UFO Informations - No 37 - Special foudre - 3e trim 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O.-INFORMATIONS, titled "SPECIAL FOUDRE" (Special Ball Lightning), is the 37th quarterly publication from the Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin, under the direction of Michel Dorier. It was released in the third quarter of 1982 and is priced at 9.00F.

Table of Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• Introduction (p.3)
• La foudre, voix du ciel (Lightning, voice of the sky) (p.4)
• La réponse de la science (The response of science) (p.8)
• La nature de la foudre (The nature of lightning) (p.11)
• La foudre en boule (Ball lightning) (p.13)
• Les faits (The facts) (p.19)
• Fantaisies insolites de la foudre (Unusual fantasies of lightning) (p.26)
• Boule contre pare-brise (Ball against windshield) (p.33)
• Et si la religion n'avait pas tout à fait tort (And if religion were not entirely wrong) (p.35)
• Une méthodologie qui ne surprendra pas l'ufologue (A methodology that will not surprise the ufologist) (p.41)
• Conclusion (p.47)

The A.A.M.T. thanks Messrs. Bonnaventure, Scornaux, and Varrault for their provided documents.

A quote from Friedrich Nietzsche is featured: "Behold, I am a prophet of lightning, a heavy drop that falls from the sky: but this lightning is called the Overman."

Subscription information is provided for France (35.00F annual, 50.00F support) and abroad (40.00F). Payments by check should be made to AAMT, DORIER Michel, "La Berfie", Arthemonay, 26260 St-Donat. The editorial office is also listed as M. Dorier, "La Berfie", Arthemonay - 26260 St-Donat.

Introduction

The introduction highlights the numerous attempts to explain UFOs (OVNIs) as cases of ball lightning. It notes that ball lightning, a poorly understood phenomenon often mistakenly believed to be well-known, is used to dismiss certain unidentified observations, and the distinction is not always easy. The article criticizes those who claim to definitively categorize phenomena as either lightning or UFOs, advocating for a more cautious approach. It aims to expose the 'irrationality' of certain phenomena classified as lightning or UFOs, deeming them 'unidentified.' The authors acknowledge that this study focuses on a narrow aspect of the UFO phenomenon and seeks to raise questions rather than provide answers.

La foudre, voix du ciel (Lightning, voice of the sky)

This section explores the historical and religious significance of lightning as a divine manifestation. It references the Hebrew tradition where Yahweh manifested through thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai, calling thunder 'COL-YAH' (the voice of Yahweh). The Popol-Vuh is cited, describing lightning and thunder as God's written word and spoken word, respectively. A passage from Exodus (19:16, 19) is quoted, detailing the thunder, lightning, and smoke on Mount Sinai. The text links lightning to creation, citing the scientific experiments of Stanley Miller, who synthesized amino acids using electrical discharges and UV radiation, suggesting a parallel between divine creation and scientific processes. It lists various ancient deities associated with storms and lightning, including Zeus (Jupiter), Bel, Donar, Thor, Agni, and Indra. The section also touches upon the mystical experience of witnessing lightning and its symbolic representation of intuition, spiritual enlightenment, and sudden illumination, while also noting its destructive power.

Ancient Beliefs and Symbolism of Lightning

This part delves into the romantic perception of storms as symbols of human aspiration and intense life. It quotes Chateaubriand and Ossian on the dramatic and passionate nature of storms. The text suggests that a fascination with storms reflects a desire for intensity and an escape from banality, perhaps a yearning for divine power. It notes that Gorki, as a child, became a believer during thunderstorms. The biblical book of Job is referenced for its description of God's power displayed through clouds, lightning, and thunder. Ancient Slavic beliefs about Peroun, the god of thunder, and Gallic beliefs about Taran (or Taranis) are mentioned. Jupiter's prominence is highlighted, leading to the expression 'foudres de Jupiter' (Jupiter's thunderbolts). The Etruscans are described as highly skilled in interpreting lightning, with haruspices summoned to interpret lightning strikes on sacred objects. The text connects lightning to the Titans, symbolizing both illumination and destruction, and mentions the myth of Semele being consumed by Zeus's lightning. It also notes that the ancient Prussians worshipped a god of lightning named PERUNO and maintained a sacred fire in his honor. The Aztec god TLALOC, associated with rain and storms, is also mentioned. The association of lightning with blacksmiths is explored, possibly due to the similarity between volcanic rumblings and thunder. The Finnish god ILMARINIEN and the ancient Finno-Ugric god UKKO are also cited.

