LDLN - No 247-248

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: No. 247-248
Date: January-February 1985
Volume: 28th Year

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems. It features a cover story on the "L'Amarante" case in Northeast France, accompanied by a detailed diagram. The magazine also includes a critical review of a television program titled "Droit de Réponse" concerning UFOs, a section on the history of ufology, and articles on phantom armies and the sociological profile of UFO group members.

"Droit de Réponse" on TF1: Another Disappointment!

Jean Sider critiques a televised debate on UFOs that aired on October 13, 1984. He expresses frustration over the inaccurate information received about the participants and the eventual lineup, which included state scientists and only one private researcher, Jacques Vallée. Sider argues that the program was marred by the 'bad faith' of some participants and that the organizers failed to invite credible private researchers. He highlights several instances where the scientific participants, including M. Gruau (GEPAN), Velasco (GEPAN), Heudier (astronomer), and Nusinovici (physicist), made statements that Sider found to be misinformed or misleading, such as misinterpreting historical accounts or making unsubstantiated claims about balloon speeds. Dr. Bounias's research on the Trans-en-Provence case is mentioned as a positive contribution, but overall, Sider feels the debate was a missed opportunity for a serious discussion on the UFO phenomenon.

The "L'Amarante" Case in Northeast France

This section delves into the "L'Amarante" case, referencing GEPAN's technical note n°17. The witness, M. Henri, a biologist, reported seeing a luminescent object with a flat base, estimated at 50 cm in diameter, which he perceived as a "flying apparatus." A discrepancy is noted between the witness's description and the GEPAN report regarding the object's size (50 cm vs. 1.5 m diameter) and the presence of a flat section.

• Other cases discussed include:
• Trans-en-Provence (1981): M. Renato Nicolai described two 'saucer-like' objects with 'portholes' underneath, leaving circular traces. The article questions the interpretation of these traces, suggesting a concrete mixer as a possibility, though Dr. Bounias's analysis reportedly ruled this out.
• Turin (1973): The case involved a luminous object observed by an ORTF investigator, M. Mezzelani, a pilot. It was also detected by military radar, and a pilot reported it moving at high speed.
• Los Bandejantes (Rio de Janeiro): M. Chapelle, a pilot, reported seeing a wingless, rotorless object flying parallel to the horizon before descending into the sea.
• Veules-les-Roses (S.M.): Witnessed over 25 years prior, a group of three red, round objects were seen, with one smaller object emerging from and re-entering the larger one.
• "Dr. X." (1968): A witness reported a triangular mark appearing annually on his and his son's abdomen.

The article criticizes the GEPAN's delayed response to the Trans-en-Provence case and questions the scientific rigor of some of the TV program's participants.

For an Open Door Policy in Ufology (Part 3)

Gilbert Cornu continues his exploration of "Phantom Armies" and UFO phenomena. This installment focuses on large-scale military visions witnessed at ground level.

Great Military Frescoes Seen by Numerous Witnesses at Ground Level (continued)

• The article details several historical accounts of phantom battles and armies:
• Westphalia: Reports from 1836 describe the passage of over 20,000 phantom soldiers, with animals reacting to their presence.
• Schüssing Heights Vision (January 22, 1854): This significant event, investigated by Professor E. Heiss, involved a phantom army marching across the landscape. Anomalies included blurred figures and indistinct heads and legs, while horses and uniforms were clearer.
• Keinton, England (1642): A spectral reenactment of the Battle of Edge Hill was witnessed by shepherds, peasants, and travelers, lasting three hours. The vision was later confirmed by local authorities and even by King Charles I's representatives.
• Guyenne (1395): Multiple visions of charging squadrons, accompanied by the sounds of horses and combat, were reported.
• Norfeld, Germany (1506): Phantom armies engaged in combat for nearly a month, with a particularly violent battle occurring on April 29, 1506.
• Naval Battle in the Sound (1665): An ambassador reported witnessing two large naval fleets engaged in battle in broad daylight.

