LDLN - No 267-268

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT

Issue: No. 267-268, 29th Year, No. 19 F

Date: September-October 1986

Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES

Country: France

Language: French

Cover Headline: MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES ET PROBLEMES CONNEXES (Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems)

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Summary

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), a French ufology magazine, offers a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, historical research, and related controversies. The cover prominently features a sighting in St-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines) on December 25, 1980, and highlights articles on a global view of ufology, the imposture surrounding some research, and a catalog of ufonaut footprints.

Editorial Stance and Personal Reflections

The magazine opens with a reflection by F. Lagarde on his long-standing connection with "Lumières dans la Nuit" (LDLN) since its early days. He recounts the magazine's evolution from a simple format to its current presentation, emphasizing the dedication of its founder, Raymond Veillith. Lagarde laments the abandonment of the term "M.O.C." (Mysterious Celestial Objects) in favor of "OVNI" (UFO), feeling the former better captured the unexplained nature of the phenomenon. He highlights the magazine's collective nature, serving as a platform for readers to share their experiences and research, reflecting the diverse aspects of contemporary human experience.

The Evolution of Ufology

Gilbert Cornu's article, "Pour une vision globale de l'ufologie" (For a Global View of Ufology), delves into the intellectual and psychic dimensions of UFO research. He traces the historical progression of explanations for UFO sightings, starting from the initial hypothesis of advanced secret weapons in the late 1940s, particularly in the context of the Cold War. Cornu notes the shift towards a "cosmic" or extraterrestrial hypothesis, championed by figures like Commander Keyhoe, and the subsequent official denial and attempts to discredit witnesses by American authorities. He argues that this period of "psychological danger" led to a deliberate misunderstanding and organization of ufology.

Cornu discusses the period from 1950-1954, characterized by official silence and the continued efforts of UFO proponents. He mentions the early French books on the subject and the theories proposed, such as Aimé Michel's concept of force fields for propulsion. The article also touches upon the rise of private UFO research associations and the growing public interest, partly fueled by science fiction films. However, it also highlights the emergence of "contactees" like Adamski, whose claims are viewed with skepticism and as potentially serving to calm public opinion.

Critiques and Scientific Research

Jean-Pierre Petit, Director of Research at CNRS, contributes a critical article titled "L'IMPOSTURE" (The Imposture), focusing on the perceived lack of serious scientific investigation into UFOs, particularly by official French bodies like GEPAN (Groupement d'Études et de Recherches en Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés). Petit details his involvement and subsequent disillusionment with GEPAN, which he accuses of being an "imposture" that consumed resources without producing meaningful results. He recounts his own research in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and the difficulties he faced in getting his work recognized and funded, suggesting a deliberate obstruction by certain scientific and governmental circles.

Petit highlights his theoretical work on eliminating shock waves in supersonic flight using MHD, which he claims has been validated by simulations and presented at international conferences. He criticizes the lack of official support for experimental verification of his theories, contrasting it with the resources allegedly allocated to GEPAN's failed projects. He also discusses the case of the Trans-en-Provence landing trace, where official investigations, in his view, failed to replicate or adequately analyze the findings, suggesting a pattern of suppression or incompetence.

Cataloging UFO Traces

Jacques Scornaux presents the first part of a "CATALOGUE DES TRACES DE PAS D'UFONAUTES" (Catalog of Ufonaut Footprints). He explains the rationale behind his study, which aims to demonstrate the physical reality of ufonauts and differentiate their traces from parapsychological phenomena. Scornaux defines his criteria for inclusion, focusing on anomalous footprints found in conjunction with UFO sightings or alleged landings, and excluding purely folkloric or religious accounts unless directly linked to UFO events.