Lightning as a Divine Force and Forgeron

The text continues to explore the divine association with lightning, mentioning its importance in Etruscan divination and their purported ability to command it. The role of the 'HARUSPEX FULGURATOR' is explained. In India, Indra is the rain god and wielder of the 'Vajra' (lightning). In China, Houang-ti is the god of thunder. The creation myth of Pangu is recounted, where his breath became clouds, his voice thunder, and his eyes the sun and moon. Loui-Chin, the Chinese Jupiter, is described as the spirit of lightning, with a monstrous emblem representing its power. In Africa, lightning is seen as the whip of the demiurge FARO, the god of water. The name MAGLANTE from the Philippines is said to mean 'who throws lightning.' The text reiterates the divine connection, noting that lightning is the 'whip of the demiurge FARO' and a materialization of God's spirit among the Bambaras. The ancient Prussians worshipped PERUNO, the god of lightning. The Aztec god TLALOC, god of rain, storms, thunder, and lightning, is mentioned. The association of lightning with blacksmiths is explored, possibly due to the similarity between volcanic rumblings and thunder. The Finnish god ILMARINIEN and the ancient Finno-Ugric god UKKO are also cited.

The section concludes by emphasizing that the history of religions is replete with examples associating gods with lightning, underscoring the profound impact this phenomenon had on ancient peoples. It argues that for modern humans, insulated by technology, it is important to recall the formidable problem lightning represented and continues to represent, despite our 'senile myopia.' A footnote references the apocalyptic 'fire from heaven' and Jesus's disciples, James and John, being nicknamed 'Boanerges' ('Sons of Thunder').

La réponse de la science (The response of science)

This section contrasts the religious and mythological interpretations of lightning with scientific explanations. It states that science claims to have an answer for everything, sometimes resorting to 'fantastical' explanations or outright negation to avoid admitting ignorance. Examples include the theory that ball lightning was caused by owls coated in phosphorescent material, or that meteorites were normal stones struck by lightning. The article asserts that ordinary lightning is too significant a phenomenon to be dismissed by the 'pedantry' of some scientists. It provides statistics on the frequency of thunderstorms globally, noting high numbers in Brazil, Nigeria, Congo, and Uganda, and mentioning significant lightning events in England and South Africa. The text highlights Java as having the highest average of 223 stormy days per year. It also lists regions in France most exposed to storms and notes that lightning causes about a hundred fatalities per year in France and an unspecified number in the United States.

Footnotes cite J. Bergier's "Les extra-terrestres dans l'histoire," E.T. Canby's "Histoire de l'électricité," L. Auburger's "Atmosphère et météores," "Les Nouvelles de Moscou," and a Reader's Digest selection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of ball lightning and its potential connection to UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that questions conventional explanations and encourages a deeper investigation into 'unidentified' phenomena. It bridges the gap between mythology, religion, and science, suggesting that ancient beliefs might hold insights into phenomena that science struggles to fully explain. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, challenging established scientific dogma and inviting readers to consider the possibility that some unexplained events, like ball lightning, might share characteristics with UFOs, thus remaining 'unidentified.' The issue emphasizes the complexity and mystery surrounding these phenomena, aiming to stimulate thought and further research.

Title: LA NATURE DE LA FOUDRE (The Nature of Lightning)

Issue Date: February 1981

Publisher: Selection du Reader's Digest

Content Focus: This issue of the magazine delves deeply into the phenomenon of lightning, covering its historical impact, scientific understanding, and a detailed exploration of ball lightning.

Historical Impact and Statistics

The article begins by highlighting the significant material damage caused by lightning annually, affecting 30,000 homes and killing an average of 125 people in France, with indirect victims potentially raising the total to 500. Historically, in the 19th century, lightning claimed about a hundred lives per year in France. A comprehensive statistic from 1835 to 1883 reveals 4,609 recorded deaths. The distribution of lightning strikes varies by department, being more frequent in mountainous regions like Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire, Lozère, and the Basses-Alpes, and less common in plains. Notably, the proportion of people struck per capita is also discussed, with some departments showing a higher rate than others, such as the Seine department where most strikes occurred in the countryside, often near trees.

