LDLN - No 275-276

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated May-June 1987, is the 275-276th issue and marks the 30th year of publication. The magazine, subtitled "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems," focuses on the topic of UFOs and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "CRASHES D'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES" (UFO Crashes: Finally Proof), suggesting a radical turning point in the understanding of major facts. The cover art depicts a UFO crash scene.

Main Articles and Content

"CRASHES D'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES" by Jean SIDER

This lead article by Jean SIDER argues that recent evidence marks a significant turning point in UFO research. SIDER criticizes "socio-psychologists" who dismiss UFO phenomena, contrasting their stance with the serious attention given to UFOs by American government agencies. He highlights several key documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act:

• FBI Memorandum of March 22, 1950: This memo, sent by Agent Guy HOTTEL, details the discovery of three flying saucers in New Mexico, described as circular with a wider center, approximately 15 meters in diameter. Each craft allegedly contained three human-like occupants, about 90 cm tall, covered in metallic clothing.
• FBI Memorandum of March 31, 1950: This memo references rumors reported by Frank SCULLY about a "flying saucer" found intact in the Mojave Desert with eighteen deceased occupants, described as human-like and about 90 cm tall. The material of the disc was noted as highly resistant and indestructible.
• Memorandum from the Canadian Ministry of Transport, November 21, 1950: Authored by engineer Wilbert B. SMITH, this document discusses his research into geomagnetism for energy abstraction and its potential connection to UFO propulsion. It reveals that the US government considers the UFO subject "the most highly classified subject in the United States Government, rating higher even than the H-bomb," and that a "small group headed by Doctor Vannevar Bush" is actively investigating.

SIDER suggests that the alleged exaggeration of some crash stories might be a deliberate disinformation tactic. He also references a letter from Dr. Robert I. SARBACHER, President of the Washington Institute of Technology, dated November 29, 1983, which corroborates the existence of UFOs and the involvement of prominent scientists like John von NEUMANN and Vannevar BUSH in investigating them.

"Le projet U.R.D." (The U.R.D. Project)

This section discusses various international projects aimed at computerizing UFO case data. The U.R.D. project, initiated in Sweden in 1973, aimed to catalog international UFO cases for statistical analysis but appears to have been unsuccessful. Other projects mentioned include UNICAT, UFODATA (a Danish project), UFOCOMFILE (an Australian project), and UFODOC (a Dutch/Belgian project). The article notes the challenges in data exchange and the varying methodologies employed.

"UFOCAT (UFO CATALOGUE)"

This subsection details UFOCAT, described as the first major computerized UFO catalog, which reportedly contained around 80,000 observations, though many were of poor quality. The project, directed by David R. Saunders, seems to be inactive.

"L'ufologie et l'ordinateur" (Ufology and the Computer)

This part of the article explores the impact of computers on ufology. It categorizes ufologists into two main groups: those with "great enthusiasm" for computers (technological interpreters) who believe in statistical analysis of large case numbers, and "humanists" who focus on detailed analysis of a few rigorously selected cases, emphasizing psychological and social aspects. The author shares a preference for the latter approach, finding large-scale data classification projects less useful than in-depth case analysis.

"Les grands catalogues" (The Great Catalogs)

This section reviews historical attempts to create large computerized UFO databases, noting that many such projects have faced difficulties due to time, cost, personnel, and access issues. It highlights UFOCAT as an early example.

"Le mot de la fin" (The Final Word)

This concluding section reiterates the establishment of recovered alien technology as a fact. It poses questions about the role of socio-psychologists who seemingly ignore important UFO documents and criticizes their denial of evidence. The author quotes Karel CAPEK on the gradual dissemination of truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting documentary evidence and scientific testimonies to support claims of UFO crashes and recovered technology. There is a clear critical stance against those who dismiss or downplay UFO evidence, particularly socio-psychologists. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the pursuit of truth, and the need for transparency regarding government involvement and research into these phenomena. The magazine appears to support a technological interpretation of UFOs, while acknowledging the value of in-depth case analysis. The recurring theme is the uncovering of hidden truths and challenging official denials or downplaying of UFO evidence.

