LDLN - No 285-286

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated March-April 1988, is the 22nd issue of its 31st year. It is published by the "Groupement International de Recherches" and focuses on "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover prominently features a map of France divided into sectors, illustrating the "LDLN UFO Surveillance Network."

Dialogue: Claude Maugé and Jean Sider

The core of this issue features an extensive dialogue between Claude Maugé and Jean Sider, discussing Sider's article "CRASHES D'OVNI: ENFIN DES PREUVES" (UFO Crashes: Finally Proof). Maugé, representing a "socio-psychological" approach to ufology, engages with Sider, who champions a more "nuts-and-bolts" perspective.

Sider criticizes "rationalists" who dismiss UFOs, labeling them "FAUX-SCEPTIQUES" (false skeptics). He argues that it's illogical to study something whose existence one denies. Maugé, while acknowledging Sider's right to critique, finds some of Sider's arguments, like comparing socio-psychologists to punks, inappropriate, suggesting more serious arguments are needed.

Key Documents and Debates

The discussion revolves around several key documents and claims:

• F.B.I. Memorandum (March 31, 1950): Maugé finds its details limited and questions the source of the information. Sider argues that while limited individually, it contributes to a larger body of evidence, especially when considered with the Dr. Sarbacher letter.
• Dr. Sarbacher's Letter: Sider highlights Sarbacher's admission of "FLYING SAUCER CRASHES" (plural) as a significant piece of evidence, even if Sarbacher only had indirect knowledge.
• W. B. Smith Memorandum (November 21, 1950): Maugé finds this document more interesting due to Wilbert Smith's involvement, but questions Smith's reliability and scientific contributions. He notes Smith's work on geomagnetism and antigravity yielded no concrete results and that Smith's role in Project Magnet might have been downplayed.
• Knowles Letter (August 27, 1961): This letter concerns a case with alleged UFO debris. Maugé notes contradictions in Edwards' transcription of Wilbert Smith's description of the material (magnesium orthosilicate vs. iron) and quotes engineer Jean Senelier suggesting it might be a forsterite meteorite. Sider criticizes Maugé for relying on Edwards and for not fully appreciating the significance of Smith's description of a manufactured object.

Sider defends Wilbert Smith, arguing that his later descent into "contactee" phenomena doesn't invalidate his earlier work. He emphasizes that Smith's encounter with Sarbacher in 1950 was significant, admitting the principle of crashes with occupants. Sider also clarifies that Smith directed a government-funded research group on UFOs from 1950 to 1954.

Government Involvement and Secrecy

The issue touches upon government involvement in UFO research:

• Project GRUDGE and BLUE BOOK: These projects are mentioned as having used socio-psychology to "banalize" UFO phenomena.
• Project MAGNET: Wilbert Smith's Canadian project is discussed, with questions raised about its true scope and whether it was a genuine research effort or a form of debunking.
• MJ-12 Documents: The existence of multiple documents mentioning "MJ. 12" (Majestic Twelve) is discussed, including notes from AFOSI, a document seen by Lee Graham, and a memo to General Twining. Doubts are raised about the authenticity of some of these documents, with suggestions of possible manipulation or disinformation campaigns by government agencies.
• "Project Second Storey": A secret committee formed by the Defense Research Board in 1952 to assess the national security threat of UFOs concluded there was no threat.

Reader Survey and Opinions

The magazine includes a detailed analysis of a reader questionnaire from March-April 1987. The survey asked readers to rank their interest in 12 categories of mysterious phenomena, including UFOs, nature, the past, creatures, the sea, the afterlife, the mind, predictions, magic, myths, life and death, and the future.

• Personal Preferences: UFOs (category 1) were the top personal interest for most readers. Other popular categories included "Mysteries of the Nature" (2), "Mysteries of the Past" (3), and "Mysteries of the Mind" (7).
• Interest of Surroundings/Friends: Similar to personal preferences, UFOs remained the top interest for readers' acquaintances.
• Interest for New Readers: The survey also gauged which topics might attract new readers. UFOs and "Mysteries of the Mind" were again prominent.

The analysis highlights that many readers did not fully complete the survey, with some leaving entire sections blank or indicating a broad interest in all topics. The results show a strong, consistent interest in UFOs, but also a significant engagement with other paranormal and mysterious subjects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the pursuit of truth regarding the UFO phenomenon, encouraging rigorous research and the examination of evidence. It appears critical of purely socio-psychological explanations when they dismiss the physical reality of UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the complexity and controversial nature of the subject, while also being wary of potential disinformation and debunking efforts. The publication aims to present diverse viewpoints and documents, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented information. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate between those who believe in the physical reality of UFOs and their occupants, and those who favor more conventional or psychological explanations.

This issue of LDLN (Lumières Dans La Nuit) magazine, identified as issue 275/276 and dated July-August 1986, delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring reports from France, Poland, and Portugal. The publication aims to foster serious discussion on UFO phenomena, moving beyond sterile polemics to constructive argumentation.

