LDLN - No 289-290

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 289-290
Date: JUILLET AOÛT 1988
Volume: 31e ANNÉE
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES
Country: FRANCE
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to exploring mysterious celestial objects and related problems, with a particular focus on UFOs. It features articles on alleged UFO crashes, alien abductions, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Table of Contents Highlights

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, outlining the various articles and sections:

• 3- Plus que jamais LDLN continue !...: An editorial by R. VEILLITH, addressing rumors of the magazine's cessation and announcing the appointment of J. MESNARD as Director.
• 4 - Crashes d'OVNI: enfin des preuves: An article discussing evidence of UFO crashes.
• 11- Enlèvement à bord d'OVNI; une étude comparative: A comparative study of alien abduction cases.
• 16- Extra-terrestres et messages radio; pourquoi le silence ?: An exploration of why extraterrestrial civilizations might not be communicating via radio.
• 22- Catalogue des traces de pas d'Ufonautes: A catalog of alleged ufonaut footprints.
• 28 - Catalogue d'observations inédites: A catalog of unpublished UFO observations.
• 33- St-Victor l'Abbaye (Seine Maritime)
• 35- Nort-sur-Erdre (Loir Atlantique)
• 37- Courrier: Letters from readers.
• 38- Le Forum de nos lecteurs: A forum for reader discussions.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The magazine is published by the GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES, founded by R. VEILLITH, with J. MESNARD as Editor-in-Chief. The editorial stance emphasizes the search for truth and encourages contributions from collaborators worldwide. Administrative details regarding subscriptions, payments, and correspondence are provided, including a change of address for J. MESNARD effective September 1, 1988.

Article Summaries

"Plus que jamais LDLN continue !..." (Editorial)

This editorial addresses and refutes rumors about the cessation of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (LDLN), which had been circulating since 1986 and were recently amplified by an article in the magazine "VSD." The editor, R. VEILLITH, expresses gratitude to collaborators and announces that J. MESNARD will become the Director of LDLN starting with the September-October 1988 issue, marking a new phase for the publication.

"Crashes d'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES" by Jean SIDER

This article delves into the controversy surrounding the "Majestic 12" (MJ-12) document, allegedly created in 1947 by President Truman following the Roswell crash. Jean SIDER discusses the skepticism expressed by ufologists like Philip J. KLASS and James W. MOSELEY, contrasting it with the analysis of experts. A key part of the article is the report on an expert linguistic analysis by Dr. Roger W. Wescott, who concluded that the MJ-12 document is likely authentic and was written by Vice-Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, former director of the CIA. Wescott's analysis compared the document's style to other known writings of Hillenkoetter. The article also addresses criticisms regarding date formatting and the use of the term "MEDIA" in the document, providing counter-arguments and evidence from historical records to support the document's authenticity.

"ENLÈVEMENTS A BORD D'OVNI : UNE ÉTUDE COMPARATIVE" by Thomas Eddie Bullard (Translated by Jean Sider)

This extensive study by Eddie Bullard, a sociologist specializing in folklore, examines the phenomenon of alien abductions. Bullard refutes the claims of skeptics like Philip J. Klass, who attribute abductions to imagination or flawed hypnotic regression. The study analyzes approximately 300 abduction reports, identifying common patterns and sequences of events. These include capture, 'medical examinations' by alien beings, and sometimes visits to alien worlds. Bullard notes that abductees often describe humanoid creatures, loss of time, and physical or psychological after-effects. The article also touches upon the potential motivations of the abductors, suggesting a possible interest in human reproduction and genetic material. The study concludes that the consistent patterns across numerous reports indicate a real phenomenon, regardless of its ultimate nature.