• Cornu also discusses visions of phantom armies in the air, including:
• Ujest, Upper Silesia (1785): Four visions of phantom troops, including infantry and cavalry, were observed, notable for the absence of sound despite visual evidence of firing.
• Israel: Three visions are mentioned, dating from around 875-855 BC, the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC), and during the siege of Jerusalem by Titus. These events are linked to periods of crisis for the Jewish people.
• Mendip Hills, England (1835): A spectacular vision of cavalry maneuvering in a precise, almost ceremonial manner was witnessed by numerous people.

The article highlights the consistent characteristics of these visions, such as their visual detail and the absence of sound, and questions the scientific explanations offered, such as atmospheric mirages.

What Kind of People Join a UFO Group? (Part 2 - Conclusion)

Shirley Molver's sociological study of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) members is analyzed, comparing their demographics and beliefs to those of LDLN readers.

• Key findings include:
• Religious Beliefs: BUFORA members are less likely to identify with traditional religions than the general population, with a higher percentage reporting no religious affiliation. However, a majority believe in God, and a significant portion believe in life after death and reincarnation.
• Attitude towards Science: While a majority believe science cannot explain everything, there's a complex view of science, sometimes seen as limited but also as a source of exciting techniques. The study suggests a distinction between appreciating science and appreciating scientists.
• Political Opinions: BUFORA members tend to be more politically indifferent than the French respondents.
• Origins of Interest in UFOs: Books and magazines are the primary source of interest for both groups, followed by personal observation and people in their circle.
• Interests: Space research and astronomy are significant interests for BUFORA members, aligning with a more scientific orientation.

The study concludes that BUFORA members are not marginal or fanatical but represent a distinct group with specific beliefs and interests, often bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and the unexplained.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

"Lumières Dans La Nuit" consistently adopts a critical stance towards official scientific explanations of UFO phenomena, often highlighting perceived biases and a lack of open-mindedness among mainstream scientists. The magazine champions the importance of witness testimony and independent research, contrasting it with what it views as dismissive or reductionist approaches from established institutions. Historical accounts, particularly those involving phantom armies and spectral battles, are presented as evidence of unexplained phenomena that warrant serious investigation. The publication also engages with the sociological aspects of ufology, exploring the beliefs and backgrounds of those who actively research or report UFO sightings. The editorial line emphasizes a pursuit of truth and a desire to push the boundaries of conventional understanding, encouraging constructive debate and open-minded inquiry among its readers and contributors. The magazine's commitment to publishing diverse viewpoints, as stated in its "ligne de conduite" (line of conduct), is evident in its willingness to feature detailed case studies, historical analyses, and critical reviews of media coverage related to UFOs.

This issue of LDLN, number 86, published in September-October 1983, focuses on ufology, presenting an "ephemeris" of UFO sightings from the 1940s to the 1970s and a detailed case study. The magazine's title is 'LDLN', with the main headline on the cover being 'Ephémérides des années d'espoir de l'ufologie (1)'.

Comparative Analysis of UFO Hypotheses

The issue begins with a comparative analysis of two surveys on UFO hypotheses: one by BUFORA and another by LDLN. The author notes that while the extraterrestrial hypothesis leads both surveys, the methodology and the range of options presented differed, affecting the results. For instance, the 'parallel universes' hypothesis was prominent in the LDLN survey but absent in the BUFORA questionnaire. Conversely, 'interpretation errors' were considered by BUFORA but excluded by LDLN. The analysis highlights that BUFORA members ranked 'parapsychological phenomena' and 'unknown natural phenomena' higher than LDLN respondents.

The article also touches upon the religious opinions of ufologists, noting a slight tendency towards mysticism and a disaffection for established religions, but emphasizing that ufologists are not socially marginalized and often possess a high level of education.

Ephémérides des années d'espoir de l'ufologie (1)

This section, authored by Gilbert Cornu and Henri Chaloupek, chronicles significant UFO events chronologically by month, starting with January. It details various sightings and incidents from 1948 to 1969, including:

