential witnesses present, contrary to some previous assumptions about UFOs seeking to avoid detection.

The analysis also examines the number of witnesses per case, noting that most sightings involve a small number of individuals, and that a large proportion of observations (78.5% in 1978) were reported by men, with women accounting for 25.5%. This gender distribution is compared to data from 1954 and ITACAT. The age distribution of witnesses shows a significant majority in the 20-29 age group. The study categorizes witness professions into five groups, with "workers, students, housewives, drivers, retired, military" and "farmers, shepherds, fishermen" being the most represented. The analysis also looks at the activities of witnesses at the time of observation, with "work" and "leisure" being the most common.

The duration of observations is discussed, with 46% lasting between 1 and 15 minutes. The report notes that the 1978 data shows significant similarities to ITACAT data, suggesting that the Italian UFO phenomena of the 1970s shared common characteristics. However, differences are noted in geographical distribution, witness gender ratios, age, and phenomenon shapes compared to the 1954 wave.

Haut-Rhin Cases: A Photographed UFO and a Kaysersberg Sighting

Two cases from the Haut-Rhin region of France are presented.

Gunsbach Sighting

In late April 1978, a man (Mr. X, an adjuster mechanic) in Gunsbach reported seeing a circular object in the sky with an orange glow. He managed to take two Polaroid photos before the object disappeared. He initially hesitated to report the sighting due to fear of ridicule. The object was described as dark with an orange glow, moving erratically before accelerating rapidly. The investigation by J. Journot confirmed the witness's sincerity and noted that the object was approximately 150 meters away with a diameter of about 1.80 meters. The halo was described as yellow-orange and luminous. The witness is interested in PSI phenomena and esotericism. The photos were reportedly published in a book by J.C. Bourret.

Kaysersberg Sighting

On January 1, 1982, a couple (Mr. and Mrs. X) in Kaysersberg observed a white-yellow luminous sphere that appeared to be stationary at first, then pulsed and moved slowly for about 25 minutes. The object was described as larger than a flashlight and its light dimmed and intensified. The witness, Mr. X, is a municipal police officer, and his wife had previously witnessed a phenomenon in July 1981. The observation was made in clear, starry weather. The report notes that the object's behavior made it unlikely to be a star or Venus. The investigation by Yves Chosson suggests the observation was unusual due to its duration.

Alsace Cases: Kingersheim and a Mysterious Light

Two cases from Alsace are detailed.

Kingersheim Observation

In the winter of 1977 or 1978, two women, Mlle Caron Monique and Mlle X, witnessed an unknown object hovering about 30 meters away and 12 meters high. The object was described as oval-shaped, gray, with lights in the center that were sometimes yellow and sometimes red. It was silent and appeared to have three legs and an antenna. The object remained stationary for a few minutes before rapidly ascending.

Mysterious Light in Alsace

This section, continuing from page 29, discusses the Kingersheim sighting and then briefly mentions other observations in the Haut-Rhin region since 1952, noting a concentration of cases in the southern part of the department. It also touches upon a reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in Trois-Epis in 1941.

Animal Mutilations in the Vosges

This section, marked as a "NOTE DE LA REDACTION," discusses the issue of animal mutilations. The collaborator Jean SIDER states he is aware of these incidents and that his research, involving official organizations and animal protection associations, suggests they do not fit the pattern observed in North America. The cases in France appear to be localized around Courcelles-sous-Châtenois, with no anomalies found in the surroundings of the victims. The text then introduces the case of Gilbert Martin, a man arrested for mutilating sheep and cattle in the cantons of Châtenois and Bulgnéville since 1966. He confessed to castrating and eviscerating numerous animals. The report notes that Martin's actions were discovered due to the vigilance of a resident, M. Joachim Olivera. The article mentions that Martin's motives are unclear but may be related to his lifestyle and potentially psychological issues, rather than gastronomic reasons.

La Pinelais Encounter

This report, from "Midi-Libre" dated July 16-17, 1982, details an encounter at La Pinelais, near Paimboeuf, on the night of August 15-16, 1980. A group of children and monitors from a holiday camp observed luminous phenomena. One child had read about a prediction of a fourth-type encounter near Paris on August 15th. The group went out and observed a white-yellow sphere that pulsed and moved. The report includes witness testimonies from children and monitors, including Olivia M., Yann M., Kareen M., and the monitrice Claire P. They describe lights, spheres, and halos. Kareen M. reports a luminous phenomenon in the infirmary with alternating blue, yellow, and green lights, and notes unusual shadows around metal objects. The investigation by Yves Chosson mentions the possibility of confusion with Venus and notes the unusual duration of the observation. The report also touches upon the possibility of animal deaths (sparrows) occurring around the same time.

