LDLN - No 239-240

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 239-240
Date: May-June 1984
Volume: 27th Year
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT RECHERCHES
Country: France
Cover Headline: MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES

This issue of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of celestial objects and related issues, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena and their connection to fundamental questions about consciousness and physics. The magazine presents a blend of scientific inquiry, witness testimonies, and philosophical reflections.

Featured Articles and Content

L'esprit et la matière (The Spirit and Matter)

This lead article, authored by F. Lagarde, delves into the philosophical and scientific implications of the relationship between spirit and matter. It begins by contemplating humanity's place in the vastness of the universe, suggesting that scale is relative, and that the microscopic world of atoms is as real and complex as the macroscopic world of planets. The article draws heavily on the ideas of Teilhard de Chardin, particularly his concept that every element in the universe is interconnected and reflects the whole. It explores the scientific understanding of matter as excitations of quantum fields and discusses the concept of non-separability in quantum mechanics, where distant objects can instantaneously affect each other. The author posits that consciousness might play a more active role than traditionally assumed, potentially interacting with external energies and influencing phenomena. This section also touches upon the limitations of purely materialistic science and the need for broader perspectives, referencing 'The Gnosis of Princeton' and the work of scientists like Bernard d'Espagnat.

Si les OVNI étaient des engins extraterrestres (If UFOs were Extraterrestrial Craft)

Authored by F. Lagarde, this article examines the immense challenges of interstellar travel, even for hypothetical extraterrestrial beings (ETs). It calculates the vast distances involved, such as to Proxima Centauri (4 light-years away), and the prohibitive timeframes required for travel using current or foreseeable technology, even at speeds approaching light. The article references physicist Jean E. Charon's theories on the universe and relativity, highlighting that even advanced ETs would be bound by the laws of physics, including the speed of light limit. The author concludes that based on these physical constraints, it is improbable for ETs from distant planets to visit Earth, suggesting that the explanation for observed phenomena might lie elsewhere, perhaps in the capabilities of consciousness itself.

Banal, mais anormal, inexpliqué (Ordinary, but Abnormal, Unexplained)

This section presents a case from Dour, Belgium, where a young couple, the Legrands, experienced a series of unexplained events. Neighbors complained of persistent, inexplicable noises emanating from their apartment. The phenomena escalated to include objects being displaced, drawers being pulled out, and a child's bed being found in a vertical position. Investigations by local police and authorities failed to find a rational explanation. The article highlights the difficulty in accepting paranormal explanations and the tendency to dismiss or rationalize such events within conventional frameworks. It also touches upon the concept of 'poltergeist' phenomena and the potential role of consciousness in influencing physical reality.

L'indice d'étrangeté (The Strangeness Index)

This article by Jean-Luc Overal introduces a system for classifying the 'strangeness' of UFO phenomena based on specific characteristics and indices. It explains that 105 indices have been established, grouped into 10 categories, to analyze and categorize UFO cases. The goal is to identify patterns and potentially uncover the underlying nature or 'scenario' of UFO events by comparing them to science fiction and mythology. The author calls for contributions from readers to expand the database and aid in this research.

Observations en Corse (Observations in Corsica)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from the island of Corsica, collected by R. Crépin. The reports include:

• Patrimonio (November-December 1965): Around twenty people observed two mysterious, bright, violet objects moving erratically.
• Erbalunga (March 1974): A young couple witnessed three silhouettes and later a triangular craft that ascended rapidly and disappeared.
• Partine (July 1974): An instructor and his family observed a bright yellow-orange light moving at high speed, stopping, and then ascending vertically.
• Bastia-Toga (July 1974): A luminous object described as a large star was seen moving horizontally and then disappearing.
• Cardo (July 1974): A bright object, initially like a star, reappeared larger and brighter, appearing to hover and rotate.
• Foret de Bavella (August 1974): Campers reported seeing oval objects, floating lights, and strange luminous phenomena, along with unusual psychological effects on the group.
• Sainte Lucie de Tallano (August 1978): Five people saw a yellow-orange object moving erratically, responding to flashlight signals with bright flashes.

Other Sections

• Les inventeurs méconnus (The Unknown Inventors): This short piece highlights Narcisse Monturiol, an inventor of submarines equipped with rockets in the 19th century, noting his pioneering work and eventual obscurity.
• Au Sahara et à St-Laurent du Var (Var): A personal account from Max Basso describing a strange, chilling encounter with a dark, shadow-like phenomenon while stationed in the Sahara in 1966.
• Survol de la région méditerranéenne St-Tropez, St-Raphaël, Agay par un objet aérien lumineux: A detailed report of a luminous object observed by the crew of a fishing boat, described as a long, cigar-shaped craft with bright lights.
• Bibliographies and References: Several books and articles are listed as consulted sources, including works by Teilhard de Chardin, Jean E. Charon, and Bernard d'Espagnat.
• Our Activities: Information on reader engagement, including becoming an investigator, technical resources, and requests for donations of materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, consciousness, and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. There is a clear editorial stance that encourages open-mindedness and a willingness to consider explanations beyond conventional materialism. The publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the collection of witness testimonies, while also engaging with theoretical physics and philosophical concepts that challenge established scientific paradigms. The role of consciousness is a recurring theme, suggesting it may be a key factor in understanding many unexplained events. The magazine also highlights the historical context of UFO research and the challenges faced by investigators.