• January 1948: The tragic case of Captain Thomas Mantell, who died pursuing an unidentified object in Kentucky.
• January 1949: Observations of groups of lights in New Mexico.
• January 1953: Sightings in Japan and a mysterious incident involving a BOAC comet near Elba.
• January 1954: An observation at Marignane airport in France, followed by the discovery of metal rods.
• January 1958: A luminous disk observed by the crew of a Brazilian vessel near Trindade Island.
• January 1961: A UFO incident involving a truck in Venezuela.
• January 1966: A fireball near Naples causing a power outage, an object observed over Wanaque, New Jersey, leaving holes in the ice, and a 'square UFO' sighting in Bolazec, France.
• January 1969: A mid-air collision involving a B-52 bomber and its refueling plane in Andalusia, with a UFO reportedly present.
• January 1966: Discovery of 'saucer nests' in Tully, Australia.
• January 1970: Two close encounters in Finland involving a luminous object and a "creature".
• February 1952: A cigar-shaped luminous object observed over London.
• February 1954: Two photos of a UFO taken in Coniston, UK, raising questions about their authenticity.
• February 1956: A large object detected by radar over Paris.
• February 1959: A luminous yellow-orange disk observed near London.
• February 1966: A police observation of an orange object in Skowhegan, Maine, USA.

Case Study: 'L'amarante' (Nord-Est de la France)

This extensive section details a UFO sighting that occurred on October 21, 1982, involving a witness named M. Henri. The report, originally from GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), includes:

• Witness Testimony: M. Henri, a biologist, describes observing an object in his garden for twenty minutes. He provides a detailed description of its shape (oval), size (approximately 1.5 meters in diameter), color (blue-green lagoon for the upper part, metallic grey for the lower part), and behavior (hovering, then ascending vertically). He notes the absence of sound, heat, or radiation.
• Analysis of Testimony: The analysis highlights the witness's desire for discretion and his rational interpretation of the phenomenon, evolving from 'avion' (plane) to 'bolide' (meteorite) and finally to 'soucoupe volante' (flying saucer). The report discusses the psychological aspects of the observation and the witness's desire for understanding.
• Environmental Effects: The study examines potential effects on the environment, specifically the grass blades that seemed to stand upright upon the object's departure and the dehydration of 'amarante' plants near the object. Scientific hypotheses involving intense electric fields and 'corona effect' are discussed.
• GEPAN Investigation: The report details the GEPAN's investigation, including sample collection of plants and their subsequent analysis. The challenges of sample preservation and the limitations of the analysis are noted.
• Scientific Analysis: The analysis of plant samples revealed differences in water content and mineral composition between the 'affected' and 'control' plants. However, the conclusions are qualified due to potential issues with sample preservation and the time elapsed before analysis.
• Critique of the Investigation: The author, F. Lagarde, offers critical commentary on the GEPAN's investigation, pointing out potential inconsistencies in the data, such as the reported distance of the object from the plants and the handling of samples. He questions the rigor of the investigation and the lack of definitive conclusions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, contrasting witness testimony with empirical evidence and scientific analysis. There's a clear emphasis on the challenges of collecting and interpreting data in ufology, as seen in the critique of the GEPAN's methodology. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of cautious inquiry, presenting detailed case studies and analyses while acknowledging the limitations and unanswered questions. The recurring theme is the search for objective truth amidst subjective experiences and the complexities of phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous research and critical thinking within the field of ufology.

This issue of LDLN, dated September-October 1984 (issues 245-246), focuses on UAP investigations and reader contributions. The cover prominently features 'Deux enquêtes dans le Morbihan' (Two investigations in Morbihan) and 'Près de Landevant' (Near Landevant), detailing a sighting by a 19-year-old witness.

Investigation Near Landevant

The primary article details an encounter on August 20, 1977, at 23:30 near Landevant in the Morbihan region of France. The witness, Bertrand QuillAY, an 18-year-old electrician, was riding his moped towards Mendon when he observed a strong yellow light emanating from a cylindrical object with yellow center and violet edges. The object moved silently from South to North across his path at an estimated speed of 20 km/h. The witness noted the light diffused on the ground cast no shadows. After passing a gentle curve, the object appeared elliptical and grey. The investigator noted the witness seemed contracted, anxious, and hesitant to provide details, requiring multiple interviews. The investigator also mentioned having a similar experience on March 22, 1974, near Lorient, and that a call for witnesses in the press yielded no results.

