LDLN - No 298

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: 298
Volume: 32e ANNÉE
Date: JUILLET AOÛT 1989
Price: 24 F
Publisher: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a bimonthly ufology review, focuses on significant UFO events and alleged cover-ups, with a strong emphasis on an incident involving Robert Jacobs and the extensive 1978 Argentine UFO wave.

The Big Sur Incident: A Formal Proof of Secrecy on UFOs

The issue details the "Big Sur" incident, synthesized by Jean Sider from an article by Robert Jacobs. In autumn 1964, a missile launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California was accompanied by a UFO. Robert Jacobs, a former U.S. Air Force officer specializing in photography and involved in UFO secrecy, witnessed the event. He was tasked with filming missile trajectories from an observatory at Big Sur. During the launch of an Atlas missile, a UFO appeared, orbited the missile, and emitted four bright flashes. Shortly after, the missile malfunctioned and fell. Jacobs was debriefed by his superiors and civilians in grey suits, who insisted that the incident never happened and that he knew nothing about it. He was warned that any questions about the film would be met with the explanation that the flashes were laser rays, a technology not yet capable of such application at the time. Jacobs believes the UFO was a material, three-dimensional craft controlled by an intelligence, and that its emitted rays caused the missile's failure.

ULTRA TOP SECRET: UFOs That Cause Fear

This section, by Jean Sider, discusses the compartmentalization of government research on UFOs in the United States. It references the 1947 Roswell incident and a 1949 event involving a recovered UFO and its crew, marking the beginning of "The Age of Darkness" and absolute secrecy. The article suggests that governments have been hiding the existence of UFOs for over forty years for reasons of state. It also touches upon reports of cattle mutilations and alleged alien abductions, hinting at the possibility of different alien races with varying intentions.

Megaflap: A New UFO Database System

This article introduces "Megaflap," a new computer application for UFO research. It highlights three key points: the use of powerful hardware (Compaq computer, 40MB hard drive, laser printer), sophisticated relational database software, and advanced functionalities including investigator assistance, data archiving, and desktop publishing. Megaflap currently manages five databases: French UFO observations (over 6,000 cases), global 'abductions' (around 200 cases), Fortean phenomena (664 cases), 'airships' (1280 cases), and animal mutilations (509 cases). The article includes statistical graphs showing the temporal distribution of French UFO observations since 1947, the distribution by hour of the day, and by day of the week.

The Argentine UFO Wave of 1978 (Part 3)

This section, by Michel Nique, continues the report on the 1978 Argentine UFO wave. It details a case of alleged teleportation involving a rally car that traveled 110 km in approximately one minute, arriving at its destination with its auxiliary fuel tank empty and the odometer showing fewer kilometers. The incident occurred between Viedma and Pedro Luro. The article also compiles other observations from the same period, including sightings of luminous objects, silent craft, and a UFO over Bahia Blanca. Other reported incidents include a sighting in Palpala involving a tall, strange being, and an event in Famailla where small humanoids emerged from a landed UFO.

Other Argentine Sightings from 1978:

• Gobernador Crespo (Santa Fé): A UFO landed, leaving traces, and two small humanoids emerged.
• Godoy Cruz (Mendoza): Two workers saw a small, human-like being that levitated into the sky.
• Arroyito to Transito (Cordoba): Three witnesses experienced a sudden displacement of 15 km, with no memory of the journey and unsmoked cigarettes.
• Loreto (Santiago del Estero): A boy witnessed a flying saucer land at a school, and two human-like beings emerged.
• El Dean (Santiago del Estero): A girl encountered several small, human-like beings from a hovering craft.

The UFO Phenomenon in the USSR

This section, divided into parts, explores UFO reports from the Soviet Union.

Part 1: Voronezh, September 1979

Viacheslav Plotnikov, a traffic police chief, reported observing a large, lenticular, dark object approximately 110 meters long and 5 meters high, hovering silently. The object descended and landed on supports about 400-500 meters away. Plotnikov's car engine failed during the sighting. The object then ascended and departed rapidly, leaving behind a strong detonation sound. The experience left him deeply shaken.

Part 2: UFOs in the Soviet Union

This part, by Bronislaw Rzepecki, discusses historical and recent UFO events in the USSR. It mentions an observation from 1663 in Robozierski, and more recent events including a Soviet female parachutist who claimed to have been abducted by a UFO in 1961. Other incidents include a UFO accompanying a train in Leningrad in 1985, and a Tu 104 aircraft being accompanied by a UFO in 1985.