Trees and Lightning

The text addresses the common practice of seeking shelter under trees during storms, cautioning that trees are unevenly struck by lightning. According to Science et Vie (July 1970), trees with insulating wood, like conifers, are more frequently hit. When lightning strikes trees, it can cause them to break, strip bark, or even die. Some trees may survive, while neighboring trees can die in subsequent years. Different tree species are affected differently, with beech being less struck than oaks.

A table provides a statistical breakdown of tree species and their susceptibility to lightning strikes, based on observed incidents. Out of 100 discharges, 54 struck oaks, 24 poplars, 10 pines, and 6 firs. Birch and maple were noted as not being struck under certain conditions. The table lists various tree species and their relative frequency of being struck, with oak (Chêne) at 54 and poplar (Peuplier) at 24 being the most affected.

Benefits of Lightning

Despite its destructive potential, lightning also provides a form of natural fertilization. The electrical discharges cause the decomposition of air, leading to the deposition of nitrogen compounds (nitrates) on the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. The article also speculates that lightning-induced fires may have played a role in early humans' discovery and domestication of fire.

The Science of Lightning

The issue traces the scientific understanding of lightning, starting from the 18th century when it was demonstrated to be an electrical spark. Early experiments by Russian scientist Lomonossov and American scientist Franklin are detailed. Franklin's kite experiment in 1752, conducted with the help of Thomas-François Dalibard, aimed to prove that lightning was electrical. This experiment, though dangerous (Richmann was killed by lightning), provided crucial evidence. The text explains the process of charge separation within storm clouds, where water vapor and ice crystals become electrically charged, leading to potential differences between the cloud and the ground.

Lightning discharges, or "coups de foudre," are described as brief but powerful events, transporting currents of around 1000 amperes. The article notes that about a hundred lightning strikes hit the Earth per second, supplying it with negative electricity.

Forms of Lightning

Different forms of lightning are described, including linear lightning (resembling a sinuous river), flat lightning (an electrical explosion within clouds), rocket lightning, bead lightning, and ball lightning. The latter is highlighted as particularly interesting.

Ball Lightning

The phenomenon of ball lightning is extensively explored. Scientists are increasingly acknowledging its existence, with François Arago classifying lightning into three classes, the third of which describes luminous spheres visible for seconds to minutes. Ball lightning is typically observed as an incandescent sphere, ranging from 4 to 8 inches in diameter, though larger instances have been reported. Its color can vary (white, blue, red, or orange), and it may disappear silently or with a loud noise, sometimes leaving behind an acrid smell.

Characteristics of ball lightning include its mobile nature, defined contours, and spherical shape, often compared to a large orange or sometimes larger. Its size is estimated to be around 20 cm in diameter, with a luminous duration from a few seconds to over a minute. It can penetrate enclosed spaces and its disappearance can be hastened by contact with metallic objects.

Ball Lightning Research and Theories

The article presents data on the distribution of ball lightning diameters, with a peak frequency around 25 cm. It also details the observed colors of ball lightning, noting that while common colors like red, orange, and yellow are frequent, some cases involve multiple colors or unique combinations.

Several hypotheses regarding the origin of ball lightning are discussed. These include theories involving chemical reactions, the emission of radioactive products, and even fragments of antimatter meteorites. The possibility of ball lightning being an optical illusion or a plasma phenomenon is also explored. The text mentions the work of researchers like Norinder, Sestier, Galli, and Mathias in studying its characteristics.

One theory suggests that ball lightning might be related to electromagnetic radiation in the hundreds of megahertz range. Laboratory experiments have managed to produce small fireballs, but replicating the duration and characteristics of observed ball lightning remains a challenge. The article concludes that despite numerous explanations, none have been universally accepted as fully satisfactory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a scientific and investigative approach to phenomena like lightning and ball lightning. The editorial stance appears to be one of detailed reporting, statistical analysis, and exploration of various scientific theories, acknowledging the complexities and ongoing research in these areas. The use of historical data, scientific citations, and statistical tables underscores a commitment to providing a thorough and evidence-based account of the subject matter. The recurring theme is the multifaceted nature of lightning, from its destructive power to its potential benefits and the enduring mystery of ball lightning.

This issue of INFO-OVNI, dated August 1981, focuses on the phenomenon of "foudre en boule" (ball lightning) and its potential overlap with UFO sightings. The cover headline, "LES FAITS...", introduces a collection of factual accounts and observations.