This issue of "L'Astro-Revue" (Issue 37, Volume 1, September 1984) is a French publication from LDLN, priced at 20 F. It focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring detailed reports, witness testimonies, and analyses from France and Italy, primarily from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The cover headline highlights "Les OVNI de Fontainebleau" from July 15-17, 1983.

Key Articles and Reports

"Les OVNI de Fontainebleau" (July 15, 16, 17, 1983)

This section details an investigation by François Gérard into sightings above Fontainebleau. Initially reported as recurring luminous objects, the investigation, in collaboration with G.R.C., suggests the phenomena were likely astronomical, specifically Venus and Regulus (Alpha du Lion), observed under clear skies. The article critiques the press for sensationalizing the events and discusses the difficulty in distinguishing celestial bodies from UFOs without proper astronomical knowledge. It notes that the witnesses were cooperative and that the gendarmes also observed the objects with binoculars, confirming the presence of celestial bodies.

"A St-Etienne-du-Rouvray (Seine-Maritime)"

This report by Eric Melet and Luc Jean documents an observation on October 10, 1983, by two sisters, Madame Darney and her sister. They reported seeing a large orange ball with a green halo, followed by a white ball of light, both moving incredibly fast. The objects were described as large and luminous, appearing over an apartment building. The witnesses were deeply impressed and frightened. The article notes the lack of sound and the rapid disappearance of the objects. It also mentions previous similar sightings in the area and the difficulty in getting other residents to comment.

"A Lillebonne et Auzebosc (Seine-Maritime)"

Christian Soudet presents two reports from this region. The first, from September 1980, involves Mr. and Mrs. Béché who observed a spherical, grey object (Mrs. Béché saw it as orange) hovering silently over a fire before moving away at high speed in a zig-zag pattern. They estimated the duration at two minutes. The second report, from Auzebosc (date uncertain, possibly spring), details an observation by a farmer (Mr. X...) who saw a luminous ball, initially the size of a star, which then grew to the size of his outstretched arms before stabilizing and returning to star-like size and disappearing. He noted a faint radiance around the ball. The witnesses in both cases are described as sincere, though their estimations of distance and size are noted as vague.

"Une nuit inoubliable près de Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)"

This report by Y Chosson and J. Rault details an observation on July 21, 1976, by Mr. and Mrs. R. and two neighbors. They witnessed a bright, unusual light that illuminated the area like daylight. Later, they saw a luminous ball, described as enormous and rose-colored, moving slowly and silently. The object was seen at close range, about 30 meters away and 1 meter above the ground. The witnesses were particularly struck by the silence and the object's ability to illuminate the surroundings. The report discusses contradictions in the witnesses' descriptions (e.g., orientation of the object) but emphasizes their sincerity. It also notes the lack of any unusual behavior from livestock.

"La Flotte en Ré (Charente-Maritime)"

This investigation by Pascal Grousset and Jérémie Lemarie focuses on an observation from between 1968 and 1970. Two witnesses, Madame B... (an artist painter) and M. D... de la H..., observed a brilliant, oblong, metallic object with sharp points, hovering silently for several minutes. The object was described as having a shape like a "stylo" (pen) and was incredibly shiny, like polished metal. It was located about 1000 meters away. The witnesses were deeply impressed and frightened. The report includes a detailed transcript of their interview, highlighting their artistic background and the clarity of their visual memory.

"A Rochefort-sur-Mer (Charente-Maritime)"

This report by M. et Mme Joël Sauvette describes an observation from September 1977. A young witness, Mr. Destre (11 years old), observed a silver, silent object with no lights, shaped like a half-ellipse, hovering about 30 meters above the ground and 200 meters away. The object emitted a sound similar to a seagull's cry. The witness was very frightened. His older brother and a neighbor also witnessed the phenomenon briefly.

"Informations complémentaires sur les phénomènes du type I de la vague italienne de 1978 (1)"

This article by Maurizio Verga provides a sociological and psychological analysis of the 1978 Italian UFO wave. It argues that the widespread myth of UFOs, fueled by media attention and psychological factors, led people to interpret various atmospheric and celestial phenomena as UFO sightings. The author discusses the difficulty in verifying such reports due to their subjective nature, the influence of memory and emotion, and the often poor quality of the sources. The article emphasizes that many sightings could be explained by misinterpretations of planets (especially Venus), stars, aircraft, meteors, or unusual atmospheric events like ball lightning.

"Nouvelles de ces derniers mois (Condensé de presse)"

This section provides brief news items about recent UFO sightings: a report from Chile in early November 1983 about a woman and her car being affected by a round object; a sighting in Malaga, Spain, on January 18, 1984, where an object was photographed; a sighting in Toulon, France, on February 5, 1984, of a luminous, diamond-shaped object; and a sighting in Lesquin, France, on February 1, 1984, of a large red ball.

