LDLN - No 241-242

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), published in July-August 1984, is dedicated to the exploration of mysterious celestial objects and related problems. It is the 27th year of publication for this French magazine, with issue number 241-242.

Main Cover Story: The "Solid Light" Phenomenon

The cover prominently features the article "LE PHÉNOMÈNE DE LA "LUMIÈRE SOLIDE"" (The "Solid Light" Phenomenon), with a reference to page 3. This phenomenon is described as a light that appears solid, a comparison that comes to mind when describing what is observed, suggesting it might be something beyond conventional understanding.

Key Articles and Features:

1. The "Solid Light" Phenomenon (Page 3):

This section delves into the concept of "solid light" and its implications. The author, F. Lagarde, revisits past cases of "solid light" observations, noting their potential interest to readers. He explains that the term "solid light" is a description of what is observed, and while it might be light, it could also be something else entirely. The article highlights the difficulty in describing such phenomena, drawing parallels to witnesses using the term "engin" (craft) for unknown objects.

**2. Case Study: The Lac Lacar Accident (Argentina) (Page 10-13):

This is presented as a very important case. The article details an event on February 19, 1982, involving a group of 25 children camping near Lac Lacar in Argentina. Around 00:55, four witnesses observed a luminous object near the mountain El Abanico. The light, initially resembling car headlights, moved along the mountain face. It later appeared as a white, almost silvery light, changing colors and colors, and exhibiting a slow, rotating, and then increasingly rapid movement. The object eventually took on a fusiform shape and, according to witnesses, "dove into the water with violence, raising a jet of water." The impact created a powerful shockwave, causing the death of numerous fish due to the rupture of their swim bladders. Subsequent investigations by the municipal authorities and the National Institute of Pisciculture, as well as the Nuclear Physics Institute, confirmed the unusual nature of the event, with biologists attributing the fish deaths to a powerful shockwave. The article includes testimonies from the children, their supervisor Abel Cabrera, and other witnesses, as well as a diagram of the observation and drawings by H. Kreitman.

**3. UFOs in the Gulf of St. Tropez (Var) (Page 8-9):

This section reports on an observation from September 1968 involving four witnesses, including Léon D. The object was described as round, impressive in size, moving slowly at low altitude over the sea. It had a greyish, matte, metallic appearance with visible green hublights. The object stabilized, tilted, and then became blindingly white before disappearing rapidly like a shooting star, leaving a faint trail of "luminous glitter." The witnesses estimated the object's diameter to be between 1.5 and 2 times the width of a house. The article notes that other witnesses in the region have reported similar phenomena.

**4. Luminous Phenomena in the Var (Page 9):

This section presents three observations by a witness identified as Mme Z..., a retired professional from Saint-Raphaël. The first observation, in August 1970, involved a bright orange-red ball of light appearing and disappearing on the horizon. The second, in 1977 or 1978, described a bright white ball of light, larger than the moon, hovering and pulsating. The third observation, in autumn 1977, occurred while Mme Z... was driving on the Esterel highway. She and two friends observed an orange-yellow light, shaped like a half-moon, following their car at low altitude and speed. This light reportedly maintained its pace with the car for about fifteen minutes before ascending and disappearing.

**5. Physiological Effects of Electric Current (Page 5):

This article discusses the historical and recent research into the physiological effects of electric currents, particularly in relation to anesthesia. It details experiments conducted by Professor Stéphane Leduc in 1903, who subjected himself to electrical inhibition. The article draws a parallel between the sensations experienced during these experiments (tingling, paralysis, dissociation of faculties) and those reported by UFO witnesses, suggesting a possible link through electromagnetic waves.

**6. Project for a Catalogue of UFO Observations in Non-Western Contexts (Page 4):

Authored by Thierry Pinvidic, this section proposes the creation of a catalogue of UFO observations made in non-Western contexts. The author argues that such a catalogue would be valuable for understanding UFO phenomena, as Western contexts might introduce biases. He acknowledges the difficulty in completely excluding Western influence but aims to compile cases from regions like Algeria, the Philippines, Nigeria, Australia, Kenya, and Yemen.

