LDLN - No 291-292

Magazine Overview

This issue of *Lumières dans la Nuit*, identified as No. 291-292 and part of the 31st year, was published in September-October 1988. The magazine, subtitled 'Revue d'Ufologie' (Ufology Review), is a French publication dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The cover features two distinct illustrations: the upper one depicts a UFO over a rural landscape from Livet-sur-Authou in 1954, and the lower one shows an encounter with alien figures near Narbonne in 1987. The issue is priced at 22 French Francs.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The editorial section, written by J. Mesnard, announces his assumption of the editor-in-chief role, succeeding R. Veillith, who founded the publication thirty years prior. Mesnard emphasizes the continuity of the magazine's mission to provide reliable information and explore the UFO phenomenon. He highlights the importance of LDLN as a source of documentation and a space for sincere research, especially in contrast to mainstream media. The editorial also addresses the financial challenges facing the magazine, urging readers to subscribe and support its continued publication. It reassures readers that LDLN will remain focused on ufology, even if related topics are occasionally discussed.

The administrative section provides subscription rates for 1988, including ordinary and 'soutien' (support) subscriptions, with an additional charge for foreign subscribers. It also details payment methods and correspondence instructions, emphasizing that checks should not be made out to 'Lumières dans la Nuit' but to J. Mesnard. Information on how to determine the subscription expiry date based on a code on the envelope is also provided.

Key Articles and Features

Projet Bécassine: A Ufological Database

Authored by Denys Breysse, this multi-part article introduces 'Projet Bécassine,' a database project initiated in 1985 to catalog and analyze UFO encounters. The project's objectives include creating an exhaustive inventory of close encounters of the third kind (RR3), constructing a usable database for thematic research, generating reliable statistics, and exploring mathematical analyses of RR3 phenomena. Bécassine aims to collect data on cases explicitly or implicitly linked to UFOs, excluding phenomena like Marian apparitions. The project uses a structured coding system to store information, with a focus on data reliability and potential for statistical analysis. The article details the project's methodology, including data transcription, coding, and storage on a personal computer. It also outlines the functionalities of the Bécassine software, such as case selection, statistical analysis, and database management. Breysse invites contributions from readers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and exchange.

Catalogue d'Observations Inédites (2e partie)

This section presents a series of previously unpublished UFO sighting reports, compiled by J. Mesnard. These include:

• Cas n° 11: Tindja (Tunisia), July 1952: A report from M. René Clavière describing a 'rocket with portholes' that remained stationary before moving rapidly and leaving a trail.
• Cas n° 12: Poggibonsi (Italy), August 1952: M. Assem recounts observing two green luminous objects that flew in formation, passed close by, and then performed a loop before disappearing.
• Cas n° 13: Bandol (Var), October 10, 1952: M. André Blanc reported a luminous sphere moving at high speed over the sea.
• Cas n° 14: Livet-sur-Authou (Eure), early Summer 1954: M. R. Lebailly, an farmer, witnessed a luminous disc with a dome, emitting a powerful beam of light, before it moved away.
• Cas n° 15: between Baud and Hennebont (Morbihan), July 15, 1954: Mme Requeda observed a bright pink luminous object with smoke-like volutes at the rear, moving across the sky.
• Cas n° 16: Bouillé-Loretz (Deux-Sèvres), August 1954: M. Léonard saw a 'yellow-orange incandescent cigar' moving rapidly across the sky.
• Cas n° 17: near Quimperlé (Finistère), late August 1954: M. Bourvallet reported hearing a loud rumbling sound and observing three colored spheres (red, orange, violet) passing overhead.
• Cas n° 18: Sainte-Reine-de-Bretagne (Loire Atlantique), Summer 1954: Two women observed a bronze-colored object, about 1.80m in diameter, hovering low to the ground, emitting multicolored rays, and then ascending rapidly.
• Cas n° 19: near Sainte-Sabine (Côte d'Or), Autumn 1954: M. Tedesco reported a luminous green object, about ten meters long, that passed overhead, causing him to fall from his motorcycle.
• Cas n° 20: Buxy (Saône-et-Loire), Autumn 1954: M. Dessartaine witnessed three luminous circles stationary above a square.

Observation récente dans le Pas-de-Calais: Entre Béalencourt et Auchy-les-Hesdin, le 6 avril 1988

This article details an encounter reported by M. Jules Dozinel. While riding his motorcycle, he observed a bright white light that stopped abruptly. He returned to observe it further, describing it as a 'pear' shape with intense white light and radiating side lights. He took five photographs, but the camera malfunctioned on the sixth attempt. The object then moved away rapidly in a zigzag pattern. The witness is described as credible, and astronomical data for the period is provided.