"Centre de Rouen (Seine-Maritime)"

An investigation by C. Dumaine and L. Jean on March 27, 1983, describes a witness observing a large, red, luminous ball, the size of the full moon, descending slowly and silently over Rouen. The object changed color from white to red and then intense pink before disappearing. The witness, M. Beau Bernard, and his mother-in-law, along with other witnesses, observed the phenomenon. An addendum mentions a similar observation by a nun, who described the ball varying in size. The investigators conclude that the phenomenon was likely natural, possibly Venus and Jupiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, the analysis of these sightings, and the sociological and psychological factors influencing UFO reports. The magazine consistently presents detailed accounts from credible witnesses, often with artistic renditions or diagrams. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and analysis without necessarily endorsing extraterrestrial explanations, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of accurate observation and careful investigation, contrasting with sensationalized media reports. The publication also highlights the efforts of research groups like LDLN in collecting and analyzing UFO data.

This issue of "Il Giornale dei Misteri" (The Journal of Mysteries), dated January 1979, is Volume 12, Issue 131. It focuses on detailed reports of UFO sightings and potential alien encounters, primarily from Italy in late 1978, with some references to French investigations and publications.

Case Reports and Analysis

The magazine presents a series of documented cases, often categorized by the investigators based on the quality of evidence and potential explanations. These categories include:

• IDEN: Cases where traces have been explained.
• POSS: Cases where traces offer possibilities for positive identification.
• PROB: Cases where traces are probably explainable.
• INS: Cases with insufficient information for analysis.
• FALS: Cases revealed to be hoaxes.
• N.AF: Cases deemed unusable due to various reasons like delayed investigation, single witness testimony, or poor source quality.

Several specific cases are detailed:

• Case 60: Gallio (Vicenza), November 24, 1978: Two entities, one 60 cm and the other 80 cm tall, with yellowish skin, large pear-shaped heads, white eyes, and long noses, were observed. They moved rapidly and interacted with a witness's sickle, causing an electric shock. An unknown object, described as 4 meters long with a red dome and four grey feet, landed nearby, leaving a circular trace of scorched, rotated grass.
• Case 82: Licodia Eubea (Catania), December 15, 1978: Two entities, described as smaller than a truck's roof, approached a truck. One wore a tight suit and a black helmet. Large footprints, resembling size 54 shoes, were found near the road.
• Case 96/a: Taranto, December 20, 1978: An elliptical object descended and stopped near a car, exhibiting an orange color before disappearing and leaving a dark mass. The car's radio experienced malfunctions.
• Case 90/a: Caldera (Messina), December 18, 1978: A bright light hovered above the sea, then transformed into an oval object about one meter long.
• Case 77/a: San Vito dei Normanni (Brindisi), December 14, 1978: Several spherical flying objects were observed for about 15 minutes, with one touching the ground.
• Case 77/b: Le Murge (Bari), December 14, 1978: Several bright objects descended towards the ground, with some reportedly landing.

The issue also provides commentary on numerous other cases (nº 3, 5, 11, 17, 21, 28, 29, 36, 39, 44, 54, 57, 60, 69, 72, 76, 78, 80, 85/86/87, 90, 91/92, 97, 100, 103, 105, 108, 112, 115), offering potential explanations ranging from astronomical phenomena and aircraft to psychological factors and hoaxes. Some cases are noted for their complexity or the questionable quality of the investigation.

Investigative Network and Resources

Michel Figuet is highlighted for his compilation of "close encounter" cases in France. The magazine includes a request for specific press articles related to these cases and lists numerous regional delegates across France who are involved in UFO investigations. These delegates are encouraged to conduct investigations, research archives, and engage with the media.

Book Reviews

Two significant book reviews are featured:

• "OVNI en Ardennes - 10 ans d'enquête sur les soucoupes volantes" by Jean Michel Ligeron: This review praises the book as an exemplary, sober, and serious work, detailing 41 cases investigated over 10 years in the Ardennes region of France. It commends the author's rigorous methodology, including cross-referencing testimonies and using press clippings.
• "Le Mur du Silence" by J.P. Petit: This book is noted for dealing with the author's work on Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).

Reader Contributions and Editorial Stance

The "Courrier" section includes letters from readers. One reader shares an experience of witnessing a missile explosion, questioning the official explanation. Another expresses satisfaction with the magazine's objectivity and calls for more reader interaction. A third reader emphasizes the need for scientific recognition of UFO phenomena and discusses the reluctance of witnesses to come forward due to secrecy and ridicule. The editorial stance is reinforced by a statement advocating for constructive argumentation supported by evidence, rather than sterile polemics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, factual reporting, and the need to move beyond sensationalism in UFO research. It highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including the difficulty of obtaining reliable information, the skepticism encountered, and the importance of documenting historical cases. The editorial team encourages readers to support the magazine and engage in constructive dialogue about the UFO phenomenon. The call for regional delegates and the detailed analysis of cases underscore a commitment to systematic, evidence-based ufology.