LDLN - No 287-288

Magazine Overview

LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT

Issue: N° 287-288, May-June 1988

Volume: 31st Year, N° 22 F

Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES

Founder: R. VEILLITH

Editor-in-Chief: J. MESNARD

Country of Publication: France

Original Language: French

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Headline: DES PREUVES DE LA REALITE DES OVNI ? EN VOICI... (Evidence of the Reality of UFOs? Here it is...)

Cover Description: The cover features a collage of images including a comet, a diagram of UFO sightings with dots and lines, and a rural landscape with a barn, under the bold title 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT' and the headline 'DES PREUVES DE LA REALITE DES OVNI ? EN VOICI...'.

Content Summary

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT delves into the reality of UFOs, presenting evidence and reader contributions that aim to shed light on this enduring mystery. The magazine, a bi-monthly publication of 40 pages, is dedicated to the OVNI (UFO) problem and seeks to foster a spirit of open inquiry.

Reader Propositions and Feedback

The issue begins with the fourth and final part of the "Questionnaire LDLN de MARS-AVRIL 1987: Les propositions des lecteurs" (LDLN Questionnaire of March-April 1987: Readers' Propositions). This section highlights the extensive feedback received from readers, who not only commented on the magazine's content and presentation but also offered suggestions for improving relations between readers, ufologists, and even scientists.

Readers expressed a strong sense of ownership and pride in the magazine, with many being long-time subscribers. They conveyed a feeling of isolation in their pursuit of understanding UFOs and other mysteries, viewing the magazine as a guiding light. Several suggestions were made regarding the magazine's format, with most preferring the current practical size, though one reader suggested a more standard A4 format. Concerns about the cost of color printing were also raised, with the current "red and black" cover being seen as potentially anachronistic, but the editor notes that color would be considered when finances allow.

The challenges of distribution and sales through newsstands (NMPP, MLP) are discussed, with the high cost of unsold issues and the difficulty of securing shelf space for a niche publication. The magazine's reliance on direct subscriptions is presented as a more financially viable and secure model, avoiding the compromises that can come with advertising.

Several ideas for expanding the magazine's offerings were proposed, including a "cassette service" for audio recordings of witness testimonies and interviews, the re-edition of early issues, and the formation of parapsychological study groups. The possibility of an "ufological information service via Minitel" was also mentioned, though its high cost was acknowledged.

Criticisms regarding spelling and grammatical errors were frequent, with readers emphasizing the need for improved credibility. The editor acknowledges these issues and notes that efforts are being made to address them, while also defending the integrity of authors' original texts.

Critiques of the investigative style were also present, with some finding the reports too dry and resembling police reports. A recurring request was for more coverage of foreign (particularly English and American) books and research, a gap the magazine acknowledges but attributes to a lack of available translations and contributors.

Catalog of Ufonaut Footprints

Part 5 of the "Catalogue des traces de pas d'Ufonautes" (Catalog of Ufonaut Footprints) continues the detailed examination of cases involving physical traces left by alleged extraterrestrial beings. This section includes:

• Case 53: Gaffney, South Carolina, USA (November 17, 1966): Two police officers reported a metallic object descending, from which a short, humanoid figure emerged. The figure conversed briefly before returning to the object, which then departed. The next day, footprints were found at the site.
• Case 54: Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida, USA (December 4, 1966): A witness reported a flying saucer landing. Investigators found footprints leading from the landing site, along with four distinct landing gear impressions.
• Case 55: Palo, Minnesota, USA (March 12, 1967): Four boys observed an object with occupants, and footprints were found in the snow.
• Case 56: Minitare, Nebraska, USA (March 26, 1967): Witnesses observed an object near the ground, and footprints were found.
• Case 57: Marliens, Côte d'Or, France (early May 1967): This case, often cited for 'traces without UFOs', involved abnormal footprints reported by an investigator.
• Case 58: Port Richez, Florida, USA (May 1967): Residents discovered mysterious three-toed footprints around their home.
• Case 59: Cradle Hill, England (July 8, 1967): A luminous object was seen, leaving pear-shaped impressions and large footprints.
• Case 60: Arc sous Cicon, Doubs, France (July 17, 1967): A child reported seeing small, dark beings, and later, adolescents found footprints and burned spots in the grass.
• Case 61: Palma de Majorque, Balearic Islands, Spain (July 1967): A witness saw small beings, and marks were found on an exterior wall.
• Case 62: Caracas, Venezuela (August 7, 1967): A witness reported a creature and found small, reddish dust footprints.
• Case 63: Kolmarden, Sweden (August 23, 1967): Two individuals reported seeing a reddish glow and humanoid figures, with footprints found.