"EXTRA-TERRESTRES ET MESSAGES RADIO : POURQUOI LE SILENCE ?" by Pierre Guérin

Pierre Guérin explores the paradox of the 'radio silence' from potential extraterrestrial civilizations, given the likelihood of multiple intelligent species in the universe. He argues against the idea of a cosmic 'club' that enforces silence, suggesting that exceptions and transgressions would naturally occur. Guérin posits that the probability of life and intelligence arising is not as low as some astrophysicists claim, citing the vastness of the galaxy and the potential for life to evolve under diverse conditions. He discusses the limitations of current radio astronomy in detecting signals and questions whether advanced civilizations would even use radio waves for communication. The article also touches upon the possibility of Earth being observed as a 'zoo' by advanced species.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of evidence, and the challenge to skepticism. "Lumières dans la Nuit" consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real, often technologically advanced craft, and that evidence, even if controversial, should be rigorously examined. The magazine appears to advocate for a serious, scientific approach to ufology, while also acknowledging the psychological and sociological aspects of witness testimony. The editorial stance is clearly pro-research and open to the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, as evidenced by the detailed examination of the Majestic 12 document and abduction reports. The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share findings and engage in critical discussion, pushing back against what it perceives as undue skepticism or deliberate obfuscation by authorities.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), identified as issue number 287 and part of its 30th year of publication, dated September-October 1987, is a French-language magazine focusing on ufology. The cover prominently features a report titled "ST-VICTOR-L'ABBAYE (SEINE MARITIME)" and includes a drawing of a UFO-like object. The magazine's publisher is LDLN, with an ISSN of 0024-7342.

Key Articles and Content

Catalog of Unpublished Observations (Cases 1-10)

The core of this issue is a detailed catalog of UFO observations, presented in chronological order. The editor, Joël Mesnard, introduces this section, noting that it comprises over a hundred cases considered unpublished, though some may have brief press references. The catalog aims for a nuanced view, excluding cases with obvious conventional explanations or those deemed too brief.

• Case 1: Scorbé-Clairvaux (Vienne), June 1919: A metallic disk, about 1 meter in diameter, was observed flying horizontally. The witness, M. Aucher, was 13 at the time and felt the object was too small to be inhabited.
• Case 2: Tabayatte (Morocco), Summer 1942: A luminous, yellow-orange sphere, estimated at 4-5 meters in diameter, was observed for 3-4 minutes by military personnel. Similar observations were reported from other posts in the region.
• Case 3: Ambon (Morbihan), November 1943: A luminous yellow-pale sphere, about 4-5 meters in diameter, was seen taking off with a helical trajectory from a field. The witness, M. Valéo, was 17 and described the object as non-blinding and having indistinct contours.
• Case 4: Trappes (Seine-et-Oise), August 1947: A white, luminous 'saucer' with an apparent shadow was observed moving horizontally from east to west, leaving a trail of sparks.
• Case 5: Bagneux (Seine-et-Oise), early February 1948: A large, round, orange, luminous object was observed hovering, then moving in a zig-zag pattern before ascending.
• Case 6: Pessac (Gironde), April 15, 1949: An elongated, fiery-colored object was observed moving uniformly across the sky, from Arcachon towards Bordeaux.
• Case 7: La Marsa beach (Tunisia), late May or early June 1950: A grayish 'Zeppelin' with a bluish flame at the rear was observed moving slowly over the sea.
• Case 8: Ferryville (Tunisia), July 1951: An object resembling a dirigible, with yellowish-white lights, was observed moving rapidly eastward after hovering.
• Case 9: Paris, July 1951: A metallic sphere was observed to appear, disappear, and reappear in different positions, exhibiting rapid movements and stops, which the witness, M. Balabaud, contested as being a weather balloon.
• Case 10: Tessalit (Sahara), August 10, 1951: The shadow of a circular or elliptical object was observed moving parallel to a Toucan aircraft, suggesting a close proximity and coordinated movement.

Other Reports and Discussions

• Renown Park (Australia), February 22, 1969: A pyramidal object was observed, and later, excavated ground and three traces were found nearby.
• Tumbulgam (Australia), March 2, 1969: A perfect circle of dark substance was found on a lawn, with footprints leading away from it.
• Rising Sun (Indiana, USA), May 19, 1969: A tall, hairy entity was observed, and later, four-toed footprints were found.
• Trois-Rivières (Quebec, Canada), Summer 1969: Seven to eight 'luminous figures' were observed around a UFO, leaving traces on the vehicle's roof.
• Olavarria (Argentina), November 17, 1969: Strange beings were observed, and footprints resembling horse hooves were reported, though the witness was allegedly intoxicated.
• St-Victor-l'Abbaye (Seine Maritime): A report by Christian Soudet details an observation by the Raillot family of a green, luminous object with rotating hubs and beams, described as a 'flying saucer'. The son, Alain, recorded a sound associated with the phenomenon.
• Nort-sur-Erdre (Loire-Atlantique): Roger Thomé analyzes a recording of an unusual sound, possibly from a UFO, and discusses various rational explanations, including radio-revels, helicopters, and train signals.
• Reader Contributions: Several readers share their thoughts and observations:
• Henri Veron proposes a method for testing witness sincerity by repeated interviews.
• D. Castille points to historical accounts of aerial phenomena in Gregory of Tours' "History of the Franks."
• R. Lafanechère responds to a question about luminous phenomena, suggesting atmospheric clouds.
• D. Moreau discusses noctilucent clouds as a potential explanation for some sightings.
• J. Giordan inquires about a physicist's theory challenging the Big Bang.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed, firsthand accounts and rigorous investigation. It acknowledges the challenges posed by subjective human testimony but also highlights the value of consistent and precise witness reports. The editorial stance favors open-minded inquiry into UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and potential misidentifications or hoaxes. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of the UFO phenomenon despite claims of its decline, urging readers to remain vigilant and contribute their observations. The magazine also promotes its own archival resources and encourages reader participation in its activities, such as becoming investigators or contributing to its documentation efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