**7. Other Reports and Sections:

• "Un cas très important, celui du lac Lacar (Argentine)" (A very important case, that of Lac Lacar (Argentina)) is highlighted on the cover and detailed within.
• "D'un livre à l'autre" (From one book to another) and "Le forum de nos lecteurs" (Our readers' forum) are recurring sections.
• The magazine also includes a section on "28 pages d'enquêtes" (28 pages of investigations).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a commitment to uncovering the truth through rigorous investigation and open-mindedness. The editorial stance, as stated in the "ligne de conduite" (line of conduct) section, is to publish diverse viewpoints and encourage constructive debate based on ideas rather than personal attacks. The publication aims to guide humanity towards truth by shedding light on unexplained phenomena. The recurring themes include detailed case studies of UFO sightings, analysis of potential physiological and psychological effects on witnesses, and explorations of the broader implications of these phenomena, including their potential extraterrestrial or unknown origins. The magazine also shows an interest in documenting UFO reports from various global contexts, moving beyond purely Western-centric perspectives.

This issue of "Enquête de Daniel Pauchet" (Issue 233-234, September 1983) focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in France. It features detailed witness testimonies, investigator notes, and discussions on the nature of UFOs, their characteristics, and the psychological impact on observers.

Key Investigations and Testimonies

Arcachon (Gironde) - Monsieur C.

Monsieur C., a 43-year-old industrial designer with excellent night vision, recounts an observation on August 5, 1983, at 11:40 PM in Arcachon. He describes a massive, enormous object, corresponding to a drawing he provided, with numerous colored lights. The object was silent and moved rapidly. He notes that his wife and children saw it only at the very end of the observation and could not provide detailed testimonies. He emphasizes the object's silent flight and the clarity of its form, with no fogging effect. He also mentions a general power outage in Cavalaire that lasted about 15 minutes, occurring shortly after his hypothesis about a general power outage.

Lorient (Morbihan) - Philippe Defay and Marthe Totevin

Philippe Defay, an electrician, and Marthe Totevin, a photographer, report two sightings in Lorient. The first, in early winter 1976, involved a luminous sphere. The second, in late January or early February 1977, described an object resembling two inverted plates. During the second sighting, three red-orange beams emerged from white orifices, described as possibly being like camera flashes. The object operated with rapid vertical descent, hovering, and sudden disappearance, leading the witness to believe it was trying to avoid detection.

Sotteville-les-Rouen (Seine-Maritime) - Madame Gouel

Madame Gouel, a 48-year-old homemaker, recounts two distinct experiences. The first, in December 1973, involved the appearance of a human-like figure in her kitchen, which she perceived as an apparition. The second, in January 1974, involved a large, non-blinding red sphere, about three times the size of the full moon, that moved, oscillated, and then disappeared silently. She notes the lack of media coverage for these events, which she found surprising.

Kerner-en-Querrien (Finistère) - Louis Pensec

Louis Pensec, a farmer, reports an observation on February 2, 1978, around 9:50 PM. He saw two powerful, yellow, blinking lights that initially resembled a tractor but made no sound and moved slowly. The object then moved silently and rapidly. He also mentions that his neighbor, Monsieur Le Sauze, had previously seen a similar phenomenon. Pensec notes the presence of uranium detected in a nearby field by BRGM specialists.

Près d'Eu (Seine-Maritime) - Anonymous Witnesses

Two witnesses, identified as Monsieur N. and Madame N., report seeing a luminous point above the sea on February 20, 1983, near Eu. They describe it as blinking in sync with the Tréport lighthouse. Later, as they drove towards the coast, they saw the light again, which then moved and disappeared. They also mention that their car experienced electrical issues and that their television reception was intermittently cut off around the time of the observation.

La famille Chambeyrat and "Gods" - Jean Champbeyrat

This section presents a narrative by Jean Champbeyrat, an engineer, recounting family experiences that he links to parapsychic and religious manifestations, and potentially UFOs. He details an event in 1894 where his grandmother heard celestial music. He also describes his father's near-death experiences during World War I and a premonitory vision. Another account involves his mother's recovery from Spanish flu after a vision of the Virgin Mary.

Un étrange phénomène, identifié ensuite - Pierre Basso Bondini

Pierre Basso Bondini describes observing multiple ovoid, luminous objects in the sky on September 15, 1983. He initially saw one object, then a second emerged from it, followed by a third and fourth. These objects moved in regular circles at high speed before disappearing towards the northwest. He notes that his parents, who also witnessed the event, did not see the objects dividing as clearly as he did. He also mentions a subsequent observation that helped him identify the cause of the phenomenon.

