LDLN - No 269-270

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: No. 269-270
Volume: 29th Year
Date: November-December 1986
Price: 19 F

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of UFOs and related phenomena. It features a prominent cover story on an incident at the NATO base in Aviano, Italy, and includes an in-depth homage to the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a pivotal figure in scientific ufology.

In Memoriam: Joseph Allen Hynek

The issue opens with an obituary for Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek, who passed away on April 27, 1986. It details his distinguished career in astronomy, his pivotal role as a consultant for the U.S. Air Force's "Project Grudge" and "Project Blue Book," and his evolution from a skeptic to a proponent of serious UFO research. Hynek's contributions to ufology are highlighted, including his founding of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and his influential books such as "The UFO Experience." The article emphasizes his dedication to bringing scientific rigor to the study of UFOs.

UNICAT: A Global Vision of Ufology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the UNICAT project, a comprehensive UFO database conceived by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Willy Smith. The project aims to create a universal catalog of high-quality UFO cases, accessible to researchers worldwide. The article details UNICAT's rigorous selection criteria for cases, emphasizing the need for multiple witnesses, thorough investigation, and the inclusion of at least ten specific parameters for each entry. It explains the technical aspects of UNICAT, highlighting its dynamic nature and its use of advanced software for data management and retrieval, differentiating it from older, static cataloging systems.

Case Studies and Observations

The issue presents several case studies and observations:

• Aviano NATO Base (Italy): Featured on the cover, this incident is highlighted as a significant UFO event requiring further investigation.
• VASP Aircraft Escort (Brazil): A detailed account of a VASP flight from Fortaleza to Rio de Janeiro on February 8, 1986, where the aircraft and its passengers were accompanied by a luminous object for over an hour. The incident was corroborated by other airline pilots and radar detection.
• Spanish Sightings: Reports from Spain, specifically from Noja in Cantabria.
• French Sightings: Investigations into UFO observations in the Haut-Rhin region, between Ste-Marie-aux-Mines and Aubure.
• Humanoid Catalog: A regional catalog of humanoid sightings in Northeastern France and Luxembourg.

Theoretical Discussions

The magazine explores various theoretical frameworks for understanding UFO phenomena:

• Evolution of Ufology: An analysis of how ufology has evolved, moving from early concepts of "flying saucers" and "little green men" to more nuanced ideas of "unusual space phenomena" and the psychological aspects of sightings.
• Psychological Interpretations: The influence of Carl Jung's work is discussed, suggesting that UFO sightings might be manifestations of the "unconscious of modern man" and archetypes of the collective unconscious.
• Parapsychology and UFOs: The role of the witness's psyche is examined, with discussions on whether a desire to see UFOs influences perception. The idea of a psychic interaction between the witness and the phenomenon is explored.
• The "Camouflage" Hypothesis: The concept that UFO phenomena act as a "camouflage" to avoid scientific scrutiny, potentially orchestrated by a non-human intelligence, is presented. This hypothesis suggests that UFOs might be a distraction from a deeper, more complex reality.
• Scientific vs. Social Phenomena: The debate on whether UFOs are primarily physical objects or psychological/social constructs is a recurring theme.

Technical and Methodological Aspects

The issue delves into the methodologies used in ufology, including:

• MAYBECAT: A supplementary catalog for cases that do not yet meet UNICAT's strict criteria, serving as a preliminary screening tool.
• Data Analysis: The importance of rigorous data collection and analysis, as exemplified by the UNICAT project.
• Critique of Ufological Literature: A critical review of various books and authors in the field, distinguishing between serious research and sensationalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the pursuit of truth through rigorous scientific investigation. It advocates for a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between well-documented cases and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a scientific understanding of UFOs, moving beyond simplistic explanations and acknowledging the complexity and potential significance of the phenomenon. There is a clear effort to elevate ufology to a more respected scientific discipline, as championed by Dr. Hynek. The publication also highlights the commercialization of the UFO topic and warns against its detrimental effects on serious research.

This issue of the magazine focuses on UFO (OVNI) sightings, with the primary article detailing an incident at the NATO base in Aviano, Italy, on July 1, 1977. The magazine also includes reports from Brazil and Spain, as well as a retrospective on sightings in France.

Alerte ovni à la base Otan d'Aviano (Italie)

The main article, authored by Antonio Chiumento, describes a significant UFO event at the NATO base in Aviano on July 1, 1977. The incident began around 3 AM when a military observer noticed a considerable light hovering about 100 meters above the 'Victor Alert' zone. The base commander was informed, and radar confirmed the object's presence. The object, described as a 'toupie' or 'disque' approximately 50 meters in diameter, with a dome, rotated and emitted colors ranging from white to green and red. It also produced a humming sound. The object remained stationary for about an hour. Numerous military personnel witnessed the event. The article notes that airport facilities were shut down during the event, and there are questions about whether the NATO operational base in Brussels was informed.