Part 3: A Recent Communiqué

Serge Sorinas reports on a mysterious luminous ball that accompanied a train in the Leningrad region, causing fuel savings. This was part of a report on the recent creation of an official Soviet organization to study extrasensory faculties and unexplained phenomena.

Part 4: Landing Traces and Creatures

This section, based on a Czech newspaper report, describes a UFO landing in Moscow, leaving a circle of burned ground. Scientists investigated the site, noting high ground temperatures and twisted plants. Another report mentions sightings of a luminous point transforming into a sphere that landed, from which a headless, human-like being emerged before the craft and being dissolved into the atmosphere. A veterinarian also reported seeing a giant, hairy creature.

Part 5: Latest News

Reports of a UFO landing with humanoids in the Soviet Union are mentioned, with the discovery of unknown stones at the site. Another case involves a pilot who allegedly died of cancer after being illuminated by rays from a "pill-shaped" object.

Recent Observations: Complements of Information and New Testimonies

This section presents recent UFO sightings, categorizing them into those supporting the ufological hypothesis and those with conventional explanations. It emphasizes that this panorama is incomplete and provisional.

First Part: Some Precisions on Three Very Strange Affairs...

• December 21, 1988: A witness provides precise details about a phenomenon observed near Vivonne, France, describing a uniformly moving object that did not align with the atmospheric re-entry hypothesis. The witness provides a sketch and notes the object's trajectory and estimated size.
• February 6, 1989 (Toulouse region): The hypothesis of atmospheric re-entry for this sighting is becoming less probable based on new information.
• Early March (Mayet and Ecommoy): This phenomenon remains difficult to identify, but new information is presented.

A "Flying Saucer" on Lake Nahuel Huapi?

This article discusses a photograph taken in December 1968 on Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentina. The photographer, Dr. Sebastian José Tarda, was taking landscape shots when a UFO-like object appeared in the developed image. Analysis by Perutz and a photographic laboratory ruled out common explanations like film defects or tricks. The object is described as disc-shaped with a dome, and analysis suggests it may have emitted light or rays. The article notes the absence of a reflection on the lake, which is considered significant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO phenomena across different countries and time periods, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information about UFOs, and the detailed analysis of witness testimonies and photographic evidence. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication's focus and the "avis" section, is one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, seeking truth without prejudice, and publishing documents deemed worthy of interest, while acknowledging that published documents are the responsibility of their authors.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), Volume 29, Issue 300, dated November 1989, with a cover price of 30 F, delves into numerous unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO sightings reported across France and internationally. The publication, known for its in-depth investigations, presents a collection of detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and analytical attempts to understand these events.

Key Articles and Investigations

Un ovni à Fessenheim-le-Bas ?

This extensive report, compiled by René Faudrin, Alain Fischer, and Christian Morgenthaler, details an observation made in February 1977 by Mr. and Mrs. A. near Fessenheim-le-Bas, France. The couple reported seeing a red-orange, luminous, oval-shaped object, approximately double the size of the moon, approaching their car. The object was described as having well-defined contours, not dazzling, and appearing phosphorescent. It was initially observed at a distance of 5-6 km, then appeared to approach, descending and coming within 50 meters of the car at an estimated altitude of 30 meters. The witnesses experienced no anomalies with their vehicle or health, and there were no unusual sounds or smells. The investigation explored several hypotheses, including reflections from vehicle lights, a TDF relay, a weather balloon, a helicopter, an airplane, or even a vehicle's headlights reflecting off a high-tension line. However, none of these explanations fully accounted for all aspects of the sighting, leaving the phenomenon unidentified.

Thematic Investigations and Case Studies

The Toulouse Region and Atmospheric Re-entry Hypotheses:

The issue dedicates significant space to the events of February 6, 1989, in the Toulouse region, particularly concerning observations in Montdragon and Lasgraisses. The initial hypothesis of atmospheric re-entry is discussed, but the article, drawing from multiple sources including Denis Camp and Franck Marie, highlights its limitations when confronted with detailed witness accounts. The complexity of the observations, occurring within a short timeframe, suggests multiple events or a more intricate phenomenon than a simple re-entry.

Saint-Maurin and Saint-Martory Sightings:

Further investigations cover observations in Saint-Maurin and Saint-Martory. In Saint-Maurin, military witnesses reported an intense light, initially white then blue, described as a "mandarin held at arm's length," moving eastward. In Saint-Martory, the Rieu couple reported a luminous object, described as resembling a rugby ball, appearing immobile at low altitude before rapidly ascending. The article notes the conflicting directions of movement suggested by these sightings, questioning the single atmospheric re-entry hypothesis.