The Photographer of the Invisible: Eric's Case

This extensive report focuses on Eric, a 14-year-old boy from Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, who claims to see and photograph a luminous "thing" that others cannot perceive. The article describes Eric's intelligence and talent in electronics. His father also reported seeing "blue glows." The case involves photographs taken by Eric of an orange sphere with a central "eye." The photographer Marc Rippard and journalist Henri Esmel conducted investigations, noting that Eric's photos showed the object while theirs did not, even when using the same equipment. Eric also attempted to film the object, but his video camera malfunctioned. The case was investigated by the GE.PA.N. (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena), which concluded that the photographic evidence was negative and did not confirm Eric's claims. The report discusses possible explanations, including paranormal abilities, parallel world travel, or elaborate hoaxing.

Sighting near St André de l'Eure

On August 15, 1981, two witnesses, Mr. Bodin C. and Mr. Josse G., observed two white lights moving horizontally near La Croix Blanche. The lights blinked and appeared to be about 5 km away. They later observed two white spheres with a diameter of about 1-2 arc minutes, situated at 45 degrees from the vertical. The lower sphere moved right, and the upper one blinked out and reappeared. They then saw another, larger and brighter light that also blinked. The two phenomena then extinguished simultaneously. No sound was heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies as primary evidence, often accompanied by investigator notes and attempts at corroboration. There is a clear interest in statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, as seen in the detailed Italian case study. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and analyses without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, especially in cases involving photographic or video evidence where scientific verification is sought (as in the Eric case). The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including skepticism and the difficulty of obtaining definitive proof. The inclusion of the animal mutilation case, while framed as distinct from North American patterns, underscores the magazine's broad coverage of unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unexplained, with a focus on detailed reporting and attempts at rational explanation or statistical categorization.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue Date: 4th Quarter 1982
Publisher: Imprimerie Imprilux
Country of Publication: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: Curieuse formation d'objets dans le ciel Seynois (Var) (Curious formation of objects in the Seynois sky (Var))

Article 1: The Case of Eric and Psychophotography

The issue begins by discussing a case involving a young man named Eric, who has reportedly photographed luminous objects hundreds of times over two years. The GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés) has not provided a definitive explanation. The article, with comments by F. Lagarde, explores the concept of psychophotography, suggesting that Eric might be projecting images from his mind onto the film, rather than capturing external phenomena with his eyes. Lagarde draws parallels to historical cases like William H. Mumler (1861), Hudson, Buguet, Professor Fukurai (1931), and Ted Sérios (from 1960 onwards), all of whom produced images through similar means, sometimes under controlled conditions that ruled out fraud. Ted Sérios, in particular, could produce images even when subjected to Faraday cages or leaded glass, with only a lead plate nullifying the effect. Sérios's subjects included images of the Hilton Hotel in New York and the dome of Santa Maria in Rome. Lagarde suggests that Francis Attard, who wrote about Eric's case, might have been better off consulting the parapsychology department at the University of Toulouse-Mirail, as GEPAN is primarily meant to study unexplained aerial phenomena, not necessarily psychic manifestations.

Article 2: UFO Sighting at Ste-Croix-En-Jarez (Loire)

This section details a UFO sighting reported by M. Desgrange, aged 65, on September 3, 1981, near Jurieux in the Loire region. The witness observed a luminous phenomenon, initially described as a white light, approximately 10 meters above the road. The object moved slowly, then returned, and was later joined by another light. Both lights then moved rapidly towards a hill and disappeared like a shooting star. The observation lasted about 10-15 minutes. The light was described as very bright, with a rapid flashing and occasional extinction, illuminating the landscape. A red light was also noted to the right. The witness estimated the white light to be about 40-50 cm and the red light smaller. No noise was heard, and the witness experienced no visual disturbances. A subsequent observation by neighbors on September 19, 1981, reported a similar phenomenon but at a greater distance.

