LDLN - No 271-272

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 271-272
Volume: 30º ANNÉE
Date: January-February 1987

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French ufology magazine, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical cases, and the challenges of interpreting evidence. The publication is dedicated to those who passionately seek truth and guide humanity towards new horizons.

Articles and Content

A PROPOS DU POURCENTAGE DES CONFUSIONS...

This article by F. Canonico, a Professor of Mathematics, addresses the common assertion that 90-95% of reported UFO observations are actually confusions with natural phenomena, artificial objects, or hoaxes. Canonico explores the reasoning behind this statistic, questioning whether it implies a lack of serious effort in identifying the remaining cases. He proposes a probabilistic model, using Bayes' theorem, to illustrate how even with a low probability of a UFO sighting, the percentage of reported confusions can appear high. The article uses a hypothetical scenario of a rare disease to demonstrate the principles of probability in identifying true cases versus false positives.

L'UFOLOGIE VA-T-ELLE RESTER MARGINALE...

Dominique de Tarragon argues that ufology risks remaining marginal if overly strict criteria are applied to UFO cases. She suggests that the phenomenon is unpredictable, intelligent, and not natural, pointing to the need for open-mindedness in scientific study. De Tarragon criticizes the scientific establishment's resistance to accepting phenomena that contradict current physical laws, suggesting this is a barrier to ufology's acceptance.

CATALOGUE DES TRACES DE PAS D'UFONAUTES (2 - suite)

This ongoing series meticulously documents cases involving alleged footprints left by non-human entities. This installment covers several cases from the 1950s:

• Lumberton (USA, 1952): A brief mention of a case involving a round object, a small occupant, and footprints.
• Desert Center (USA, 1952): The famous case of George Adamski, who claimed to have encountered a 'Venusian' and found footprints. The article discusses the controversy surrounding the plaster casts and photographs of these prints.
• Villares del Saz (Spain, 1953): A case involving a boy who saw a luminous object and small beings, with descriptions of rectangular footprints.
• The Needles (UK, 1954): Coastguards observed large, five-toed barefoot prints in the snow.
• Coldwater (USA, 1954): A boy reported seeing a small being and a saucer, with traces found in the ground described as 'pear-shaped'.
• Los Angeles (USA, 1954): Lee Crandall's account of encounters with 'Venusians' and alleged footprints.
• Chabeuil (France, 1954): A case involving a UFO and a 'cosmonaut', with mentions of unusual paw-like prints.
• Chéreng (France, 1954): A witness reported a sphere landing and leaving palmated footprints.
• Saint-Perdroux (France, 1954): A case initially reported as a UFO encounter, later revealed to be a hoax.
• Voillecomte (France, 1954): A reported landing of a disk-shaped object and a small being, with traces found.
• Fontenay-Torcy (France, 1954): A confusing case with a luminous cigar and a strange being, with un-described footprints.

The series also touches upon the work of ufologists like Jean-Gérard Dohmen and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of Adamski's claims.

LES TAPISSERIES DE BEAUNE... ET LEUR MYSTÈRE...

This extensive article investigates mysterious forms depicted in the 15th-century tapestries of Beaune, France. Transmitted by Michel Figuet, the study by Calmettes and Vachon focuses on three unusual, dark blue, hat-shaped forms appearing in the sky of several panels. The authors explore various hypotheses, including artistic error, natural phenomena (like lenticular clouds or comets), and the possibility of depicting an unknown aerial object (OVNI). They analyze the historical context, the contract for the tapestries, and the potential symbolism, particularly relating to Cardinal Jean Rolin and Hugues le Coq. The article also discusses the debate surrounding the attribution of the tapestries to the artist Pierre Spicre.

Other Sections:

• Abonnement (Subscription): Information on how to subscribe to the magazine, including tariffs for France and abroad.
• Avis (Notice): A statement from the editorial team emphasizing their commitment to publishing documents that contribute to the search for truth, while holding authors responsible for their content.
• Courrier (Mail): A section for reader correspondence.
• Annonces diverses (Miscellaneous Announcements): Advertisements.
• Nos activités (Our Activities): Information on how readers can participate in the magazine's research activities, including becoming investigators, utilizing the 'SERVICE LECTEURS' for advice, and contributing to technical research projects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and physical evidence like footprints. There's a strong emphasis on historical cases and the critical analysis of evidence, often contrasting skeptical viewpoints with those who believe in the reality of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to examine evidence critically but without dismissing possibilities outright. The magazine also highlights the challenges of ufology, including the difficulty of verification, the potential for hoaxes, and the resistance from mainstream science. The recurring theme of historical interpretations of phenomena, as seen in the Beaune tapestries article, underscores the magazine's interest in how unexplained events have been perceived across different eras.