Technical and Research Activities

The "Nos activités" (Our Activities) section details the various research initiatives and services offered by "Lumières dans la Nuit," including inquiries, technical research, archive searches, and the establishment of UFO surveillance networks. It calls for reader participation and support to maintain these activities, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in advancing UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, while acknowledging the limitations and biases within both official and unofficial research circles. There's a strong undercurrent of frustration with the lack of transparency and serious scientific engagement from governmental and academic institutions. The magazine positions itself as a vital platform for independent researchers and witnesses, encouraging critical thinking and constructive dialogue. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry, seeking truth despite obstacles and promoting the idea that UFO phenomena, whatever their origin, hold significant implications for our understanding of reality and ourselves. The concluding quote from Pascal underscores the magazine's commitment to truth-seeking.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), issue number 292, dated September-October 1985, is primarily dedicated to the study of mysterious traces, with a particular focus on footprints associated with UFO and humanoid phenomena. The magazine, published in France, features a comprehensive catalog of observations from Northeastern France and Luxembourg, as well as historical and folkloric parallels.

Thematic Focus: Mysterious Traces and Footprints

The central theme of this issue is the investigation of physical traces left behind by unexplained phenomena. The author, in the introductory articles, emphasizes the importance of studying these traces, even those attributed to non-ufological contexts like folklore and mythology, for a broader understanding of human perception and belief systems. The author expresses a strong conviction that comparative studies between different types of mysterious traces can be fruitful for human sciences.

Challenges in Ufological Research

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a critique of existing ufological catalogs and research. The author expresses disappointment with the lack of precision, poor referencing, and methodological shortcomings found in many works. Specific criticisms are leveled against catalogs from CUFOS, Jacques Vallée, and others for their insufficient detail, missing references, and general difficulty in quickly identifying relevant cases, particularly those involving footprints. The author highlights the need for better organization and more rigorous citation practices within the field.

Catalog of Cases: Northeastern France and Luxembourg

The magazine presents a detailed catalog of humanoid observations in Northeastern France and Luxembourg from 1900 onwards. This catalog includes case number, date, time, location, witnesses, sex, and brief notes. The term "Humanoïde" is defined as unknown figures resembling human silhouettes.

Historical and Folkloric Parallels

Beyond ufological cases, the issue explores historical and folkloric accounts of mysterious footprints. These include religious legends of saints leaving imprints, tales of demonic activity, and descriptions of strange marks found in various locations. The author draws parallels between these older accounts and modern UFO phenomena, suggesting a continuity in the human experience of the unexplained.

Specific Case Studies

Several detailed case studies are presented:

• Girard, Illinois, USA (April 12, 1897): During the "airship" wave of 1897, footprints were observed on the ground after a cigar-shaped object landed.
• Saginaw, Michigan, USA (around May 1, 1897): A "gigantic shoe" was found, possibly from an airship.
• Monts Sikota Alin, Russian Far East (July 11, 1908): A mark resembling a human footprint was seen, followed by a large form flying away.
• South New Jersey, USA (January 16-23, 1909): The "Jersey Devil" left mysterious hoof prints and traces that exhibited unusual behavior, such as climbing trees.
• Hubbell, Nebraska, USA (February 22, 1922): A hunter observed a circular object land, and a large creature left tracks in the snow.
• Malsely, Norway (February 5, 1934): Long, parallel tracks with footprints were found after a phantom plane sighting.
• Michigan, USA (August 27, 1942): A woman reported seeing a dome-shaped object and a tall figure, and found large boot prints.
• Everberg, Belgium (January 10, 1945): A soldier found goat-like prints in the snow that disappeared abruptly.
• Escalles, Pas-de-Calais, France (March 6, 1983): A witness reported seeing a tall, silver-suited humanoid figure with a globe-shaped head.
• Forges-les-Eaux to Pierreval, Seine-Maritime, France (April 4, 1986): Witnesses observed an orange ball, a disc-shaped object, and a large craft with lights.

Editorial Stance and Future Research

The magazine advocates for an open-minded yet critical approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for rigorous research, clear referencing, and comparative studies. The author expresses a desire for more interdisciplinary research, particularly in the field of human sciences, to better understand the social and psychological aspects of unexplained phenomena. The issue concludes by inviting readers to contribute their own reports and observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the physical evidence of unexplained phenomena (traces, footprints), the historical and folkloric dimensions of mystery, and a critical assessment of the methodologies employed in ufological research. The editorial stance is one of advocating for scientific rigor, detailed documentation, and interdisciplinary approaches, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena. The magazine aims to provide a platform for constructive debate and the sharing of information within the ufological community.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated the 4th quarter of 1986, is a French publication focusing on ufology and unexplained phenomena. It features a comprehensive catalog of reported cases, primarily from France and Luxembourg, spanning from 1928 to 1986. The magazine includes detailed accounts of UFO sightings, Marian apparitions, and encounters with non-human entities.