Article 1: Literature on Atomic and Space Research

This section questions the extent to which American scientific and public attention was focused on UFOs in the 1940s and 50s. It proposes evaluating "classics" chronologically, considering UFO incidents, space and atomic research, scientific statements, and declassified documents, all in relation to UFO crashes. The author acknowledges the possibility of pursuing a "false route" in his research and emphasizes the importance of admitting errors in ufology. He expresses hope for effective collaboration with readers to improve the quality and credibility of presented documents, anticipating that some contributions might contradict Jean SIDER's findings.

Article 2: An Amateur Astronomer Observes

This report details an observation made by Jules BECQUET on September 29, 1987, in Dargnies, France. At 20:58, under clear skies, Becquet observed a bright white ball moving rapidly westward. The object accelerated and launched reddish sparks from its rear center, moving silently. He estimated its size to be 3-4 times the apparent diameter of Jupiter. Becquet, an amateur astronomer, waited six days to communicate his findings after performing calculations. He noted the absence of an explosion, only a 'gerbe d'étincelles' (shower of sparks).

Article 3: Poland - UFOlogy News

This article, a continuation of previous reports, discusses the Polish private ufology scene. It highlights two significant events: the national meeting of UFO clubs in Warsaw on September 13, 1986, which focused on UFO report recording and the establishment of a central index card system for unexplained visual phenomena in Poland. The second event was the "Séminaire Emilcin" in Lublin on May 16-17, 1987, dedicated to the well-documented Emilcin case of 1978, involving a close encounter.

The article lists several Polish UFO research organizations involved in the Warsaw meeting, including Space Contact Club, Varsovian Ufo Research Society "UFO VIDEO", UFO Research Group, Lublinian UFO Research and Popularization Club, and Section of UFO Phenomena Research "Internol".

It details the Emilcin case, where farmer Jan Wolski reported an encounter with two small beings and a craft. The beings were described as about 1.50m tall, wearing black suits, with green faces and slit mouths. Wolski entered the craft, which had an internal space with six small benches and a cylindrical column. He was scanned with two round objects. The craft was described as rectangular, about 9 meters long, 3.5 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, with a pointed roof.

Article 4: Close Encounter in Poland (1954)

This case, investigated in 1986, concerns an event from July 1954 in Wegierska Gorka, Poland. A young girl, then 11 years old, was drawn to a luminous white-yellow light in the forest. She approached an oval object resting on a rock, about 50 meters away. A being stood by the object, and she entered it via a rectangular door. Inside, she saw four other beings and a cylindrical column. The main being wore a transparent lower garment and a dark suit that emitted intense red light. The girl sat down, felt a voice instructing her to sit, and fell asleep. She awoke to find herself back on the ground, with children searching for her. The experience was later dismissed as a dream by her mother.

Article 5: Close Encounters in Poland (1947-1986)

This section provides a table listing numerous close encounters (CE I, CE II, CE III) in Poland between 1947 and 1986, with dates, locations, number of observations, and sources. Notable entries include the Emilcin case (May 10, 1978) and several cases in Czluchow.

Article 6: Portugal - The Balls That Came From the Ocean

This article details two cases from Fuzeta, Portugal.

Case 1 (August 1978): Maria Jose Martinhos and her son observed a reddish luminous phenomenon, later identified as a spherical UFO about two meters in diameter, approaching their house. It had a rectangular opening emitting strong reddish light. The object hovered near the house, causing electrical disruptions, and then flew towards the Atlantic Ocean. The observation lasted about an hour and a half. Other witnesses also reported seeing the object.

Case 2 (October 15, 1978): Antonio Viegas Mendonça and his wife observed an intense red light penetrating their windows. They saw a grey metallic spherical object, about 2 meters in diameter, with a rectangular opening. Through the opening, they saw two human-like beings, about 1.80 meters tall, wearing grey suits and helmets. The object then ascended and flew towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Article 7: M.O.C. and Faults

This article by F. Lagarde discusses the correlation between the location of UFO sightings (Mysterious Celestial Objects - M.O.C., now UFOs) and geological fault lines in France. Based on a study of known observation sites, Lagarde found a significantly higher concentration of sightings near fault lines compared to random locations. He acknowledges that the data used might have limitations but argues that the correlation remains significant after excluding doubtful cases. The author suggests this research avenue could be fruitful for future investigations.

Article 8: Results of 1987 Observation Vigils

This section presents the results of UFO observation vigils conducted by various LDLN delegations and affiliated groups across France in August and October 1987. Most vigils reported "RAS" (Rien à Signaler - Nothing to Report), but one in Bierville (Seine-Maritime) on October 24, 1987, noted the appearance of an orange point performing pirouettes in the sky before disappearing.

Article 9: Announcement

An announcement seeks the book "L'extériorisation de la motricité" by Colonel De Rochas.

Article 10: Results of Other Vigils

This section lists results from vigils in July, September, and October 1987, conducted by LDLN Seine-Maritime and G.U.M. Alpes-Maritimes, with most reporting no significant sightings, except for one in Sommery (Seine-Maritime) on June 13, 1987, which observed a red-orange ball.