The Ambiguity of Ball Lightning and UFOs

The introductory section immediately addresses the difficulty in distinguishing between ball lightning and UFOs, stating that this ambiguity is normal given the lack of understanding about both phenomena. It suggests that the terms are often used based on the author's references rather than a clear grasp of the reality.

Documented Cases of Ball Lightning and Anomalous Phenomena

The magazine then presents a series of detailed case studies, extracted from various publications, illustrating this ambiguity.

Minneapolis, USA (August 30, 1979)

A 95-year-old retired engineer and three other witnesses observed a 60 cm luminous ball of fire, described as having sharp contours and visible colors (yellow and green being most prominent). The ball plunged to the ground 1.50 meters in front of a bus, disintegrating in a loud explosion of sparks and smoke, with a noise described as "louder and brighter than a hand grenade." The bus was shaken as it drove over the impact point. An electrical storm was occurring at the time.

Onéga River, Russia (Summer 1965)

A chemist, M.T. Dimitriev, camping by the Onéga River during a storm, heard a violent crackle on his transistor radio, followed by thunder. He then heard a growing buzzing sound that turned into a continuous hum. A luminous object, resembling a powerful electric bulb, hovered 1m to 1.50m above the water, approaching his tent. It moved slowly over the riverbank, then ascended and disappeared. The phenomenon lasted about 34 to 40 seconds.

Maubeuge, France (September 28, 1981)

An industrial worker observed a luminous, fire-colored ball above a company building. The object emitted a piercing whistle and ascended rapidly, blinking red and blue, before disappearing. Other workers also witnessed the object.

Grand-Reng, Hainaut, Belgium (April 26, 1975)

A 45-year-old woman observed a white, non-scintillating luminous ball moving slowly in the sky. It stopped for about an hour and then suddenly accelerated and plunged towards the ground.

Vence, France (March 23, 1877)

Blinding "fireballs" emerged from a cloud and moved for an hour in the sky.

Dyfed, Wales (June 6, 1977)

A giant "ball lightning" was reported, described as a transparent, bright yellow-green ball with evanescent contours, the size of a bus. It descended from a cumulus cloud, emitted intense light, and caused significant radio interference. The object appeared to rotate on a horizontal axis and project something towards the ground.

Bell Green, Coventry, UK (April 25, 1979)

A man witnessed a red fireball, the size of a large football, moving towards his house. It exploded, causing damage including broken windows and a hole in the roof.

Valdehuncar, Spain (January 1973)

Small light balls were observed moving one or two meters above the ground on several occasions.

Norwich, UK (circa 1923)

A man took shelter from a violent storm and saw a large fireball, the size of a football, descend. It passed through the rear window of a stationary tram, traversed its length, and exited through the front window, exploding outside. The tram's windows were left with large holes.

Morecambe, Lancashire, UK (June 1929)

A butcher's apprentice witnessed a bright orange fireball emerge from closed doors, pass through the slaughterhouse at a height of about three feet, and exit through a small side door. This occurred on a dry, clear day with no storm, and no sound was heard other than the usual creaking of the doors.

Crepy en Valois, France (January 2, 1980)

A large orange-yellow ball, the size of a football, was seen rising in the sky. It moved towards a wooded area, changed color to become lighter and more elongated like a rugby ball, then burst with a bright flash.

Alaska, USA (July 30, 1955)

Two CAA King Salmon tower operators reported seeing a fireball traverse the sky at an altitude of 20,000 to 30,000 feet.

King Salmon, Alaska, USA (1946)

A fireball with a blue and yellow tail, similar to those seen with flying saucers, made several right-angle turns before hovering. It then ejected a smaller ball that began orbiting the first. The smaller ball then moved away and plunged towards the ground. A C.47 aircraft sent to investigate found the wreckage of another C.47 that had disappeared in 1946, with its body dislocated but no signs of rust on the tail or wings, as if it had crashed that morning. Radar could not detect either ball.

Montaut, Lot-et-Garonne, France (May/June 1974)

Two people observed a luminous white ball descending vertically in the sky. They noted a strong magnification effect, from ping-pong ball to football size. The ball then moved horizontally at low altitude, disappearing in about 15 seconds. Neighborhood dogs began to bark upon its disappearance.