Possible Explanations for Symbols on Desert Center Molds

Franck Boitte contributes an analysis of the symbols found on the molds from the Desert Center case (November 20, 1952), linking them to George Adamski's accounts. Boitte explores the symbolism of the svastika and its potential connection to ancient traditions, solar deities, and astronomical cycles. He discusses the svastika's presence in various cultures, including Indian traditions, and its association with figures like Vishnu and Buddha. The article delves into the interpretation of the svastika as representing the four cardinal points or the movement of the sun through the year, linking it to solstices and equinoxes. Boitte also touches upon the potential for these symbols to carry deeper meanings related to cosmic balance and the 'equilibrium of the Universe,' drawing parallels with messages from alleged extraterrestrial contactees.

New Circular Disturbances in English Cereal Fields

Jean Sider reports on the phenomenon of circular crop formations, specifically those appearing in the cereal fields of Southern England since 1980. The article details the common characteristics of these formations, including their outward-spiraling pattern, clockwise rotation, and the fact that the plants are bent, not broken, with grains intact. These formations are described as "quintuplets" or "triplets," indicating multiple circles or patterns. The author notes that these phenomena are exclusively observed in cereal crops and are not associated with any damage to the plants themselves. The article also references previous studies and reports on the Adamski case, suggesting a potential link between different types of unexplained phenomena.

Other Sections

• "Mise au point" (Clarification): A section for corrections or updates.
• "Courrier" (Mail): A section for reader correspondence.
• "Nos activités" (Our Activities): This section details the operational aspects of the research group, including opportunities for readers to become investigators, technical resources available, and requests for donations of old books, postcards, and other materials to support their archives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT reinforces the magazine's commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon with a serious and investigative approach. The recurring themes include the presentation of physical evidence (footprints, crop circles), the analysis of witness testimonies, and the exploration of symbolic and potentially spiritual dimensions of UFO encounters. The editorial stance emphasizes open-mindedness, constructive debate, and a cautious approach to avoid sensationalism or charlatanism. The magazine positions itself as a vital resource for those seeking to understand UFOs, particularly in the absence of mainstream scientific engagement. The emphasis on reader participation and direct subscription highlights a strategy for long-term survival and independence.

This issue of LDLN, dated June 1987, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly crop circles and UFO sightings. The cover features a drawing of a crop circle, highlighting the mystery surrounding these formations.

Crop Circle Anomalies in 1986

The magazine details a significant increase in crop circle complexity and anomalies observed in 1986. The article notes a shift from 'quintuplets' to more intricate isolated circles, often surrounded by one or two rings of turbulence. A key observation is the varying orientation of the crop spirals within these formations, with some oriented clockwise and others counter-clockwise, even within the same formation. The presence of non-turbulent zones separating these rings is also highlighted as a significant anomaly. The article discusses specific cases from Cheesefoot Head, Alresford, and Bratton in Hampshire and Wiltshire, UK, noting that these formations often defy conventional meteorological explanations, such as wind funnels or mini-tornadoes, due to their precise patterns and behavior under specific weather conditions.

Headbourne Worthy Case

A particularly complex case from Headbourne Worthy, Hampshire, is analyzed. This single circle exhibited an unusual counter-clockwise spiral, with upper stalks oriented inwards and lower stalks outwards, suggesting a deliberate fluid mechanism. The presence of sinusoidal wave effects and an excentric vortex center are also noted. The article questions the possibility of natural phenomena causing such precise and varied effects.

Other Anomalies in 1986

Further anomalies reported in 1986 include symmetrical positioning relative to tractor tracks, indicating intelligence, and 'flat spots' parallel to these tracks, suggesting rectilinear movement. The possibility of sophisticated hoaxes using advanced technology, such as helicopter-mounted air jets, is discussed but largely dismissed due to observational constraints.

The Night of August 16, 1965: UFOs in France

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a detailed account of a mass UFO sighting event that occurred across southeastern France on the night of August 16, 1965. The article, written by Joël Mesnard, compiles numerous witness testimonies from various locations including Marseille, Miremont, and Labastide-Rouairoux. The sightings, which occurred between 21:15 and 23:50, involved luminous objects of diverse colors (green, blue, red, orange) and shapes (spheres, cigars, ovals) moving at high speeds, often leaving luminous trails.

Temporal and Spatial Clustering

The article emphasizes the remarkable temporal and spatial clustering of these sightings, suggesting a coordinated or related phenomenon rather than isolated incidents. The precision of the reported times, despite the general lack of detail in many accounts, is noted as a key factor in analyzing the event.