This issue of L'Écho des Annales, dated June 1986 (Volume 269-270), focuses on UFO phenomena in Poland and France, with a cover headline "LES OVNI EN POLOGNE..." translated by J.-M. Bigorne and authored by Bronislaw Rzepecki. The magazine also features several detailed case reports from France and a critical review of a book on animal mutilations.

UFOs in Poland: A Developing Movement

The article "LES OVNI EN POLOGNE..." by Bronislaw Rzepecki traces the development of ufology in Poland. It notes that the contemporary UFO era began with Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947, and the movement in Poland started gaining momentum in the late 1970s. Early attempts to inform the public about UFOs began in 1958 with articles by Andrzej Trepka. Janusz Thor published the first Polish book on UFOs in 1961. By the early 1970s, journalists like Lucjan Znicz, Andrzej Donimirski, Arnold Mostowicz, and Zbigniew Blania were writing popular articles. Amateur ufologists began forming groups, and in 1976, a regular series titled "Les Invités de l'Espace" started in the weekly "Fakty." This led to the formation of the "Klub Kontaktow Kosmicznich" (Association des Contacts Spatieux) on July 8, 1978. Other organizations mentioned include "OVNI Sonde" (December 1978) and the legally authorized "Société de Recherches Ufologiques de Varsovie, dénommée "OVNI Video" (June 1981). The "Section Ufologique du Club des Fans de Science-Fiction" emerged in January 1980, later becoming the "Association de Gracovie pour la Recherche et la Vulgarisation OVNI" in January 1983. The article highlights the efforts to unify ufological activities and mentions several congresses held in Poland between 1983 and 1985.

French UFO Case Reports

The magazine presents several detailed investigations of UFO sightings in France, conducted by Christian Caudy, the regional delegate.

Encounter near Mauriac (Cantal)

This report details an encounter on February 2, 1986, near Moussages, Cantal, involving three witnesses: Mlle Lovin Anne, M. Noel Gérard, and M. Noel Philippe. The event occurred in two phases. The first phase involved a luminous orange, immobile, flattened ball-shaped object observed at approximately 500 meters. The second phase, occurring later as they drove, involved a dark, circular object with illuminated 'hublots' preceding their car for about 300 meters. The object was described as being about 20 meters ahead and 20 meters above the ground. The witnesses reported no sound, and the object disappeared suddenly. The investigator notes the correlation with water sources in the area.

Unexplained Phenomenon in Alençon (Orne)

On January 5, 1982, Mme F. Suzanne, a pre-retiree, observed a 'rose-mandarine' colored, pear-shaped light mass descending rapidly towards the ground, emitting gray smoke from its upper extremity. The phenomenon disappeared quickly. The investigator notes the lack of official follow-up from the gendarmerie, who seemed uninterested in the case. The witness reported no fear or subsequent physical discomfort, and her dog showed no reaction. The investigator also highlights the proximity of the observation site to a large underground water table and a nearby stream, suggesting a potential link.

Encounter near Chalvignac (Cantal)

Investigated on February 15, 1986, this case involved a sighting by Mme C.S. and her daughter, Mlle C.S., around October 21, 1982. Mme C. described a luminous, orange, toupie-shaped object with a uniform color and a red halo, estimated to be between two and three meters long. Mlle C. described a flattened ball shape and a light beam. The object reportedly hovered silently above their house before moving away rapidly. The investigator again points to the presence of a significant water source (a large underground water table and a nearby stream) as a potential factor.

Landing of a UFO in Corrèze

This report details an observation on August 10 or 15, 1985, near Maugant, in the area known as "LE VIMINIER." Two sisters, who wished to remain anonymous, observed seven or eight red balls, approximately 20 to 25 cm in diameter, arranged in a pyramid shape in a field. The observation lasted less than a minute. The investigator notes that the witnesses did not previously take an interest in UFOs and that the inhabitants of the nearby house saw nothing. The report also mentions that other people in the area have reportedly seen abnormal phenomena, suggesting the region may be of interest to UFOs.