Remarquable Convergence de Témoignages dans la Région de Vierzon et de Bourges

Authored by Bertrand Perillat, this article reports on a series of UFO sightings that occurred in the Cher and Loir-et-Cher regions of France in August 1987. The article details multiple observations:

• Observation N° 1 (August 15, 1987): Mme Chaput observed two large, luminous spheres with halos near Saint-Germain-du-Puy.
• Observation N° 2 (August 15, 1987): M. Lecrot and his son, along with ten other witnesses, observed a luminous sphere with a red light moving in large circles near Graçay before accelerating towards Vierzon.
• Observation N° 3 (August 18, 1987): Five witnesses in Vouzeron observed a bright, incandescent sphere that appeared and disappeared, later revealing two distinct lights and performing a sharp turn.
• Observation N° 4 (August 18, 1987): M. Pinoteau, a security agent in Allouis, observed a small luminous ball that moved towards Vierzon.
• Observation N° 5 (August 18, 1987): M. and Mme Duperat in Marmagne saw a very large red light moving towards Vouzeron.
• Observation N° 6 (August 18, 1987): Mme and M. Ginot in Asnières-les-Bourges observed a white light that moved and disappeared, leaving a red light visible.
• Observation N° 7 (August 18, 1987): Mme Bezault in Vierzon observed a rectangular, luminous object moving slowly, which she compared to a 'flower-covered chariot'.
• Observation N° 8 (August 18, 1987): Two witnesses in Vierzon reported seeing three luminous circles stationary above the town square.
• Observation N° 9 (August 18, 1987): The M. family in Salbris observed two small blinking lights and a larger non-blinking light that moved in a specific pattern, followed by two luminous rectangles.

The article notes that the gendarmeries of the region were contacted, with only one reporting an official deposition. It also mentions inquiries made to local aeroclubs and a military airbase, which yielded no specific reports related to the sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the meticulous cataloging and analysis of UFO sightings, emphasizing the need for credible data and rigorous investigation. The 'Bécassine' project exemplifies this approach, aiming to build a scientific database of UAP events. The editorial stance, as articulated by J. Mesnard, is one of dedication to ufology as a serious field of research, distinct from sensationalism or general paranormal topics. The magazine positions itself as a platform for sincere researchers and enthusiasts, fostering collaboration between individuals of varying expertise. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of witness credibility, detailed reporting, and the potential for statistical analysis to uncover patterns and insights into the UFO phenomenon. The issue also highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining such a publication, underscoring the reliance on reader support and contributions.

This issue of MUFON UFO JOURNAL, dated February 1987, features a prominent cover story titled "ETRANGE RENCONTRE EN ALASKA" (Strange Encounter in Alaska), detailing an investigation into a UFO sighting by the crew of a Japan Air Lines (JAL) Boeing 747. The magazine also includes reports on other UFO cases, including a humanoid encounter and various pilot testimonies.

Strange Encounter in Alaska

The main article, authored by Walter Andrus and translated by Jean Sider, focuses on the events of November 17, 1986, when the JAL flight 1628, en route from Paris to Tokyo via Anchorage, reported visual and radar sightings of unidentified flying objects. The crew, including Captain Kenju Terauchi, First Officer Takanori Tamefuji, and Flight Engineer Yoshio Tsukuda, described seeing three objects, with one being significantly larger than the others, resembling an aircraft carrier. They reported the objects followed their aircraft, prompting evasive maneuvers and contact with air traffic control.

The report details the interviews conducted by the FAA, including statements from Captain Terauchi who described the objects as "two small vessels and the mother ship." The FAA's initial report suggested the crew had not hallucinated and were experienced professionals. However, subsequent statements from FAA spokespersons offered various explanations, including potential confusion or meteorological interference, and the possibility of "secondary echoes" on radar.

Paul Steucke, a spokesperson for the FAA, is quoted extensively, explaining the process of data collection and analysis. He noted that while the JAL aircraft's radar showed an echo, the Air Force had no radar recordings for that date. Steucke also mentioned that the FAA's primary objective was to identify any airspace violations, rather than definitively identifying the object.

The article also touches upon the media's involvement, with reports from UPI and other news agencies. It mentions that the Japanese news agency KYODA NEWS SERVICE was among the first to inquire about the incident.

Other UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several other documented UFO cases, including:

• Cas n° 21: Villeurbanne (Rhône), July or August 1955: An elliptical, dark object observed by approximately twenty witnesses for 45-50 minutes.
• Cas n° 22: Ile d'Oléron (Charente Maritime), early August 1956: Three flying discs in formation observed for 60-90 seconds.
• Cas n° 23: Clamart (Seine-et-Oise), April 1957: A luminous object with a central part and a rotating crown.
• Cas n° 24: La Bernerie-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique), May 7, 1957: A smooth, flattened sphere descended and hovered.
• Cas n° 25: Bouahmama (Algeria), March 1958: A large, dark, rounded object observed by a Legionnaire.
• Cas n° 26: Reims (Marne), Summer 1958: A luminous, multicolored ball with a tail.
• Cas n° 27: Plestin-les-Grèves (Côtes-du-Nord), August 1960: Three ovular objects in a triangle formation.
• Cas n° 28: Besson (Allier), September 1960: A luminous, elongated object.
• Cas n° 29: Grasse (Alpes-Maritimes), July 1963: Two elliptical, yellow-orange objects.
• Cas n° 30: Arsy (Oise), November 22, 1963: A luminous, red, elliptical object.