The article also presents a presumed official explanation attributing the phenomenon to lunar reverberation on low-altitude clouds, but the author strongly refutes this, citing meteorological data (temperature, humidity) that would not support cloud formation at such low altitudes. The investigation into the event involved gathering testimonies, including from the wife of an aviation non-commissioned officer who provided details through indirect witnesses. A civilian witness, Manfré Benito, living near the base, also reported seeing a luminous mass hovering over the base, which disappeared after about an hour. His account is corroborated by the location of the object relative to the base's 'Victor Alert' zone.

Other Sightings

Brazil

An account from Sao Paulo describes a VASP flight that was allegedly followed by a UFO between Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. Cardinal Aloisio Lorscheider, a passenger on the flight, stated he was asleep and did not see the object. Other passengers, including Paul Ponce and Friedrich Meyknecht, reported seeing a strong luminosity and variations in color, but could not discern the object's shape. The pilot reportedly informed passengers that the plane was being followed by an unidentified object traveling at approximately 11,000 km/h. Passengers reacted with curiosity rather than fear. Some passengers attempted to photograph the object.

Spain: A Noja (province of Cantabria)

This section details two investigations by Eric Billois. The first involves a sighting on February 5, 1984, in Noja, Spain, by Florentino Fernandez Diaz and Ludivina Miguelez. They observed a round, luminous yellow object moving along the mountainside. Fernandez Diaz described it as the size of the moon but slightly elongated at the ends, and it was about 55-60 meters above the ground. Miguelez described a round, yellow object, similar to a car headlight, moving from the marshes towards the sea. Both witnesses noted the silence accompanying the object, except for the sound of waves and animals.

A second case from Noja, investigated in August 1984, involves Jorge Carrido Perez, who reported seeing a small, bright yellow ball, the size of a peseta coin, moving from the marshes towards the sea. He initially thought it was a boat's headlight but realized it was flying.

Haut-Rhin: between Ste Marie-aux-Mines and Aubure (France)

This section presents an investigation into a sighting that occurred in late 1978 or summer 1979. Witnesses M. Postel and Mme Meyer reported seeing a luminous spherical object of yellow-red color descending and then ascending. The object was described as having a powerful light that illuminated the surroundings. The witnesses stopped their vehicle due to the intense light. The object's trajectory was described as oblique, with a rebound-like movement. The article discusses the possibility of this being a natural phenomenon like ball lightning but notes discrepancies with typical characteristics of ball lightning, such as the absence of thunder or clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for UFO phenomena, often presenting witness testimonies as credible evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor investigating and reporting on these events, encouraging readers to share their own observations. There is a critical tone towards official explanations that dismiss sightings as mere natural phenomena or imagination. The magazine emphasizes the need for scientific consideration of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, lamenting its perceived neglect by the scientific community. The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena across different regions and time periods, suggesting a pattern that warrants serious attention.

This document is a regional catalog of humanoid observations from Northeast France and Luxembourg, compiled by CNEGU and GPUN. It is presented as a continuation ('suite et fin') of a regional catalog. The issue includes detailed case studies, analysis of witness testimonies, and a discussion of the phenomenon's characteristics and distribution.

Regional Catalog of Humanoid Observations

The catalog details numerous cases, providing dates, locations, witness accounts, and references. Some notable cases include:

• Case N° 32 (October 10, 1976, Chamouilley, France): A young girl reported seeing a tall, phosphorescent humanoid figure with long blond hair and welder-like goggles on the road.
• Case N° 33 (October 24, 1976, Hestroff and Hobling, France): A witness reported a luminous object following his car, with silhouettes visible inside, and later found circular traces in a field.
• Case N° 34 (July 1, 1977, Dolcourt, France): An investigation revealed that a newspaper report about a UFO landing and 'Martians' was a hoax involving a helicopter.
• Case N° 35 (October 2, 1877, Mertzen, France): An object landed, and a white figure emerged. No press or investigation reference was found.
• Case N° 36 (October 12, 1978, Bouxières-aux-Dames, France): Three adolescents observed a phosphorescent white humanoid figure floating rapidly towards them.
• Case N° 36' (October 15, 1978, Bouxières-aux-Dames, France): Two young men witnessed two vertical white figures emerge from the woods and disappear after a car chase.
• Case N° 36'' (October 17, 1978, Bouxières-aux-Dames, France): Three adolescents and two women saw a phosphorescent figure emerge from behind a tree and flee at high speed.
• Case N° 37 (July 17, 1983, Sommerecourt, France): A witness reported being 'sucked up' by an orange spherical object and later dropped miles away, recalling seeing three immobile, helmeted figures inside.
• Case hors classement (September 19, 1954, Oberndorf-Tromborn, France): A newspaper report described a light turning red and points circulating inside an object, but no mention of a silhouette or humanoid was made.