Sightings in Lorient

Two separate sightings are reported from Lorient, involving a couple, M. and Mme D., who requested anonymity. On October 18, 1977, at 7:45 AM, they observed a single orange object, initially mistaken for a cloud, stationing in the sky. On October 21, 1977, at 7:45 AM, they observed two orange objects with blurry edges, moving parallel and stabilizing for 10-15 minutes before moving away towards Carnac and Ile Dumet. The objects decreased in size as they moved away. Following this sighting, a thick fog enveloped the city. The objects were described as discs seen on edge, with no visible superstructure, windows, or antennas.

Other Sections and Contributions

Rectificatif: An explanation regarding pagination errors in a previous issue concerning Gilbert Cornu's article on 'phantom armies'.

Aidez-nous à provoquer de nouveaux abonnements: A call for reader support to increase subscriptions, emphasizing collective effort.

Courrier: This section includes several letters:

• Response to 'Coïncidences' (LDLN N° 243-244): A reader shares details about a silent, feminine apparition observed in 1951 near Dugny-sur-Meuse and mentions similar cases from 1975 and 1947, referencing books by Robert Ernst and Pierre Chamski.
• Response to Henri Julien: A letter from Henri Julien addresses an article signed by him, clarifying that his critique was aimed at a certain type of ufology rather than the author personally. He emphasizes the importance of public debate for published opinions.
• Response to Madeleine Ramard: Lucien BLAISE (Rhône) responds to Madeleine Ramard's letter about 'religious symbols and space', agreeing with the need for caution in correlating phenomena but affirming that some rapprochements can be made. He stresses the difficulty of finding truth in history without solid proof.
• Antonio Ribera's 'Machines du cosmos, oui; pourquoi pas ?': A discussion about Ribera's book, where he argues that UFOs are extraterrestrial vehicles utilizing Einstein's unified field theory. He references researchers like Leo Stringfield and Maurice Chatelain, and discusses cases of 'broken down' UFOs and propulsion theories.

Nos activités: This section details the ongoing activities of LDLN:

• Enquêtes: An invitation for subscribers over 18 to become investigators, receiving an official card and guide. Investigations are voluntary.
• Groupe Techniques et Recherches: Offers a 'Service Lecteurs' for guidance and advice, requiring a fee for responses. It also provides schematics for building equipment like magnetic detectors and light variation detectors, as well as information on creating an automatic photographic station.
• Réseau de Surveillance O.V.N.I.: A call for readers interested in new forms of UAP research, outlining specialties like night vigils and experimental research.
• Réseau CB-OVNI: An update on the animator of this network.
• Précisions: Corrections regarding previous articles, including the clarification of 'qRZ des stations' and the omission of the locality 'Menton'.
• Planing...: An explanation for the delay in publishing certain texts, promising more content in future issues.

Questions de Lecteurs:

• N° 5 - Enormes blocs gélatineux: A question about gelatinous blocks found in fields in France and Belgium.
• N° 6 - Explosion du 30 juin 1908 en Sibérie: A question about whether the Siberian explosion could have been caused by a UFO.
• N° 7 - "Opération Philadelphie": A question about the credibility of Charles Berlitz's book on the Philadelphia Experiment and its potential connection to UFO propulsion.

Réponses de Lecteurs:

• Response to N° 4 "Projections Lumineuses dans le Ciel": A reader provides detailed information about 'Skytracker' projectors manufactured by the company 'HOLD-UP', explaining their technical specifications and use in events, suggesting these might explain some UAP sightings.

Des délégués régionaux pour une action efficace: A list of regional delegates across France, with contact information and indications of vacant positions, emphasizing the need for experienced investigators.

Anciens numéros disponibles: A list of back issues of LDLN available for purchase, with prices.

Le Forum de nos lecteurs: An editorial statement emphasizing the forum's purpose as a platform for constructive discussion and clarification of specific points, avoiding sterile polemics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes active participation from its readers in UAP research, encouraging detailed reporting, investigation, and the sharing of information. There is a clear emphasis on empirical evidence and rigorous investigation, as seen in the 'Techniques et Recherches' section and the call for experienced delegates. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial craft ('Machines du cosmos') while also encouraging the elimination of conventional explanations ('rechercher toutes les causes réelles'). The 'Forum de nos lecteurs' section highlights the magazine's commitment to fostering a serious and constructive dialogue within the UAP community, aiming to 'éclairer des points précis' (clarify specific points) rather than engage in personal attacks.