The Knowles Case in Western Australia:

A detailed account of an incident on January 20, 1988, involving the Knowles family on an Australian highway. The family reported being followed by a luminous object that caused their car to stop, emit strange sounds, and experience a brief loss of consciousness. The car's tire burst, and a black residue was found on the wheels, analyzed as iron oxide mixed with brake residue. The investigation involved Paul Norman and John Auchtel, with samples sent for further analysis.

Other Notable Cases:

Several other cases are presented, including:

• Mayet and Ecommoy (March 3): A couple's car engine and headlights stopped as a luminous sphere appeared, restarting after its disappearance.
• Amsterdam (March 4, 1988): An anonymous call to Schiphol Airport control tower reported three oscillating lights, which were also observed by radarists but not plotted. The investigation, led by Patrick Vidal, explored explanations involving Nissan crane lights and celestial bodies like Venus and Jupiter.
• Blandas (December 18): Four young people reported a rectangular object blocking the road, illuminated from within, causing a strange darkness. The event occurred near a high-tension line.
• Mahina, Tahiti (July 13): A luminous orange sphere reportedly caused a house's roof to be torn off by its powerful downdraft before ascending rapidly.
• La Garenne-Colombes (July 20): Jean-Yves B. observed a V-shaped formation of a dozen red lights moving across the sky.
• Saint-Ambroix (July 28): A couple observed two bright, yellow-orange points of light that turned white and moved erratically.
• Clermont-l'Hérault (August 1): A witness observed a white-yellow light that stopped, reappeared, and seemed to change trajectory.
• Guissény (August 17): Three women observed a bright light descending slowly, increasing in size and luminosity.
• Le Thor (August 23): An elderly man observed two red-rose colored spheres.

"Troisième volet : Encore et toujours des témoignages..."

This section continues the exploration of witness accounts, emphasizing the challenges and complexities of UFO investigations. It highlights how seemingly similar events can have vastly different interpretations and how even credible witnesses can struggle to provide definitive explanations.

"Deuxième volet : trois affaires probablement expliquées"

This section reviews cases that have likely been explained, including an event attributed to an aurora borealis and another linked to military flares. It also discusses the Amsterdam case, where Patrick Vidal suggests Venus and Jupiter as a possible explanation for the observed lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, detailed witness testimony, and the systematic elimination of conventional explanations. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena while maintaining a critical and analytical approach. The magazine highlights the difficulties in definitively identifying UAPs, often concluding that many cases remain unexplained due to insufficient data or the limitations of current scientific understanding. There's a recurring theme of comparing different sightings to identify patterns or potential connections, even across vast geographical distances and timeframes. The publication also underscores the psychological impact of these encounters on witnesses and the challenges of interpreting subjective experiences.

The magazine appears to be a serious publication dedicated to the study of UAPs, providing a platform for detailed reports, witness accounts, and the ongoing efforts of investigators to bring clarity to these mysterious events.

Title: Les nouvelles
Issue: 30
Volume: 3
Date: 3rd Quarter 1989
Publisher: LDLN
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (Lights in the Night)

This issue of Les nouvelles, a French ufology magazine, presents a collection of short reports and updates on various UFO-related phenomena and organizations.

SOBEPS FLASH

The SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) has launched a new semi-annual bulletin called SOBEPS FLASH, with the first issue appearing in early September. This bulletin complements their existing semi-annual review, Inforespace.

GEIPIS

Philippe Robin reports on the creation of GEIPIS (Groupe d'Etude International des Phénomènes Irrationnels et des Sciences), an international association dedicated to the study of irrational phenomena and sciences. It is a non-profit organization registered under French law, with its address at 22, square Paul Eluard, 77610 Fontenay-Trésigny.

EXIT DOMSTEN

This section revisits the Swedish case of Domsten from December 1958, which involved an alleged abduction attempt with two witnesses, Gustafsson and Rydberg. Citing the AFU Newsletter (issue 33, Jan-Jun 1989), the report suggests that there are strong reasons to consider this case a probable hoax. The AFU Newsletter is described as a 20-page bulletin published in Swedish and English, with a contact address in Norrköping, Sweden.

NUITS NOIRES, NUITS SILENCIEUSES (Black Nights, Silent Nights)

Following a previous article titled "Nuit noire sur le Hino" (LDLN 295), M. Edmond Kergoat shares an observation reported to him by M. Bernard Col, the manager of a service station in Montmeyan, Var, France. The incident, which occurred several years prior but without a precise date, involved M. Col, his wife, and son driving at night on the D. 11 road. As they passed the plateau overlooking Riez and the Lake of Sainte-Croix, a red ball of light appeared to rush towards their car. M. Col stopped the car and turned off the engine. The light stopped above the vehicle for a moment before speeding away at a dizzying pace. The most striking detail of this brief observation was the absolute silence that descended upon the area when M. Col exited the car. Normally, the sounds of nature in Provence, especially at night, are very strong. The natural sounds resumed as soon as the light departed. The report notes that this case is characterized by a "silent night" rather than a "black night," contrasting it with the Blandas affair mentioned in the current LDLN issue, which described an abnormally dark night.