Specific Sightings and Analysis

Several specific cases are detailed, including observations in Marseille involving an elliptical body with a red luminous trail, and in Verdun-en-Lauragais where witnesses described a green ball with four points descending rapidly. The article also touches upon the difficulty of definitively explaining these events, ruling out conventional explanations like meteors or re-entering satellites based on available data.

Expert Opinions and Future Research

The issue features insights from meteorologists like G.T.MEADEN and researchers like Colin ANDREWS and Pat DELGADO, who are actively investigating these phenomena. The article stresses the need for continued research, archival investigation, and collaboration among ufologists to gather more precise data and potentially establish the reality of these unexplained events.

Technological Advancements

A brief section discusses the rapid advancement of micro-electronics, particularly transistors and superconductors, hinting at potential technological leaps that might have origins in recovered extraterrestrial technology, though this is presented as speculation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions natural explanations for crop circles and UFO sightings, leaning towards the hypothesis of intelligent, possibly non-human, origins. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and collaborative research to uncover the truth behind these mysteries. There is a clear emphasis on the 'anomalous' nature of the phenomena, suggesting they are not easily explained by current scientific understanding.

Title: Courrier
Issue Date: Second quarter 1988 (implied by "2º trimestre 1988")
Publisher: Le Directeur de la publication: R VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (Lights in the Night)

This issue of "Courrier" delves into scientific breakthroughs and intriguing experiments, touching upon the fields of superconductivity and the origins of life.

Superconductivity Breakthrough

The magazine reports on a significant advancement in superconductivity, attributed to a researcher named Chu. His work involved a compound based on yttrium and barium, belonging to the perovskite family. This material exhibited superconductivity at a remarkably high temperature of -183° Celsius, a substantial improvement over previous requirements. This temperature is achievable with liquid nitrogen (-196° Celsius), which is considerably cheaper and easier to obtain than liquid helium. The publication of Chu's findings in "Physical Review Letters" on March 2nd is presented as the inauguration of a race towards supremacy in superconductor technology. The article notes that Chu had proactively filed patents to protect his discovery, ensuring secrecy.

A curious detail mentioned is a typographical error in the paper sent to "Physical Review Letters," where "yttrium" was mistakenly written as "ytterbium." This error, though corrected later, led major American laboratories to believe for a month that ytterbium was the key to achieving "hot" superconductors.

The "Primitive Soup" and Life Creation Experiments

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a letter from P. Fourcroy of Alpes-Maritimes, which references a passage from Marcel Violet's book "Le Secret des Patriarches." This passage explores the duality between Darwinian evolution and biblical accounts, and touches upon "biological waves" (ondes biologiques) as described by radiesthesists Chaumery and Belizal.

Fourcroy recounts his own experiments, inspired by the work of Abbé Dijonnais Stanislas Bignand, who developed condensers using beeswax. Fourcroy procured seawater, filtered it using Pasteur Chamberland filters, and placed it in sealed ampoules. These ampoules, containing a mixture of carbonic acid and methane in the headspace, had a chrome-nickel wire introduced. After sterilization and exposure to natural light, Fourcroy observed phenomena occurring after 70-80 hours: the appearance of filaments, black spots, and gelatinous masses.

Upon examination, the filaments were identified as yeast chains, the spots as fungal spores, and the gelatinous mass as organic matter. Fourcroy claims to have successfully created simple life forms in a sterile environment, a feat he notes is contrary to the prevailing scientific consensus that life cannot spontaneously appear in sterile conditions. He acknowledges that his success rate was not consistent, suggesting that unknown factors might be involved. He also mentions that contemporary scientists have refused to attempt to replicate his experiments.

Editorial Notes and Contributors

The article is presented as a supplement to "Courrier des Lecteurs" (Reader's Mail) from issue No. 277/278, page 37, second column.

J. Sider is credited with highlighting specific points in bold within the text.

The publication details indicate it was printed in France, with R. VEILLITH as the Director of Publication, and registered under Commission paritaire 68.468. The legal deposit number is 2º trimestre 1988, and the printing was done by Imprilux in Saint-Etienne.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue appears to champion unconventional scientific ideas and experimental results that challenge established paradigms. The focus on superconductivity highlights a cutting-edge scientific development, while the section on life creation experiments leans towards fringe science and phenomena that have historically been met with skepticism. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting these topics for reader consideration, even if they are outside the mainstream scientific consensus. The inclusion of references to radiesthesia and older theories suggests an interest in exploring alternative or historical scientific perspectives.