Genay, Ain, France (circa 1924)

A fireball, 20 to 25 cm in diameter, entered a closed kitchen through a broken windowpane. It elongated into a cylinder to pass through the opening, then resumed its spherical shape inside. It moved around the kitchen at head height before exiting through the same hole, again elongating to pass through. It then resumed its spherical shape and disappeared without causing any damage.

Andorra-Barcelona trip (July 8, 1965)

Enrique Castellet observed what he initially thought was a shooting star stop abruptly 300 meters away and 50 meters above the ground. He described it as a ball about 25 to 30 cm in diameter. The object moved left, then turned off and on again. It followed his car for over half an hour, maintaining a consistent distance and speed.

Hamburg, Germany (September 1, 1646)

A fireball was seen moving up and down in the sky.

Upper Lusatia (May 28, 1728)

A fireball was observed moving in jumps.

Paris, France (July 13, 1738)

A fireball's movement was described as alternately ascending and descending in jumps, with the jumps decreasing in height. It was visible for about a quarter of an hour before disappearing below the horizon.

Toulon, France (February 23, 1740)

A fireball ascended gradually, then descended, then ascended again to a great height before exploding.

Villefranche-sur-Saône, France (October 6, 1861)

A fireball was seen approaching a carriage and then falling at the feet of the horses.

Other Phenomena

The issue also touches upon other unusual electrical phenomena, including people being completely undressed by lightning without injury, clothes being burned while the wearer remained unharmed, and men killed while on horseback with the horse unharmed. It mentions instances of rocks being broken, walls being pierced, and potato fields being struck by lightning, cooking the potatoes. Fulgurites (fused sand formations) are also mentioned.

Specific Tragic Cases

• August 1952: A lightning strike electrocuted a monitor and four girls, paralyzing eight others.
• Virginia, USA: Two trains collided because lightning had reversed a railway signal.
• Biélaïa Kholunitse, USSR: A fireball entered an apartment through a window, breaking dishes, burning electrical wires, and damaging a stove. It exited through a veranda window, exploding in the garden and leaving a half-meter crater.
• Podensac, France (December 3, 1946): A large fireball appeared, accompanied by a formidable explosion.

Cases of Electrocution and Paralysis

• Gabon (February 1933): During a storm, a forest exploiter, M. Mathieu, was struck by a white-blue lightning flash, followed by a "shock wave." A white ball, the size of an orange, struck him, divided into two, with one half flowing through the floor and the other rebounding through a window. M. Mathieu was killed instantly.
• Bugaboo, British Columbia (1948): Four mountaineers were caught in a storm. One climber, Cricket, was struck by lightning while eating raisins. She and two others were unconscious, with Cricket suffering paralysis of her right side. Her clothing was calcined on the left side, with severe burns on her leg. Coins in her pocket melted, and her jacket had holes, but the outer fabric was intact.

Roy Sullivan's Encounters

Roy Sullivan, an American forest ranger, is cited as holding the record for lightning encounters, having been struck seven times. These incidents resulted in singed eyebrows, burning hair, a burned shoulder, and being thrown from his car.

Major Sommerford's Encounters

Major Sommerford was struck by lightning multiple times. In 1918, he was paralyzed from the waist down after being thrown from his horse. In 1924, he was paralyzed on his right side after lightning struck the tree he was sitting under. In 1930, he was struck again and remained paralyzed, dying two years later. Even after his death, lightning struck his tombstone in 1934.

Ramerupt, France (September 1898)

M. Ferrot, an innkeeper suffering from acute rheumatism, was struck by a gigantic lightning flash. He was thrown to the ground and lost consciousness. After being revived, he was temporarily blind but gradually regained his sight. His rheumatism completely disappeared, and he was able to walk without difficulty.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the mysterious and often inexplicable nature of ball lightning and similar aerial phenomena. The magazine presents a wide array of historical and contemporary accounts, emphasizing witness testimony and the physical effects observed. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual reports and encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions about the categorization and significance of these events, highlighting the persistent mystery surrounding them. The inclusion of cases from various decades and geographical locations suggests a comprehensive effort to document these anomalous occurrences.

This issue of "Phénomènes étranges et inexpliqués" (Strange and Unexplained Phenomena), issue number 29, delves into the multifaceted nature of lightning, exploring its unusual manifestations and historical interpretations, particularly in relation to religious and magical beliefs.