GUERISON (Healing)

Three readers—Mme Lydia Sordi, MM. Raymond Deldalle, and Georges Metz—have provided responses to a question raised in the previous issue regarding "L'affaire de juin 1987." The original source of the information is an article by Dr. Olavo Fontes in the Flying Saucer Review (Vol. 13, No. 5, 1967), concerning a case in Petropolis, Brazil, on October 27, 1957. The case was reported via a letter to Joao Martins of the newspaper O Cruzeiro by a woman who claimed to have witnessed an extraordinary event while attending a young girl suffering from stomach cancer and near death.

According to M. Metz's summary, a light illuminated the room, and a UFO landed in the farmyard. Two small humanoids emerged and entered the bedroom. One placed a hand on the girl's forehead, and the father recounted the illness. A luminous device was directed at the girl, making her transparent and revealing the stomach tumor in a bluish light. Another crackling instrument was used for nearly half an hour on the patient's abdomen. The entities telepathically instructed the father to keep the matter secret. They left a box containing thirty pills, to be taken one per day. The girl was saved from certain death, and doctors confirmed her complete recovery.

M. Metz points out that Dr. Fontes, who passed away in 1968, was unable to identify the anonymous letter writer, who wished to remain secret. Therefore, the authenticity of this story is not definitively proven.

MALVESI, TOUJOURS... (Malvesi, Still...)

M. Marcel Pech, President of the Tau Ceti group, has provided information regarding his investigation into the Malvési encounter case (reported in LDLN 291-292). This case was publicized by the press on Sunday, December 20, 1987. M. Pech met the witness that same day at 11:30 AM.

Addressing the objection about wet wood, M. Pech clarifies: "That same Sunday, December 20th, I spent the afternoon surveying the area with two Tau Ceti members. We can certify that the building had not been razed recently, that the wood M. G.L. referred to was not sheltered, and was therefore damp. In our region, chimneys are common, and we all have at least two to three weeks of firewood in reserve. Furthermore, it was not raining when he left Narbonne; a light drizzle began shortly before his arrival in Malvési."

Regarding the observation itself, M. Pech offers corrections: "At the beginning, three small ones and two large ones; only one of the small ones has white hair, the sixth appears only for a few seconds before departure. Thus, six humanoids, not seven... There were no traces, nor black grass on the site; the witness never mentioned it to the press, nor to the Tau Ceti investigator, nor to Mme Vanquelef."

M. Pech acknowledges divergences between the two investigations and urges that no controversy arise from them. He suggests that two investigation teams are better than one (or none), even if synthesizing their conclusions is difficult. He emphasizes that such divergences should not be dramatized and that collaboration should be encouraged whenever possible. He concludes by stating that the published investigations are those received by the review, and thanks all those who send information.

ÉNIGME RÉSOLUE, DANS L'ESSONNE (Enigma Solved, in Essonne)

It is now understood why many residents of Essonne appeared tired and pale every Thursday morning: they had been listening to Christian Macé's ufology program on Médiasud (107.5 MHz) until late at night. The program, which was interrupted during the summer, is expected to resume in October, possibly on Sunday evenings from 8 PM to 10 PM.

DÉTECTEURS (Detectors)

Robert Crépin, the regional delegate for the Eure department, is seeking documentation on magnetic field variation detectors, similar to those used by geologists (magnetometers, fluxgate probes, etc.). Correspondence should be addressed to Robert Crépin, 15, rue Malherbe, 27400 Louviers.

LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (Lights in the Night)

This section serves as the title for the issue. The publication details are provided: Director of Publication is J. MESNARD, with Commission Paritaire number 68.468. Printed in France by Imprimerie Imprilux, St-Etienne. Legal deposit is for the 3rd trimester of 1989.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged encounters with non-human entities, and the organizational aspects of ufology. The magazine maintains a stance of reporting on various cases, including those that are potentially hoaxes or lack definitive proof, while also highlighting the efforts of ufological research groups and the challenges of investigation. There is an emphasis on sharing information and encouraging collaboration among researchers, even when discrepancies arise. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and encouraging critical analysis of reported phenomena. The inclusion of news about ufology organizations and calls for documentation suggest a commitment to advancing the field of study.