This issue of L.D.L.N. (likely 'Lumières dans la Nuit' or a similar publication) features a significant article titled "M.O.C., SEISMES ET FAILLES" (UFOs, Earthquakes, and Faults), based on research by collaborator F. Lagarde. Originally published in January-February and March-April 1968, this republication aims to bring this research to a wider audience, asserting that no one has scientifically disproven it. The magazine's core premise is the correlation between Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), referred to as "M.O.C." (Objets Volants Non Identifiés), and geological phenomena like earthquakes and fault lines.

M.O.C., Seismes et Failles

The article by F. Lagarde begins by expressing astonishment at the initial findings, suggesting that this research might reveal the purpose behind the visits of these beings. It dismisses the common explanation that atomic bomb tests are the reason for UFO interest, citing historical observations predating nuclear technology. Lagarde presents data from 1619 to 1929, noting 280 UFO sightings, including various shapes like discs and jellyfish, suggesting this is only a fraction of actual occurrences.

Lagarde contrasts the energy released by the atomic bomb with that of major earthquakes, such as the 1960 Chile earthquake, arguing that seismic events are far more powerful and thus a more plausible reason for cosmic entities to be alerted. He highlights that his research found UFO sightings associated with 7 out of 145 recorded seismic events between 1309 and 1960. He references P. Rousseau's work on mysterious lights accompanying earthquakes, particularly a 1930 event in Japan witnessed by 1500 people.

The core of the argument is that if UFOs are interested in seismic activity, they must also be interested in geological faults, which are the weak points of the Earth's crust. Lagarde's analysis of A. Michel's book "A propos des soucoupes volantes" involved mapping 86 UFO ground-level or near-ground observations in France. A striking 32 of these (37%) were located on geological faults. This percentage, far exceeding what could be attributed to chance, is further supported by the fact that geological maps may not detail all faults, especially those covered by recent sediments.

Lagarde cites J.-P. Rothé's observation that a 1933 seismic zone in Orléans was aligned with a permanent magnetic anomaly extending to Les Andelys. He argues that remarkable magnetic declination variations can indicate internal structures unknown to geologists, and seismic zones indicate fractures. Examining geological maps, he notes the presence of faults bordering the Loire River and other areas where UFOs were observed.

He specifically points to the mining region of Northern France in 1954, which saw significant UFO activity, noting that only a few locations were directly on faults, questioning the justification for such activity. However, he suggests that the seismic focus of the region (a 1938 earthquake originating 25 km below Lille and Courtrai) might explain it. The article concludes this section by suggesting that the presence of UFOs in seismic zones is not coincidental and implies a connection to the Earth's geological processes.

Detailed Justifications and Further Investigations

Pages 22-24 provide detailed lists of locations where UFOs were sighted, cross-referenced with geological data, particularly the presence of faults. A table lists 86 localities with their corresponding departments and page numbers in A. Michel's book, indicating whether they are situated on faults. The summary states that 32 of these (37%) are on certain faults.

Page 22 includes a map of France highlighting geological faults and UFO observation points, emphasizing the concentration of sightings along fault lines. The text reiterates that 37% of the observations fall on faults, a percentage significantly higher than random chance.

"The Secret of the M.O.C."

This section, likely an editorial or a continuation of the main article, emphasizes the exceptional value of the research, calling it the "first stone" of a global study. It highlights that 80% of the 25 observed UFOs in a randomly chosen region were located on geological faults, a statistic deemed too significant to be mere chance. The article posits that faults, representing ruptures in the Earth's crust, are of particular interest to UFOs, possibly due to their connection to geophysical and geological phenomena.