Article 3: UFO Sighting at Les Salins d'Hyères (Var)

This report, dated November 24, 1979, details an observation by Mme P... and her son. The object was described as a very luminous, cigar-shaped mass, hovering at low altitude over the salt pans. It was noted to be stationary and vertically oriented, with rounded ends, resembling a greatly exaggerated oval. The luminosity was yellowish, comparable to the moon, with a darker central mass and an 'gold' aura. Using binoculars (Lux Mirador, 10x40), the witnesses perceived the object as changing shape and tilting, which they attributed to a slight rotation. The phenomenon was described as a dark mass surrounded by intense light, with nothing visible in the center. The object disappeared rapidly towards the north, described as a light ascending quickly. The witness, Mme P..., is described as credible and cooperative. The object's size was estimated to be about the diameter of the moon in height and one-third of that in width. The report questions how such a bright object could hover over a boat without illuminating its interior, and notes the absence of any visible cable, unlike weather balloons.

Article 4: UFO Sighting at La Seyne/Mer (Var)

This report, dated July 27, 1981, describes a curious formation of objects observed by M.J.P. Laurent and his father. At approximately 10:18 PM, they witnessed a large, luminous V-shaped formation, described as an enormous cloud, about 100 meters high. It was preceded by a 'cigar' shape in a vertical position. The total formation was estimated to be 70 cm long. The 'cigar' was described as opaque white, about 15 cm long and 6 cm wide, with no visible structure other than its classic shape. No noise was heard. Behind the cigar was a formation of 'saucers' resembling a truncated triangle, moving like a squadron. The formation was moving from Toulon towards Sanary-Bandol. The witnesses reported a slight air disturbance and a faint humming sound when the formation passed overhead. The formation was composed of hundreds of objects, each triangular with rounded edges and unusual brightness.

Article 5: UFO Sighting at Landivisiau (Base Aéronavale)

This report, dated August 19, 1982, details an observation by M. Jaffrés and his family near the naval air base at Landivisiau. At 10:30 PM, a bright light, described as a ball twice the size of the moon, was seen above the cloud layer at approximately 1000 meters. The object descended rapidly, then slowed down at about 200 meters altitude before hovering over a meadow. It took on a cylindrical shape with regular rings at the top and bottom. The witness, M. Jaffrés, approached the object in his car. He observed it for about 45 minutes. When he flashed his headlights, the object ascended and descended, appearing unstable. He noted that the two extreme rings rotated, projecting sparks and flashes of white light. The object moved towards an electricity pole and then away. M. Jaffrés felt nervous and experienced tingling sensations. He noted no visible asperities or openings on the object. The light from the object was so intense that it illuminated the entire area, preventing the witnesses from sleeping even with their shutters closed. The phenomenon was observed until 3:30 AM.

Book Reviews

"CETTE MAISON EST HANTEE" by Guy Lyon Playfair: This book is reviewed as a detailed account of poltergeist phenomena experienced by a family in Enfield over fourteen months, investigated by two SPR researchers. It describes various manifestations like knocks, moving objects, apparitions, and unexplained phenomena.

"FANTASTIQUES RENCONTRES au bout du monde" by Jean-François Boedec: This book is praised for cataloging UFO observations in Finistère, France. It covers various cases, including a close encounter with an extraterrestrial, and discusses military involvement and government secrecy regarding UFOs. The review notes that the book focuses on Canadian UFO phenomena and that the bibliography is limited, with a lack of maps and details on Canadian ufological groups.

Recent News (Condensed Press)

This section provides brief reports of recent UFO-related incidents:

• August 19, 1982, Darney (Vosges): A large luminous object, described as a ball, descended near a cereal field.
• September 21, 1982, Metz (Moselle): Multiple reports of a white, moon-sized object moving east, which then exploded, leaving a long trail.
• Mid-October 1982, Ste-Dorothée (Canada): An adolescent, Stéphane Ledeau, reported a close encounter with an extraterrestrial measuring 1.50 to 1.80 meters tall.

Call for Translators

The magazine appeals for volunteers who can translate from English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Swedish, Japanese, and Chinese to assist with their translation service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and related parapsychological events. It presents witness testimonies, investigative reports, and discussions of historical cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine unexplained events and potential hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the discussion of psychophotography. The magazine also engages with the broader context of UFO research, including book reviews and calls for collaboration within the ufological community. The emphasis is on presenting documented cases and fostering further research into the nature of these events.