Article 11: List of Sector Managers

A list of responsible persons for various sectors within the LDLN network is provided, along with their contact details.

Article 12: Communiqué from the Surveillance Network

This communiqué expresses concern over the low participation in national UFO surveillance vigils, attributing it partly to unfavorable weather conditions. It encourages more active participation and offers support to those feeling isolated. The author emphasizes the importance of collective effort in observing, documenting, and analyzing UFO phenomena.

Article 13: Errata

This section corrects errors in the January-February 1988 issue of LDLN, specifically regarding sentence omissions and the attribution of an article.

Article 14: Forum of Our Readers

This section is dedicated to reader questions and responses on various ufological topics. Questions include those about anti-matter, time atoms, and the existence of a supposed extraterrestrial landing site in France. A reader also inquires about a large UFO sighting in the USA or Latin America in the 1950s/60s.

Article 15: Responses to Readers

This section provides answers to reader questions. One response clarifies the history of the "Cheops Pyramid" sharpener and mentions Lyall Watson's "Natural History of the Supernatural." Another response addresses the "wine pyramid" advertised in France, explaining its purported effects on aging wine. A reader named H. Lorange provides information about an esoteric bookstore in Switzerland that sells pyramids and related literature. Another response from G. Melay explains a supposed anomalous uphill movement on a road in Siran (Hérault) as a result of road declivity, debunking any mysterious explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a stance of open inquiry and constructive debate, encouraging readers to share observations and research. It emphasizes the importance of factual evidence over speculation and polemics. Recurring themes include detailed UFO sighting reports, investigations into potential explanations for phenomena like crop circles, and the exploration of less conventional research avenues, such as the link between UFOs and geological faults. The editorial policy clearly favors a serious, evidence-based approach to ufology, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for continued investigation.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: Mai-Juin 1987
Volume: 2
Publisher: R VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: CRASHES D'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES (UFO Crashes: Finally Proof)

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) from May-June 1987, published in France, prominently features the topic of UFO crashes. The cover boldly declares "ENFIN DES PREUVES" (Finally Proof) and announces a special text by Jean Sider on UFO crashes, available as a 16-page supplement published in the May-June 1987 issue. The magazine encourages readers to participate in the diffusion of this text by purchasing copies at various price points (6 F for one, 10 F for two, 22 F for five, and 40 F for ten), with payment accepted via stamps or as per subscription regulations.

Key Articles and Features

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

This is the central theme of the issue, with the cover and internal text emphasizing the availability and importance of Jean Sider's article on UFO crashes. Readers are urged to disseminate this information widely to local media (free radio, press), elected officials, educational documentalists, and even to places like hair salons, doctors' offices, and dentists' offices.

"UN ASTRONOME AMATEUR OBSERVE" (An Amateur Astronomer Observes)

This section details an observation made by an amateur astronomer. The report includes calculations regarding the altitude and speed of meteors. Slow meteors are estimated to burn up around 90 km altitude, traveling at 10 km/second. Fast meteors are described as traveling at 40 km/second. The astronomer recounts an observation where the object's altitude was approximately 25° elevation, leading to an estimated distance of 760 km. The object's trajectory suggested a speed of about 130 km/second, covering 400 km in 3 seconds. The report then contrasts this with calculations for meteors:

• Slow Meteors: 10 km/second would mean traveling 30 km in 3 seconds, with an altitude of approximately 8 km.
• Fast Meteors: 40 km/second would mean traveling 120 km in 3 seconds, with an altitude of approximately 32 km.

The astronomer concludes that if the object were a meteor, it should have been visible across most of France. The calculated altitudes for fast and slow meteors (8 km and 32 km) are deemed too low for them to be meteors. The astronomer therefore sent this report, implying the observed object was something else.

Announcements and Notices

DÉLÉGATION DE LA DRÔME

This section provides the new address for M. Michel MARTELLI in BEAUMONT-LES-VALENCE, France.

ANNONCE (Announcement)

An individual named G. BLESER, located in VERVIERS-STEMBERT, Belgium, is seeking to acquire old issues of the magazine "LDLN" (Lumières Dans la Nuit). Specifically, they are looking for issues no. 175, 181, 183, 186, and 191, as well as issues no. 125 to 173, excluding no. 134 and 151. Interested parties are asked to make an offer.

Publication Details

• Printed in: France
• Director of Publication: R VEILLITH
• Commission Paritaire Number: 68.468
• Printing: Imprimerie Imprilux, St-Etienne
• Legal Deposit: 2nd quarter 1988

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to be dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related events, with a strong emphasis on presenting evidence and encouraging public awareness and dissemination of information. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting a radical shift in understanding major facts, suggesting that conventional media may be neglecting or suppressing important information, as indicated by the parenthetical note on the cover: "(Nous ne pouvons guère compter sur les médias en la circonstance)" - "(We can hardly count on the media in this circumstance)." The magazine actively encourages reader participation in spreading its content, positioning itself as a source for alternative or suppressed knowledge.