Case Study: Bois-de-Champ (Vosges), April 1954

This section details a specific UFO encounter involving two woodcutters, Roger Mougeolle and Gilbert Doridant. They observed three large, elongated objects, described as "cigars," appearing in the sky. One object descended towards their location. Mougeolle approached the object, which was described as smooth, cold, and metallic, and even touched it. He was then violently thrown back several meters by an unknown force. The object was described as being over two hundred meters long. The witness Doridant fled in terror and was deeply affected by the experience.

Case Study: Glesio, Haut-Rhin, September 1985

This report details an observation by M. N., a postal worker, on September 18, 1985. He witnessed a luminous blue sphere descend a conical beam of yellow-green light. Subsequently, a black, serpentine object appeared, remaining for thirty seconds. The event occurred near a geological fault and involved no audible sound. The investigation notes that M. N. is considered a credible witness, despite having some unusual beliefs.

Case Study: Ste-Croix-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin), April 1966

This case involves two witnesses, Michel R. and Denis L., who observed an oval object with four conical beams of different colors (green, yellow, blue, black) hovering silently above them. The object was estimated to be 21-7 meters long and 6-7 meters wide, at an altitude of 60-150 meters. The witnesses experienced intense fear. After the object disappeared, a luminous trail was observed. The investigation notes that Michel R. still experiences psychological effects related to the sighting.

Other Investigations and Observations

Several other brief reports are included:

• Toulouse Region: A witness reported seeing "black clouds" that made holes in his garden, and later observed a circular black area on the ground. There were also reports of a "black cloud" phenomenon, accompanied by dog barking and paralysis of pets.
• Petit Rombach: A detailed description of a UFO observation near a geological fault, involving an oval object with colored beams. The witness, Michel R., still experiences psychological effects.
• Vienne: A letter from the Astronomical Association of Vienna clarifies that a luminous phenomenon observed on April 22, 1966, was identified as two gas clouds at an altitude of 2,000 km, possibly related to Earth's magnetic field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the strong correlation between UFO sightings (M.O.C.) and geological fault lines and seismic activity. The editorial stance is that this connection is not coincidental and warrants serious scientific investigation. The researchers believe that UFOs are interested in the Earth's geological processes, possibly for reasons related to planetary stability or energy sources. The publication encourages further research and collaboration, positioning itself as a proponent of this unconventional but compelling hypothesis. The articles emphasize the need for scientists to explore this link, suggesting it could lead to new understandings in geophysics and seismology.

This issue of "Frontières de la Science" (Volume N° 1, Issue 1011) from November 10, 1984, features a detailed report on a singular observation of a low-altitude object in Pierrefeu, VAR, France. The cover headline highlights this "OBSERVATION SINGULIERE D'UN OBJET A BASSE ALTITUDE A PIERREFEU (VAR)". The magazine is published by Frontières de la Science and is in French.

Detailed Report: UAP Observation in Pierrefeu (VAR)

The main article details an encounter by a witness identified as Mme T... on Saturday, November 10, 1984, around 7:55 PM. The observation occurred on the D.14 road between Cuers and Pierrefeu, over a distance of approximately 1.5 km, specifically between "La Tour St-Anne" and "Pont du Réal Martin". The witness described the object as a stationary, yellow sphere with a reddish blinking light, clearly visible above the Rocher de Pierrefeu. She initially mistook it for an airplane or helicopter but its fixed position led her to investigate further.

Mme T... made two stops to observe the phenomenon. During the first stop near "La Tour St-Anne", she saw the object stationary above the Rocher de Pierrefeu. She then drove further and stopped again near "Pont du Réal Martin", where she exited her car for a better view. She described the object as being the size of an orange, with a small star visible below it, which helped her confirm its stationary nature. She noted that the object did not appear to change size or position relative to the star as she moved.