"Lumières dans la Nuit" maintains a consistent editorial stance that prioritizes detailed, firsthand accounts and rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena. The magazine champions an open-minded yet critical approach, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and potential misidentifications or hoaxes. It emphasizes the value of consistent and precise witness reports, even suggesting methods to verify witness sincerity through repeated interviews. The publication consistently highlights the ongoing nature of UFO sightings, countering claims of their decline and encouraging readers to contribute their own observations. The magazine also serves as a repository of information, promoting its archival resources and fostering a community of researchers through reader participation in its activities, such as becoming investigators or contributing to its documentation efforts. The overall tone suggests a belief in the reality of the UFO phenomenon and the need for continued, serious study.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue Date: 3rd Trimester 1988
Publisher: Imprilux (Printed in France)
Director of Publication: R VEILLITH
ISSN/Registration: 68.468

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" focuses on providing information regarding past publications and the operational structure of the "Réseau de Surveillance OVNI" (UFO Surveillance Network) managed by LDLN.

Back Issue Pricing and Inflation

The initial section of the magazine presents a detailed list of past issues, identified by their number and content (e.g., "Pages sup seules" - single issues, "avec P.Sup" - with supplementary pages). The prices are listed in French Francs (F) and cover a range of years from the early 1970s through the late 1980s. Notably, the prices reflect significant inflation over time, with single issues costing 2.50 F in the early period and increasing to 3 F in 1973, and double issues reaching 21 F by 1987. A disclaimer explains that maintaining the original cover price for most years has been impossible due to the age of the copies and substantial inflation, with the magazine only partially passing on these increases.

Réseau de Surveillance OVNI (UFO Surveillance Network)

The core of this issue is dedicated to explaining the LDLN UFO Surveillance Network. It is presented as a collaborative effort that relies on readers, investigators, and regional delegates interested in UFO research.

Network Objectives and Structure

The network aims to gather new research and information on the UFO phenomenon. It comprises two main specializations:

1. Les Veillées Nocturnes (Night Watches): These are organized by Regional Delegates or LDLN Circles and are regional, departmental, or local in scope. Organizers are encouraged to send their findings to the headquarters for potential publication in the review.
2. La Recherche Expérimentale (Experimental Research): This involves the application or testing of various hypotheses in the field, often during night watches or through specific initiatives. This includes "non-conformist" methods.

Participation and Publication

Individuals interested in this field are invited to write to the Network's headquarters. All results from experiments, night watches, or photographic documents related to UFOs will be published in the review. The network emphasizes that the fruits of individual research will serve all LDLN researchers. Serious correspondence is assured of a response, with a request for a self-addressed stamped envelope (Timbre réponse S.V.P.).

Contact Information

The National Coordinator for the Network is M. Patrice DELCROS, whose address is rue des Jardins, Charron, 17230 Marans.

Publication and Printing Details

At the bottom of the page, the publication details are provided:

• Printed in France
• Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
• Director of Publication: R VEILLITH
• Registration Number: N° d'inscription Commission paritaire 68.468
• Printer: Imprimerie Imprilux, St-Etienne
• Legal Deposit: 3rd trimester 1988

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine positions itself as a platform for UFO research and dissemination of findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation from its readership, valuing empirical observation and experimental investigation, and fostering a community of researchers dedicated to understanding the UFO phenomenon. The emphasis on publishing results and sharing knowledge suggests a commitment to advancing the field through collective effort. The inclusion of back issue pricing and a note on inflation indicates a long-standing publication history and an awareness of economic factors affecting the magazine's accessibility.