Catalog of Cases (Cas N° 5-31)

The issue presents a chronological listing of numerous incidents:

• Cas N° 5 (March 1928, Ferdrupt): Marcelle Georges and Madeleine Hingray, aged 13 and 8 respectively, witnessed Marian apparitions where the Virgin Mary, in a simple robe, emitted rays from her hands.
• Cas N° 6 (1932, Metz): A Marian apparition was reported by a nun at a convent.
• Cas N° 7 (October 1937, Oberbruck): Antoinette Lauber reported a Marian apparition, not recognized by the Church.
• Cas N° 8 (June 18, 1940, Ortoncourt): Jeannette Tochet saw the Virgin Mary in various aspects, an apparition also not recognized by the Church.
• Cas N° 9 (1938-1947, Bouxières-aux-Dames): Several believers, including Adeline Pietoquin and Gabrielle Hams, reported Marian apparitions and divine messages. The local priest, Abbé Césard, enthusiastic about these messages, had a chapel built. A parallel cult developed, eventually leading to a politico-financial scandal in 1947.
• Cas N° 10 (November 1, 1947, Kayl, Luxembourg): A 10-year-old girl, E. Vinandy, witnessed Marian apparitions not recognized by the Church.
• Cas N° 11 (1948, Ile-Napoléon): Three young boys reported a Marian apparition, not recognized by the Church.
• Cas N° 12 (Autumn 1951, Dugny-sur-Meuse): Factory workers loading a truck at midnight witnessed the conveyor belt stop and lights go out. They then saw a red-orange glowing sphere from which a beautiful, Nordic-looking woman emerged, wearing a pastel blue robe and holding a smiling infant. The encounter left them with a strange feeling of cold. One pious worker thought it was the Virgin Mary with child.
• Cas N° 13 (August 1954, Galfingue): M. X. observed a luminous sphere on the ground in a cut wheat field and saw small beings around it before fleeing.
• Cas N° 14 (September 19, 1954, Ottonville): A municipal councilor saw what he estimated to be a flying saucer in a field at night, with an aeronaut nearby. The aeronaut quickly re-entered the craft and ascended when approached.
• Cas N° 15 (October 6, 1954, Mertrud): A road worker, Monsieur Narcy, saw an object near the road. A small, hairy being in an orange jacket entered a cigar-shaped craft with a porthole. The object took off rapidly, leaving milky traces on the ground. Later reports suggested Narcy may have fabricated the story to excuse his lateness to work, though some investigators believe he may have been pressured to recant.
• Cas N° 16 (October 8, 1954, Pournoy-la-Chétive): Three children playing saw a luminous object land. A 1.20m tall being, dressed like a priest, emerged. The being had large eyes, a hairy face, and carried a luminous lamp and a cross-shaped object. It spoke incomprehensible words before re-entering the craft and ascending rapidly. Another witness, Robert Maguin, observed a light in the sky at the same time. Later accounts from one witness suggested only a shooting star was seen, possibly due to pressure or misinterpretation.
• Cas N° 17 (October 15, 1954, Chalindrey): A mason on his way to work saw a strange homunculus about 1.50m tall near the road. The being entered a disc-shaped craft with a dome, which then slid across a pasture and ascended silently into the fog.
• Cas N° 18 (October 19, 1954, Montlandon): A 14-year-old girl saw a disc-shaped craft land in a field. A pilot dressed in a white robe operated the craft. The gendarmerie investigated but found no contradictions in the girl's account.
• Cas N° 19 (October 20, 1954, Saint-Rémy): Lazlo Ujvari was stopped by a stranger dressed in a shiny-collared jacket and wearing a motorcycle helmet. The stranger, speaking an unknown language that Ujvari understood as Russian, threatened him with a revolver and directed him towards a grey craft, 2.50m in diameter. The craft then took off.
• Cas N° 20 (October 23, 1954, Wittenheim): Police agent Muller reported seeing a 'Martian' in his garden resembling a black radish. Another report suggests this was a prank.
• Cas N° 21 (October 1954, Walscheid): Villagers alerted to a 'Martian commando' discovered that the figures were actually chrysanthemums wrapped in cloth to protect them from frost.
• Cas N° 22 (October 1954, Metz area): Pierre Bardou heard a clerk in a soutane singing absurd poetry before disappearing. This anecdote is from a press article not reported locally.
• Cas N° 23 (Summer 1956, Marsois forest): A woman gathering mushrooms encountered two small beings, about 1.20m tall, with stocky bodies and short, bowed legs, wearing seamless white suits and black mittens. They had black, round helmets with transparent visors and moved silently into the undergrowth.
• Cas N° 24 (1956, Staffelfelden): A Marian apparition was reported by Fernand Lhakkay, a miner.
• Cas N° 25 (Summer 1963 or 1965, Saint-Max): Carole T. (8-10 years old) saw a white, cubic, immobile silhouette about 1.60m tall at the foot of her bed, holding an amorphous metallic mass. The entity had no face and appeared massive and cold.
• Cas N° 26 (November 15, 1969, Nancy): Mme X. observed a metallic saucer-shaped object with a transparent dome land near rooftops. Two small, hooded, simian-like heads appeared from the dome and smiled at her. The object then joined two others and disappeared. Mme X. reported a strong odor and swelling of her hands and face.
• Cas N° 27 (August 15, 1974, Bouxières-aux-Dames): Three children and later a couple witnessed a white, massive, cubic-headed figure, about 1.20-1.50m tall, walking mechanically behind trees and disappearing into the woods.
• Cas N° 28 (February 3, 1975, Lac de Der): A luminous white sphere was observed hovering near the ground. Later, a powerful light beams appeared, followed by a luminous, very tall silhouette resembling a large head on a massive body. A rotating cylinder of cold light, over 3m high, was also observed.
• Cas N° 29 (June 1975, Dugny-sur-Meuse): Edwige Gurdak saw a beautiful lady, tall with long blonde hair, wearing a pastel blue robe, floating above the water under a bridge. The lady smiled and extended her hand. Later, the lady spoke to Edwige, saying she would return.
• Cas N° 30 (Late July 1975, Saint-Dizier): Mme Carmen B. saw a powerful, circular white light illuminate her garden. She then felt a presence and saw a curious small figure, less than a meter tall, looking at her intently. The figure was described as having a cubical head without a face and wearing a one-piece suit.
• Cas N° 31 (November 6, 1975, Merxheim): Denis Dubich saw a luminous sphere descend from the sky and land in a field. A shape resembling a human head and torso emerged from the craft, which then collected three cabbages before taking off. A strong odor was noted at the site, and televisions experienced interference.