Analysis of Humanoid Observations

The document includes an analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of these phenomena. Spatially, the phenomenon appears to manifest everywhere, with specific locations like Dugny-sur-Meuse, Bouxières-aux-Dames, and Lac de Der being mentioned multiple times. The distribution is also broken down by departments and Luxembourg.

Witnesses are often multiple (2 to 9 people), and their ages range from children to the elderly, with adults being the majority. There are as many women as men, but more women report Marian apparitions (7 cases).

Regarding the humanoid descriptions, three general types are identified:

1. Feminine Humanoid: Long blond hair, luminous tunic, feet not touching the ground, often associated with Marian apparitions.
2. Small Humanoid: Small stature (max 1.20 m), large head, often wearing a helmet or hood, and a tight-fitting suit, observed inside or near an OVNI.
3. Non-Humanoid (TNH): Angular silhouette, stylized limbs and head (sphere, cube), smooth white body, size varying from small to very large (3 m), moving mechanically.

The behavior of humanoids is described as indifferent or evasive, though in some cases they speak to witnesses. Marian apparitions often involve contact and the delivery of a message.

Out of 37 cases, 9 are designated as Marian apparitions, one as a saint's apparition, and two are sometimes described as Marian apparitions by authors but not by witnesses. Ten cases are recognized as hoaxes or highly doubtful. Unfortunately, half of the cases were not investigated.

Bibliography

A bibliography lists various publications and reviews related to ufology and apparitions, including 'Vimana', 'Les apparitions religieuses', 'Le nouveau défi des OVNI', 'Les apparitions de Martiens', and 'Face aux Extraterrestres'.

Press Digest (Nouvelles de ces derniers mois)

This section provides a condensed press review of recent UFO sightings and related events from November 1984 to August 1986, covering incidents in Niort, Merignac, Resigny, Oursbelille, Rio de Janeiro, California, Mendoza, Vivoin, Tunisia, and Macon.

Reader Contributions

Several reader letters are included:

• Eric Kalmar (Var): Comments on an article by Charles Gouiran, emphasizing the vastness of scientific knowledge and the limitations of current understanding. He shares personal experiences with astrology, telepathy, and levitation, suggesting that many phenomena are not yet understood.
• Jean BERTHUMIER (Cher): Responds to an article about the 'Great Human Adventure,' questioning the reliability of Carbon-14 dating and mentioning anomalous ancient artifacts like the Lussac-les-Châteaux engraved stones and the Piri Reis map, suggesting a hidden history.
• Francis DOUARD (Hérault): Addresses the 'Le Luc en Provence' case, providing a detailed rebuttal to a counter-investigation. He argues that a PUMA 330 helicopter cannot account for the observed phenomena, citing differences in light, beam movement, and sound, and suggesting the helicopter might have been a distraction or a separate event.
• Jacqueline HERNECQ (Paris): Questions the nature of Stan Deyo's book 'La Conspiration Cosmique,' suggesting it might be a hoax or a deliberate attempt to confuse, given its mix of scientific claims, numerology, and questionable sources.
• Reader Responses: This section includes responses to previous reader questions regarding G.H. Williamson's death and the case of Dr. James E. McDonald, with explanations leaning towards suicide based on personal and professional pressures.

Addendum to St. Germain en Laye Case

M. Henri VINDREAU provides supplementary information and illustrations regarding his observation on December 25, 1980, at 9 PM, noting its similarity to other wave sightings and a 1985 observation in Southwest France.

The Forum of Our Readers

This section encourages readers to submit questions and share information, aiming to foster a serious exchange of knowledge within the ufological community. It emphasizes factual discussion over sterile polemics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO and humanoid sightings, often with a focus on regional investigations and detailed case studies. There's an emphasis on critical analysis, as seen in the debunking of the Dolcourt case and the detailed rebuttal in the Le Luc case. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of diverse perspectives, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional explanation. The inclusion of reader letters discussing astrology, ancient mysteries, and the nature of scientific inquiry suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and alternative explanations. The magazine also highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the challenges in distinguishing genuine sightings from hoaxes or misidentifications.