Unusual Lightning Phenomena The magazine presents a collection of historical and contemporary accounts of bizarre lightning events. These include:

• Imprinted Images: In 1896, two farm workers in France were struck by lightning, and one had images of a pine tree, a poplar, and his watch needle reproduced on his body, leading to speculation about photographic capabilities.
• Landscape Facsimiles: In 1812, lightning struck six sheep in Somerset, UK, and a 'facsimile of a part of the surrounding landscape' appeared inside their skins.
• Object Displacement and Alteration: Numerous examples are cited where lightning moved objects without apparent cause, such as tables, doors, furniture, keys, and even heavy stones. It also caused items like watches to melt, clothing to be torn or disappear, and tools to be twisted into precise shapes.
• Luminous Balls: Several accounts describe 'balls of fire' or luminous spheres. One incident in France involved a ball of fire descending from a chimney, described as having the appearance of a cat but producing no heat. More contemporary reports detail luminous balls, often blue-grey or yellow, interacting with vehicles, exploding on windshields, or disintegrating after hitting the ground.
• Specific Cases:
• A 22-year-old man in France was killed by lightning, while his father, struck simultaneously on the left side, was thrown 23 meters.
• A shepherd's handkerchief was snatched from his hand by lightning.
• In Paris, a worker was struck, and fragments of his hat were found embedded in the ceiling.
• A gardener's fork was found fifty meters away, its steel branches twisted into a corkscrew shape.
• Near Buffon, France, lightning killed two cows, and one woman's earring was reportedly melted.
• In Rio de Janeiro in 1907, an army lieutenant and 18 men were affected by a lightning strike, with the lieutenant's uniform losing all its buttons and money.
• A 1976 incident in the Drome region of France involved a luminous blue-grey ball appearing on a car's windshield, exploding, and causing the engine to stall.
• In 1968 and 1972, similar events occurred in Belgium and Argentina, respectively, where luminous spheres or fireballs interacted with vehicles or appeared on the ground.

Religious and Historical Interpretations The issue extensively explores how lightning has been interpreted throughout history, often linking it to religious and supernatural phenomena:

• Ancient Beliefs: The text references ancient practices of divination through observing lightning (ceramoscopy) and meteors (meteomancy). It mentions the Roman festival of Junonia, where the temple of Jupiter Stator was struck by lightning during a ceremony.
• Biblical and Apocryphal Accounts: Several biblical events are cited, including the plagues of Egypt where lightning, thunder, and fire rained down. The Apocryphon of James describes a thunderous interruption during Jesus's Ascension, accompanied by lightning and an earthquake.
• Mythological and Legendary Connections: The article discusses how lightning was seen as a divine weapon, with Jupiter depicted throwing lightning at enemies on the Trajan Column. It also mentions legends of people being shaved by lightning and the idea of lightning being used to punish or protect.
• Sorcery and Magic: The issue touches upon historical beliefs in sorcerers who could control weather phenomena like hail and thunder. An account from 1586 describes a woman accused of witchcraft who allegedly appeared on a tree after a lightning strike.
• Miraculous Interventions: Several instances are presented where lightning seemed to act selectively or miraculously, such as sparing certain individuals or objects while destroying others, leading to interpretations of divine will or intervention.
• Mirville's Classification: The writer Mirville is quoted suggesting a re-evaluation of lightning phenomena, proposing a classification that includes 'terrible and vengeful' lightning, as well as 'surveilled and buffoonish' lightning, implying a range of behaviors beyond simple meteorological events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme is the persistent human tendency to seek explanations for extraordinary events, particularly lightning, beyond purely scientific ones. The magazine highlights how, across different cultures and time periods, these phenomena have been intertwined with religious beliefs, folklore, and notions of the supernatural. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting a wide array of historical and anecdotal evidence without definitively dismissing even the most unusual interpretations, as suggested by the cover headline "ET SI LA RELIGION N'AVAIT PAS TOUT A FAIT TORT!" (What if religion wasn't entirely wrong?). The issue encourages readers to consider the possibility that these events might hold deeper meanings or operate under principles not yet fully understood by conventional science.

This issue of UFO-INFORMATIONS, dated December 1982, delves into the complex and often blurred line between ball lightning and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The publication aims to present a comprehensive dossier on the subject, moving beyond simplistic reductionist explanations and encouraging a deeper understanding of these phenomena.