Encounter near Czluchow (Poland)

On August 10, 1979, Waldemar R. witnessed two bright yellow rays emanating from a dark, hockey-puck-shaped object hovering a few meters above the ground. The object displayed geometric green lights on its periphery and red lights forming an 'H' shape. The witness felt heat and burning on his face and fled. The next morning, he experienced a heavy sensation on his head, and later developed painful sores on his face. The investigator notes the object's resemblance to a disc and the unusual lights.

Encounter near Chalupy (Poland)

On August 8, 1981, near Chalupy, witness RK reported seeing two dark-clad beings and a silver, disc-shaped object. He claimed telepathic communication with the beings, who assured him they had no hostile intentions. The object was described as 5 to 6 meters long and 2 meters high, with a hazy silver color. Seven unusual traces were found in the ground where the object reportedly landed. The investigator hypothesizes a possible time distortion for the witness.

Book Review: "Le Grand Carnage"

Jean Sider reviews Michel Granger's book "Le Grand Carnage," which focuses on animal mutilations in North America. Sider expresses disappointment, finding the book to be largely a compilation of information already published elsewhere, with a lack of original research or verification. He criticizes Granger for not interviewing key figures like sheriffs, veterinarians, or specialists, and for relying heavily on secondary sources. Sider points out specific instances where Granger allegedly repeats errors or misrepresents information, particularly regarding the LeRoy, Kansas case and the alleged collusion between law enforcement and researchers. While acknowledging the book's readability and the collection of data, Sider concludes that it lacks the depth and rigor of a truly authoritative study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue emphasizes the importance of detailed, firsthand accounts and rigorous investigation in ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed in the "notre ligne de conduite" section, is to publish diverse viewpoints constructively and without personal attacks, fostering a calm and rational debate. The recurring theme of potential correlations between UFO sightings and water sources is highlighted across several French case reports. The magazine also implicitly critiques the lack of official interest or cooperation from authorities in UFO investigations, as seen in the Alençon case.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: 267-268
Date: March-April 1985
Publisher: Lumières dans la Nuit
Country: France

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring critical analyses of research methods, discussions of complex theories, and reports on historical UFO cases. The magazine aims to provide a platform for rigorous investigation and informed debate within the field.

Critical Review of "Animal Mutilations" Book

The issue opens with a critical review of a book on animal mutilations, likely by Alain Lefeuvre, by an unnamed author. The reviewer expresses strong reservations about the author's methodology, particularly the lack of cited sources and references, which makes verification difficult. The reviewer notes that the author, M. Granger, claims Judith Doraty, under hypnotic regression, saw a calf being 'sucked up' into a UFO. However, the reviewer states that Doraty herself never claimed this, only that she saw an animal being mutilated while allegedly aboard a UFO-laboratory. The reviewer also points out that Granger fails to cite his sources for this specific claim, a recurring issue throughout the 384-page book. The reviewer finds this lack of rigor regrettable, especially for a work aiming for impartiality. The review concludes that while the book's subject matter is interesting, its poor sourcing and presentation detract significantly from its value, making it a "far from a masterstroke" for a first attempt, but still worth reading for those interested in unexplained phenomena.

Correspondence: Orthoteny, Isocely, and Geodesy

This section features a lengthy exchange between M. Jean Bernard and M. Michel Figuet, with Bernard defending the theories of Orthoteny and Isocely, and Figuet challenging their validity. Bernard, quoting Isaiah, argues that those who dismiss these theories lack understanding. He criticizes Figuet's approach of discrediting new theories by claiming their authors used erroneous information. Bernard defends Aimé Michel's Orthoteny theory, citing the 'Bavic line' as a statistically significant alignment of UFO landing points that defies chance. He also references Jacques Vallée's work, which mapped UFO waves and showed the Bavic line intersecting several of them. Bernard further argues that UFO observations seem to originate from two geodesic spheres, with intersections near the Canary Islands and between Australia and New Caledonia, suggesting non-human intelligence. He also defends J.-Ch. Fumoux's Isocely theory, which posits geometric patterns in landing sites, against criticisms that it was based on insufficient data or flawed methodology. Bernard highlights two specific points in France (St-Amand-Montrond and Chabeuil) that are geodetically remarkable and questions the probability of finding such points randomly.

Figuet, in his response, dismisses Bernard's arguments, suggesting that Bernard has not understood his criticisms and continues to rely on flawed data. Figuet reiterates that the 1954 UFO wave was largely journalistic and that much of the material used by early ufologists was unreliable. He criticizes Bernard for not verifying his sources before publishing his own work. Figuet also dismisses the significance of the 'Bavic line' and the concept of Isocely, implying that Bernard is clinging to outdated theories. He suggests that Bernard should investigate the St-Amand-Montrond landing site himself. Figuet emphasizes that his own work, particularly his catalogue of French UFO encounters, has involved extensive counter-investigation.

