LDLN - No 295

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: 295
Volume: 32nd Year
Date: January-February 1989
Price: 24 F
Publisher: LDLN
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (Lights in the Night), a bimonthly review of ufology, delves into numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena reported primarily in late 1987 and 1988. The magazine emphasizes the importance of physical evidence and credible witness testimony, while also acknowledging the challenges in gaining public and official recognition for these events.

Editorial and Publisher's Notes

Joël Mesnard, the Director, addresses the impact of postal strikes in late 1988 on the magazine's operations, thanking readers for their understanding. He notes the simplification of numbering with each issue now having a unique number, starting with 295. Mesnard also reflects on the potential for a resurgence in ufological interest after a period of stagnation, suggesting the coming years might be 'eventful'. He pays tribute to two prominent ufologists who passed away in 1988: Michel Carrouges and Donald Keyhoe, urging readers to continue their work.

Key Articles and Reports

"A propos des preuves" (About the Proofs)

This section features a letter from a reader and a response, discussing the nature of proof in ufology. The reader argues that scientific proof is not always necessary for observable phenomena, and that material evidence (like defoliations, burned roots, or animal mutilations) is more compelling than mere testimony. The response, likely from Joël Mesnard, agrees that material evidence exists and is often ignored by society. It criticizes the lack of official recognition and the tendency to dismiss UFO phenomena, suggesting that the magazine's role is to provide an audience for such evidence.

"Dix-sept de plus..." (Seventeen More...)

This article presents a compilation of seventeen recent UFO observations, continuing a series that aims to counter claims of the phenomenon's disappearance. The author notes the difficulty in convincing skeptics and the tendency for information to be blocked or ignored. The section highlights several cases, including one from June 1987 in the Drôme region involving a possible healing after a UFO sighting, and another from October 1987 in Saint-Julien-le-Roux involving bright lights.

The "Bang" of the Yonne and Related Phenomena

Several articles focus on a significant event on September 5, 1988, involving a loud detonation and luminous phenomena reported in the Yonne and Nièvre regions of France. The magazine explores witness accounts of a large, cigar-shaped object seen on the ground near Nitry, France, on September 5, 1988, around 3 AM. The object was described as colossal, emitting intense light, and taking off silently and rapidly. The article also discusses a possible atmospheric re-entry of a satellite or meteorite as an explanation for similar phenomena observed around the same time in Paris and other locations, but questions whether this fully accounts for all observations, particularly those involving distinct objects and specific witness descriptions.

The December 21st Phenomenon: Doubts and Certainties

This section investigates the events of December 21st, where numerous reports of luminous phenomena were made across France, particularly in Paris. The article analyzes witness testimonies, including those from Jacqueline Hernecq and police officers, describing a 'multicolored train' of lights. While suggesting a possible atmospheric re-entry of a space object, the article also notes discrepancies in witness accounts and the lack of definitive explanations, raising questions about whether all observations can be attributed to this single cause.

Specific Case Reports

The issue details several other specific sightings:

• August 7, 1988 (St-André-de-Double, France): A photograph of a disc-shaped object.
• December 16, 1987 (Longny, France): An illustration of figures descending from a luminous rectangle.
• December 1, 1987 (Ilkley Moor, UK): A silhouette in a snowy landscape.
• November 14, 1988 (Vernosc-les-Annonay, France): Observation of a grey, blurry mass.
• November 14, 1988 (Le Lion d'Angers, France): A bright light described as a cigar-shaped object.
• November 25, 1988: A witness observed a brilliant disc-shaped object from which a pinkish sphere detached.
• Late November/Early December 1988 (Périgord, France): A farmer reported a bright blue-violet light accompanied by a strong pressure sensation.
• December 19, 1988 (Saint-Germain-de-Marenciennes, France): Reports of a red globe interacting with a postman.
• December 24, 1988 (Saint-Maurice-sur-Fessard, France): A witness observed a luminous globe descending rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and that evidence exists, often suppressed or ignored by mainstream society and scientific institutions. It champions the importance of detailed witness accounts and physical traces as crucial forms of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent investigation and a call for greater openness and acknowledgment of the UFO reality. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by ufologists in their pursuit of truth and recognition, often encountering skepticism and a lack of official cooperation.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (LDLN), issue number 295, volume 26, dated January 1989, published by LDLN in France, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena and related events. The cover headline, "Nuit noire sur le Hino," introduces a significant case study. The magazine is priced at 22 F and has an ISSN of 0767-8390.

Analysis of the 'Nuit noire sur le Hino' Case

The lead article by Christian Jay details the events of the night of July 22-23, 1985, in the Ploërmel region of France. The case began around 11:15 PM when Gendarme Jacques L. observed a light near Hino. Later, at 12:45 AM, he and Francis Gicquel witnessed a luminous, elliptical object with a bright rectangular section and a rotating light source. The observation spanned several phases, with the object described as emitting a pale white light and having a length of approximately 20 meters and a height of 5 meters. The silence during the observation was noted as particularly striking. The article details subsequent observations by other gendarmes, including Jean-Claude B. and Jean-Luc H., who also witnessed the phenomenon, describing it as a white light or luminous disk. The object was observed to move, change shape, and eventually disappear. The article notes the difficulty in finding explanations, the witnesses' decision to keep the event quiet, and the eventual reporting by a local journalist. The failure of the photographic film taken during the event is also mentioned.