Other Reports and Sections

• D'AUTRES PRECISIONS SUITE A NOTRE DEMANDE DE RENSEIGNEMENTS: This section provides further details on the ovoid shapes and circular movements observed, emphasizing the difficulty in accurately assessing distances and altitudes in the sky.
• UNE AUTRE CONFIRMATION: A letter from M. M. Deloince suggests that some UFO sightings might be explained by fairground attractions, specifically mentioning rocket-shaped rides with powerful lights.
• "La Chine et les extra-terrestres" by Shi-Bo: A review of a book on UFOs in China, questioning its content and the author's background.
• Réseau de Surveillance O.V.N.I.: An appeal for new investigators and collaborators for UFO research.
• Réseau CB-OVNI: Information about the coordinator of this network.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the mystery of UFOs, presenting witness accounts with a focus on detailed descriptions of the objects, their behavior, and the witnesses' reactions. There's an underlying theme of seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained. The publication seems to encourage rigorous investigation and documentation, as evidenced by the detailed questionnaires and the call for collaborators. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, while also being critical and seeking to differentiate between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes. The psychological impact of these experiences on witnesses is also a recurring point of interest.

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated the 3rd quarter of 1984, is a French publication focusing on ufology and unexplained phenomena. The issue features a critical review of a book on Chinese ufology, an exploration of religious symbolism related to space, a review of a book by Professor Rémy Chauvin, and a directory of regional delegates.

Review of Shi-Bo's Book on Chinese Ufology

The review begins by questioning the rapid success and high circulation of a book by Shi-Bo on Chinese ufology, attributing it to a "muscled" organization and significant resources. The reviewer expresses surprise at the author's claim of writing the book in under three months, suggesting it might be due to advanced means.

The content of the book is divided into two parts. The first part, focusing on UFO testimonies, is deemed more interesting than the second part, which contains the thoughts of Chinese ufologists. This second part is described as depressing, filled with superficial considerations or simplistic compilations that evoke "old decadent scholasticism." The reviewer notes that this low level of reflection is not contradictory to the book's conclusion.

The reviewer acknowledges that Shi-Bo attempts to provide a comprehensive historical overview of ufology in China. However, he criticizes the author for being influenced by Western ufology and for interpreting ancient Chinese artifacts as evidence of extraterrestrial visitors. Examples include prehistoric drawings of "so-called cosmonauts" and terracotta plates interpreted as "models" of flying saucers. A skull is presented as a "helmeted" representation of an extraterrestrial.

Despite these criticisms, the reviewer finds the more recent cases (since 1968) more credible, as they are based on verifiable texts. The 175 cases from this period are said to show the same diversity of phenomena observed worldwide. The reviewer notes that the inclusion of bibliographic sources lends some credibility, but laments that the author's tendency to interpret everything through the lens of modern technology, such as suggesting an aerial vessel must have had electric power, is overly simplistic.

The review highlights that the 175 cases from 1968-1981 were largely provided by military personnel, suggesting an earlier interest in UFOs in China than commonly believed. The author's network, established only two years prior, is therefore not a precursor. The reviewer is struck by phrases in witness testimonies indicating prior knowledge of UFO literature, suggesting a longer history of observation.

Military cases are described as involving active pursuit of UFOs, with patrols searching for crash sites and soldiers in the Gobi Desert being ordered to capture intruders "alive." One incident in 1968 near Lüda involved soldiers firing on a UFO.

Modern UFO sightings are described with various shapes (spheres, cones, squares, triangles, croissants, spirals) and movements (floating, bouncing, right-angle turns, vertical descents, hovering). The sounds associated with UFOs range from loud explosions to faint hisses, or silence. The review notes that 30 cases reported no sound, compared to 11 with loud noises and 9 with faint noises.

The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book for three main reasons:

1. Lack of Investigation: The author, described as a "very demanding" scientist, conducts no independent investigations or cross-checks, accepting witness accounts at face value. This is seen as naive for someone with a diplomatic background.
2. Witness Reliability: The reviewer questions the absolute certainty of the witnesses, noting that no one in the book seems to doubt their own perceptions or consider misidentification or optical illusions. Witnesses are described as having extraordinary precision in their observations, even distinguishing details on distant objects.
3. Potential Exploitation: The reviewer suggests that the naive ufology presented might be exploited by authorities and scientists. The expectation of events by witnesses, the precise timing of observations, and the sheer number of similar reports (two million for one event) raise suspicion.

The review points to a specific event on July 24, 1981, observed by over two million people, which was predicted a month in advance with precise details. This prediction is attributed to an official astronomer, a member of the Beijing Academy of Sciences. The reviewer concludes that this predicted event was likely not a true UFO phenomenon, as UFOs are generally considered unpredictable.

The reviewer contrasts the Chinese approach with Western ufology, emphasizing the importance of rigor and critical thinking. The author's diplomatic background is seen as incongruous with his apparent naivety in accepting all testimonies. The reviewer concludes that the book, while not entirely negative, is disappointing due to its lack of rigor and the impossibility of distinguishing credible sightings from others.