Investigators Jean Patrick Laurent and Patrice Seray from the "Frontières de la Science" group interviewed Mme T... on November 24, 1984. They corroborated her account by driving the route themselves, noting that the Rocher de Pierrefeu is not clearly visible from the start of the D.14 road from Cuers, but becomes apparent near "La Tour St-Anne", offering a direct view of the object's position. They also confirmed the 1.5 km distance between the two observation points and the potential for perspective changes. The investigators concluded that Mme T...'s testimony was credible and consistent with the location.

Physical details noted at the scene included "burned" sunflower stems near a normal one, unsprouted beans in a pot of earth from point O, and well-grown wild herbs in the same location. These details are presented as potentially related to the phenomenon.

The witness stated that when she returned with her husband later, the object was no longer visible. She estimated the total observation time to be around three minutes, spread across the two stops. She denied seeing any luminous halo around the object, describing it as a clearly defined yellow sphere.

Book Review: "Les OVNI" by Dorier and Troadec

Another significant section of the magazine is a review of the book "Les OVNI" (UFOs) by Michel Dorier and J.-Pierre Troadec, part of the "Que sais-je ?" collection from Presses Universitaires de France. The reviewer, Gilles Smiena, praises the book for its clear and concise presentation of the UFO phenomenon, making it accessible to a general audience. The book is noted for its comprehensive approach, covering historical aspects, psychological and sociological factors, and various hypotheses for UFO sightings.

The reviewer highlights that the book was a collaborative effort involving the "Fédération Française d'Ufologie". It is structured into three main chapters: terminology and object types, approaches to the phenomenon (individual, collective, official), and hypotheses. The review points out that while the book is generally well-researched, some sections are brief, potentially leading to a superficial understanding for newcomers. Specific criticisms include the limited coverage of regional ufological associations and the handling of government actions regarding UFOs.

The review delves into the book's discussion of hypotheses, including extraterrestrial, psychological, sociological, and parapsychological explanations. Smiena notes the book's emphasis on socio-psychological explanations, which was a trend at the time of writing, but expresses concern that this focus might be too narrow and could lead to a dismissal of the phenomenon itself. The reviewer also critiques the inclusion of less credible explanations like "glowing balls" and "swarms of spiders" without sufficient critical analysis, suggesting that more focus should have been placed on the most scientifically supported hypotheses.

Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges the book's value in providing a rational and well-documented overview of the UFO problem for those new to the subject. The review suggests that the book could have been improved by splitting the topic into separate volumes focusing on history, human/social aspects, and scientific hypotheses.

Reader Contributions and Network News

The magazine also includes a "Forum des Lecteurs" (Readers' Forum) where readers can pose questions and share information. François Diolez responds to a question about the Siran phenomenon, suggesting that some cases might be optical illusions, like a road appearing to slope upwards due to landscape convergence. R. Breysse inquires about the availability of a specific blade sharpener mentioned in a book by Landsburg and the location of engineer Drbal's experiments.

Additionally, the "Réseau de Surveillance OVNI" (UFO Surveillance Network) calls for interested readers to join their efforts in night watches and experimental research, with results to be published in the magazine. Patrice Delcros is introduced as the new National Coordinator for this network.

Announcements and Correspondence

Announcements include a change of address for the VAR delegation and a call for experimenters for "OU-JA". A subscription notice is given for Jean Sider's book, "L'AIRSHIP DE 1897", detailing the history of phantom airships in the United States.

There is also correspondence from J.-M. Ligeron praising the magazine's quality and serious approach. Michel Bourron addresses a controversy regarding the "Grand Aventure Humaine" and the case of St-Amand-Mourond, refuting its validity based on his investigation. Jean Berthumier also comments on the "Grand Aventure Humaine" and Robert Charroux's work, referencing the Glozel affair and the Piri Reis maps.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed case investigations of UAP sightings, critical analysis of ufological literature, and the importance of rigorous research and documentation. The magazine promotes an open yet rational approach to the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to provide readers with factual accounts and diverse perspectives while maintaining a critical outlook.