Special Features

• Planche des Formes: A visual guide illustrating various shapes of UFOs and entities reported.
• A PROPOS DU CAS DU LUC-EN-PROVENCE (LDLN N° 255-256): A discussion regarding a PUMA SA 330 helicopter sighting, with explanations suggesting the light was from the helicopter's searchlight.
• QUESTION A NOS LECTEURS: A call for readers to submit their most convincing UFO case, to be published in the magazine.
• SUR LA ROUTE DES VACANCES N'OUBLIEZ PAS VOTRE MACARON L.D.L.N.: An advertisement for a 'LDLN' car sticker.
• LE FORUM DE NOS LECTEURS: A section for reader contributions and discussions, emphasizing serious exchanges of ideas and facts related to ufology and other topics like cancer and forgotten pioneers.
• REPONSES DE LECTEURS: A response to a previous question (N° 24) about the 'Forme et direction de la matière et énergie', discussing the properties of pyramids, citing the work of engineer Karel Drbal who found that small pyramids could keep razor blades sharp. The response also mentions the commercialization of pyramid-shaped products.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently documents reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, apparitions, and encounters with non-human entities, primarily within France. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of detailed accounts. While some cases are presented as potentially misidentified phenomena (like the 'Martians' in Walscheid or the helicopter light), the majority are presented as genuine mysteries requiring further study. The magazine also touches upon broader topics like ancient mysteries (pyramids) and their potential scientific applications, suggesting an open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena.

The publication includes subscription and back issue information, indicating a long-standing commitment to disseminating information within the ufology community.