Case Studies and Analysis

The 1949 French Landing: The magazine details a case from February 17, 1949, involving a French farmer named Alain Bérard. He reported seeing a fiery object land near his farm, from which three figures emerged. Bérard, initially paralyzed by fear, fired at the figures with his rifle. The figures then disappeared into the object, which subsequently ascended into the sky. The report notes that this case is cited in various UFO literature, but without clear sourcing or location details, leading to skepticism.

Giant Soviet Craft: A report mentions observations of enormous, crescent-shaped craft, estimated to be 500-600 meters in diameter, observed over the USSR in 1967. These craft were reportedly maneuvering at speeds of up to 18,000 km/h, according to Soviet astronomers cited by E. Keyhoe. The article questions whether such phenomena have been observed elsewhere and highlights the advanced technology implied.

The 1954 French Wave: The issue revisits the 1954 UFO wave in France, with Figuet arguing that it was primarily a media event and that many of the reported cases were erroneous or hoaxes. Bernard, however, suggests that the landing points from this wave, even if flawed, revealed significant geometric patterns.

St-Amand-Montrond Case: The case of a landing near St-Amand-Montrond, France, is discussed, with Bernard linking it to a prophetic message derived from 'dubious' landing points. Figuet challenges this, suggesting that the site's historical significance (discovery of Neolithic vestiges) does not validate the UFO claim and that the case lacks proper investigation.

Network of UFO Surveillance (Réseau de Surveillance OVNI)

This section announces the activities of the LDLN UFO Surveillance Network. It calls for readers, investigators, and regional delegates interested in UFO research to participate. The network organizes 'Night Vigils' for regional observations and promotes 'Experimental Research' to test various hypotheses. Results from these activities are to be published in the magazine. The network encourages contributions and promises responses to serious correspondence.

Reader Contributions and Responses

Response to a Question: Gilbert Leconte responds to a question about significant UFO cases by highlighting E. Keyhoe's reports of giant craft over the USSR, emphasizing their size and speed as evidence of advanced technology.

Credibility and Ufology: Alain Bridault discusses the challenge of public credibility in ufology. He argues that focusing on sensational or extraordinary cases, rather than more common and 'banal' sightings, alienates the public and fosters skepticism. Bridault advocates for studying simple, repeatable phenomena to establish the underlying laws of ufology, suggesting that many 'ordinary' UFO sightings, once stripped of misidentifications, can reveal consistent patterns.

Letter from M. Berthumier: Michel Figuet responds to a letter from M. Berthumier, dismissing arguments based on the work of Charroux, whom Figuet considers unreliable. Figuet defends his own research methods and criticizes Charroux's books as being poorly constructed and based on hearsay.

Important Note for Investigators and Observers: This section provides guidelines for submitting UFO reports to the LDLN archives. It distinguishes between 'secondary cases' (requiring condensed summaries) and 'close encounter reports' (requiring detailed reports with photos and plans). It also specifies formatting requirements for photos and plans to ensure they are suitable for publication.

Diverse Announcements

This section contains various advertisements and announcements:

• For Sale: Old UFO-related books in English and French.
• Wanted: Sir Edward Bulwer's "The Coming Race" (French edition).
• Seeking Help: A call for testimonies regarding abduction cases in France, emphasizing the need for seriousness and good faith.
• Tableau Inquiry: A request for information about "The Tower of Babel" painting by Pierre Brueghel.
• Book Search: Request for Raymond Bernard's "La Terre Creuse" (The Hollow Earth).
• New Delegate Addresses: Updates for regional delegates in Hérault and Tarn-et-Garonne.
• Rectification: Correction to previous answers regarding forum questions.
• Investigator-Writer Wanted: A request for information (press articles, etc.) on hauntings, poltergeists, and ghost apparitions for a comprehensive study.
• Back Issues: Information on purchasing back issues of "Phénomènes Spatiaux" magazine, including pricing and postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO research methodologies, the debate over the validity of specific ufological theories like Orthoteny and Isocely, and the importance of rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The magazine appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis while cautioning against sensationalism and unverified claims. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between journalistic accounts and genuine investigative work. The editorial stance promotes a scientific approach to ufology, acknowledging its challenges and the need for careful data collection and analysis. The issue also highlights the role of reader contributions and the challenges of maintaining credibility in the field.