Book Review: "Voyage outre-terre" by Rémy Chauvin

This section reviews Professor Rémy Chauvin's book "Voyage outre-terre" (Journey Beyond Earth), published in October 1983. Chauvin is described as a biologist and animal behavior specialist known for his courageous stance on unexplained phenomena. The book is presented as an easy-to-read narrative that explores the possibility of extraterrestrial beings through various "lived" experiences.

The review highlights that Chauvin uses a flexible approach, blending reality and fiction to raise awareness about unexplained phenomena. The book touches upon topics such as cattle mutilations, the Betty and Barney Hill case, and encounters with cults in South America. Chauvin also explores the concept of "contactees" and their interactions with beings he refers to as "Gods."

Chauvin's work is noted for its exploration of controversial subjects, including the idea that certain phenomena might be the work of "commensals" or companions of hypothetical pilots, rather than the pilots themselves. The reviewer also mentions Chauvin's earlier work, "Certaines choses que je ne m'explique pas" (Some things I cannot explain), published in 1976, which also touched upon UFOs and Aimé Michel's concept of orthoteny.

The reviewer suggests that Chauvin's method of presenting these topics through narrative makes them more accessible to the public, even if they challenge conventional scientific views. The book is seen as having a significant impact due to Chauvin's reputation as a well-documented scientist.

Religious Symbolism and Space

This article draws parallels between religious practices and space exploration. It suggests that the tall, pointed towers of churches and mosques resemble rockets, symbolizing a desire to reach the heavens. The posture of prayer is likened to that of a cosmonaut awaiting launch, and the recitation of litanies is compared to a countdown. The halos around saints are interpreted as space helmets, essential for survival in space. The article also notes that the Gospel reading is determined by Earth's position in space, referencing Easter coordinates. The concluding phrase of the mass, "ite missa est" (the missile has departed), is seen as a symbolic confirmation of this connection. The author, Dr. Alfred Krantz, further posits that the transubstantiation of the host, symbolized by the monstrance emitting radiant energy, represents atomic transmutation, providing energy for rocket engines.

Are UFOs Reliable Objects or Experimental Phases?

This article by V. Freyre discusses the reliability and nature of UFOs. The author argues that UFOs appear to be a highly advanced system, capable of interstellar travel, as evidenced by the lack of crashes that would leave behind debris. This leads some detractors to question their existence.

Freyre suggests that comparing UFOs to human aircraft is insufficient, as advanced extraterrestrial technology might not face the same landing challenges. He uses the analogy of birds and human navigators, who are adept at their respective domains without crashing.

The author proposes that the true challenges for UFOs lie not in Earth's vicinity but in interstellar space, requiring sophisticated solutions for such voyages. Hypotheses mentioned include traversing black holes via "tunnel effect" or utilizing fundamental particles as mini-black holes to bypass spacetime.

Freyre notes that for centuries, UFOs have been observed without a clear purpose, and that if extraterrestrials are still in an "experimental phase," we might only be witnessing "99% failures" or residual effects of their communications.

He suggests that if the UFO "system" were perfectly developed, phenomena would be more coherent. He also points out that in nature, passage is rarely without immediate and clear consequences, unlike the often elusive nature of UFO sightings.

Forum de nos Lecteurs (Readers' Forum)

This section invites readers to engage in a dialogue about ufology. It aims to foster an exchange of knowledge, questions, and hypotheses, moving beyond sterile polemics. Readers are encouraged to submit their questions in writing, along with their subscription number or address label, to the LDLN headquarters.

Regional Delegates for Effective Action

This section lists regional delegates across France who are involved in coordinating efforts for UFO research. The primary activity mentioned is investigation, but other activities like archival research, media contact, propaganda, and organizing debates are also listed. The list includes contact information for delegates in various departments, with several "poste à pourvoir" (position available) entries.

Book Offer

The magazine offers a book titled "OVNI: LE PREMIER DOSSIER COMPLET DES RENCONTRES RAPPROCHÉES EN FRANCE" (UFO: The Complete First Dossier of Close Encounters in France) by Michel Figuet and Jean-Louis Ruchon for 53.10 Frs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include a critical examination of ufological research, particularly concerning its methodology and potential for manipulation, the historical and cultural aspects of UFO sightings, the symbolic interpretations of phenomena, and the importance of organized research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing rigor, evidence-based analysis, and a healthy skepticism towards unverified claims, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and aims to foster a community of researchers.