Other UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue also presents a catalog of other UFO observations:

• Creuse Sightings (December 21, 1988): Reports from Naillat and Gouzon describe spheres moving in the sky. An article by Alain Martin discusses these and other observations from the same night, including those near Provins and Sourdun, where a large orange ball followed by smaller ones was seen. Martin questions the timing and geographical distribution of these sightings.
• Ilkley Moor Humanoid (December 1, 1987): A report details an incident in the United Kingdom where an ex-police officer photographed a small, hairy humanoid figure. The photographer also experienced a magnetic compass inversion and a memory gap.
• Italian Hairy Monsters (1986): An article discusses sightings of hairy, bipedal creatures in various Italian regions, sometimes associated with UFOs, with descriptions of their appearance and behavior.
• Athens Sighting (July 1967): Marc Valchos and his mother observed a dark, helmet-shaped object with a blue-green glow over Athens, which caused local street lights to go out.
• Paris Sighting (July 9, 1967): Jean-Marc Melsen observed a luminous, oval-shaped blue object in Paris that moved in a figure-eight pattern.
• Rosoy Sighting (May 3, 1967): A couple witnessed a sphere with a brim, resembling Saturn, accompanied by a whistling sound, a barn collapse, and a power outage.
• Grandvilliers Sighting (July 18, 1967): Witnesses reported a bright light that followed their car, described as an opaque, oblong shape like a Zeppelin, with flashing lights and sparks.
• Teixonniéras Traces (April 1966): An agricultural worker discovered two T-shaped indentations in a pasture, with the ground slightly compressed.
• Saint-Geniez-d'Olt and Séverac-le-Château (July 1967): An observation of an object described as two and a half times the diameter of the moon, with lights and a 'veil,' moving rapidly.

Explanations and Difficulties in Research

Several articles address potential explanations for these phenomena. The case of the Cosmos 169 satellite re-entry is discussed in relation to some sightings, with detailed analysis of witness accounts and potential discrepancies. The magazine also highlights the challenges of obtaining reliable information, the tendency for witnesses to misjudge distances and directions, and the importance of precise data collection. The difficulty in obtaining information from media outlets like France-Inter is also noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistence of UFO and UAP sightings despite a perceived decline in media attention, the analysis of witness testimony, the search for conventional explanations (such as satellite re-entries, lasers, or misidentifications), and the exploration of more unusual phenomena like humanoid sightings and electromagnetic effects. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging detailed investigation and open-mindedness while remaining skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. The magazine emphasizes the need for rigorous data collection and analysis in ufology.

Title: Lumières dans la Nuit
Issue Date: Third quarter 1988 (specific date inferred as October 1, 1988, based on publication context)
Publisher: Imprilux
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night) focuses on the evolving landscape of ufological research in France and internationally, featuring updates on organizations, new publications, and specific case reports.

Investigations and Research Calls

The editorial team appeals to readers for assistance in their research efforts. They highlight the potential for new discoveries by re-examining "classic" cases from previous years, emphasizing that even a small contribution from many readers could help safeguard valuable information that risks being lost. Suggestions are made to consult regional newspapers and departmental archives for leads. The GEV 54 (Groupe d'Etude de la Grande Vague) is specifically mentioned as seeking contributions.

Reader Inquiries and Case Reports

Question N° 36 addresses a reader's query from M. Stéphane Legrand regarding the existence of academic or university-level training in paranormal fields such as ufology and parapsychology, both in France and abroad. The question also seeks information on existing training programs that could lead to professions related to the study of these phenomena.

A notable report details an alleged encounter involving the aircraft "Voyager," piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. According to information provided by M. Albert Liso y Claret, the book "L'histoire fabuleuse de Voyager" mentions that the aircraft encountered a UFO at an altitude of 3,500 meters over the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Brazil.

Organizational Updates

GEPAN Ceases Operations: The issue confirms that GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et de Recherches des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) has ceased its activities as of January 1st. However, a new entity, SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques), has been created simultaneously. The publication expresses hope that the public will receive better information regarding phenomena like those observed on December 21st.

Tau Ceti: The "Groupe Audois d'études et de recherches ufologiques" is introduced, named Tau Ceti. It is led by M. Marcel Pech, with Mme Geneviève Vanquelef serving as Honorary President. The group held its ninth conference on October 9th, presenting documents of American origin, some of which are reportedly revealed by Jimmy Guieu.

New Publications and Ufological Developments

"OVNI: EXPERIMENTATIONS TRES SPECIALES": This is the title of a new book by Geneviève Vanquelef. The book is noted for bringing to light data revealed in the United States by Budd Hopkins, covering topics such as alien abductions, manipulations, and the implantation of devices. It is described as "hard ufology" and "cutting-edge ufology," available by mail order.

"PAS DE PANIQUE !" (No Panic!): This section discusses the growing notoriety of certain "documents" of American origin. It references statements made by Jimmy Guieu on television on September 27th concerning "documents" known as the "declaration of John Lear." The article emphasizes that John Lear himself characterized these as a hypothesis, potentially containing disinformation, and that there is no definitive proof. The author stresses the importance of treating such information as hypotheses in the absence of concrete evidence.

Government and Public Interest

British MP Bill Cash of Staffordshire recently questioned the government regarding luminous objects observed in the sky. He requested that acquired data concerning these phenomena be made public.

Events

A public meeting organized by "Lumières dans la Nuit" is announced for Saturday, April 22, 1989, from 3 PM to 8 PM at the Paris-Lyon Palace in Paris. Further details are promised in a future issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a concern for rigorous research and the preservation of data within the ufological community. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual evidence and mere hypotheses or speculation, particularly in light of controversial claims. The transition of GEPAN to SEPRA signals a potential shift in focus or methodology within French ufological institutions. The magazine encourages reader participation and highlights the importance of informed public discourse on unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, advocating for evidence-based understanding while acknowledging the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs/UAPs.