Encounter near Narbonne

A significant section is dedicated to an investigation by Denise Lacanal and Théodore Revel into an encounter near Narbonne (Bouches-du-Rhône) on September 17, 1986. The report details two independent sightings of an object by M. Jean-Louis Camoin and M. Raymond Gambarotto. Camoin described a small, faceted object, about 2-2.50 meters long, passing by his window. Gambarotto reported seeing three luminous, coordinated "balls" moving slowly.

Third Type Encounter in Narbonne

Further details are provided on a "third type" encounter that occurred on December 12, 1987, near Malvési, Narbonne. The witness, Gérard Lamy, described meeting six small, Asian-looking beings, approximately 1.5 meters tall, accompanied by four scooter-like vehicles. The beings communicated cryptically, mentioning "Arctic Pole," "Sky, Demon," and "Magnetism." Lamy experienced a brief loss of consciousness after the beings departed.

Pilot Testimonies and UFOs

The issue includes a section titled "QUATORZE PAGES DE TEMOIGNAGES DE PILOTES" (Fourteen Pages of Pilot Testimonies), referencing a Japanese aviation journal that published accounts of pilot UFO sightings. This section highlights the JAL flight 1628 incident and mentions a similar report from an Italian aviation magazine.

Note from Jean Sider

Jean Sider critically analyzes the explanation offered by Philip J. Klass, who suggested the JAL crew mistook Jupiter for a UFO. Sider dismisses this explanation as illogical and highlights Klass's tendency to "debunk" UFO reports, suggesting Klass may be influenced by the CIA.

Conclusion of Investigators

The investigators of the Narbonne humanoid encounter conclude that the event, while bizarre, is likely authentic due to its unusual details and the witness's sincerity. They note the difficulty in corroborating such events with physical evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings and encounters with a serious, investigative tone. It emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, radar data, and official investigations, while also acknowledging the skepticism and alternative explanations offered by some authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial phenomena, even when official explanations are lacking or contradictory. The recurring theme is the persistent nature of UFO reports across different times and locations, suggesting a phenomenon that warrants continued study and public awareness.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: Mai-Juin 1987 (though the legal deposit is 3rd trimester 1988)
Publisher: Imprimerie Imprilux, St-Etienne
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Story: UFO Crashes - Evidence Found

The cover prominently features an article by Jean Sider titled "CRASHES D'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES" (UFO Crashes: Evidence Found). This article is presented as a separate reprint from the magazine's May-June 1987 issue. The magazine urges readers to actively participate in disseminating this information, suggesting they distribute these reprints to local media (free radio, press), local elected officials, educational documentalists, and even in places like hairdressers, doctors' offices, and dentists' offices. The call to action is "NE LAISSONS PAS LA VÉRITÉ SOUS LE BOISSEAU !" (Let's not let the truth be buried!).

Information is provided on how to obtain these reprints, with tiered pricing for participation fees: 6 F for 1 copy, 10 F for 2, 22 F for 5, and 40 F for 10. Payments can be made via bank transfer (as for subscriptions) or by stamps.

Last Minute Report: More Zig-Zags in April

A section titled "Dernière minute" (Last minute) details an observation by M. Jean-Paul Reulier from Fameck (Moselle) on April 12, 1988, at 10:10 PM. Reulier, who claims not to believe in UFOs, reported seeing a star-like object in the sky that moved, performed zig-zags, and then ascended rapidly, disappearing from view within 10 to 15 seconds. He called his wife, but she did not witness the event.

This sighting is noted for its similarity in movement patterns (rectilinear and zig-zagging) to a case that occurred six days earlier between Béalencourt and Auchy-les-Hesdin. The article questions whether this similarity is a mere coincidence.

Publication Details

The magazine is printed in France. The Director of Publication is J. MESNARD. The publication's inscription number with the Commission paritaire is 68.468. The legal deposit date is the third quarter of 1988.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the presentation and dissemination of evidence related to UFO crashes, emphasizing the importance of bringing such information to public attention, especially when mainstream media might be perceived as uncooperative. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of actively sharing information and encouraging reader participation in this effort. There is a clear focus on witness testimony and the potential for unusual aerial phenomena to occur even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, as highlighted by the "last minute" report.