Historical Accounts of Ball Lightning

The magazine begins by recounting historical instances that could be interpreted as ball lightning. It cites the case of a woman who, during moments of profound emotion, experienced a convulsive trembling and the sensation of a fist-sized mass on her left breast, which she kept until her death. Another account details the experiences of Rosa Maria Serio (d. 1725), who for seven consecutive years on Pentecost Sunday, experienced an extraordinary trial where a fireball descended upon her, leaving a heart-shaped burn on her linen. More recently, the issue references an event on July 17, 1771, where the Duc de Pequigny, while conducting kite experiments, observed a very bright light, larger and brighter than the moon, advancing from the northwest to the southeast, with a brief flash and a sound resembling a car descending a hill. This phenomenon caused consternation in Paris and other cities.

The article also touches upon the famous Marian apparitions at Fatima in 1917, noting that solar phenomena accompanied them, including a loud detonation followed by a blinding flash. It also recounts instances of lightning striking the church of Scey-sur-Saône, destroying a stone cross and previously damaging the bell tower, clock, and bell. Other incidents include a lightning strike in La Talaudière that caused controversy and a strike in Sermaises that sculpted a lightning-struck tree into a form resembling the Virgin Mary.

Scientific and Ufological Perspectives

The magazine explores how 'Cartesians' (rationalists) have attempted to explain lightning, citing the 1740 Dictionnaire de Trévoux, which described lightning as inflamed exhalations between clouds or a light launched by the flame of lightning composed of fatty, sulfurous, and bituminous substances.

It then shifts to the ufological perspective, questioning how UFOs are studied. The article notes that researchers, including those from EDF and the Atomic Energy Commission in France, and in Russia, have investigated ball lightning, soliciting public reports of sightings. An inquiry in 1960 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory asked 15,923 employees if they had witnessed globular lightning, with 515 affirmative responses leading to further questioning about size, duration, and color.

Scientists like Neil Charman acknowledge the unusual nature of ball lightning, suggesting that essential events are more easily remembered. However, the article points out that detailed reports from competent witnesses, such as pilots, are often not disseminated to scientists and may be classified by military circuits.

The Challenge of Distinguishing Phenomena

The issue highlights the difficulty in differentiating between ball lightning and UFOs. It mentions that while photos of ball lightning are rare, the phenomenon is considered real by some scientists, like Professor Koenigsfeld, who was convinced by witness accounts. The article notes that skeptics might initially categorize such reports as folklore, similar to flying saucers and ghosts, but a review of events suggests that numerous credible witnesses have observed and sometimes photographed ball lightning.

Ufologists are said to draw analogies between UFO phenomena and ball lightning, citing examples like 'St. Elmo's Fire' or 'angel hair' that sometimes accompany UFO sightings. The article discusses the falling of filaments in Sudbury, Massachusetts, during a globular lightning event, which remained unidentified. It also notes that ball lightning can cause paralysis or heal, and can affect watches.

Case Studies and Traces

Several specific cases are presented in detail. The Charvieu incident (July 19, 1977) involved a hole in the ground within a crater, where wheat stalks were inclined but not flattened. A vertical hole extended into the soil, with two furrows connecting it to the crater's periphery. Similar traces were found in Marliens (May 10, 1967) in the form of a star with six branches, and in Poncey-sur-Lignon (October 4, 1954), where a long area of ground appeared to have been sucked up.

The article also mentions a case in the Aveyron region in 1966 where ball lightning seemed to show particular interest in certain witnesses. The death of Joao Prestes Filho, who was found in pieces after being exposed to a blinding light, and the case of the horse 'Snippy' that died mysteriously, were both attributed by some to ball lightning.

Explanations and Criticisms

The issue critiques the tendency of some to explain away UFO sightings as mere ball lightning. It argues that this is a simplistic approach and that the reverse could also be true: some ball lightning phenomena might be misidentified UFOs. The article points out that attributing all unusual phenomena during thunderstorms to ball lightning is logical, but doing so for events occurring outside of storms is more speculative.

It discusses the work of Harold W. Lewis and his article 'Ball Lightning,' and mentions Philip Klass's use of 'plasmoids' to explain UFO observations, suggesting Klass has lost credibility due to this overreliance.

The Nature of Ball Lightning

The article describes ball lightning as having various forms, including spherical, oval, and gourd-shaped. It cites an account of a 'cigar from the clouds' giving rise to discs or balls, and a curved gourd-shaped lightning that demolished a structure and melted metal and bronze.

It also touches upon 'foo-fighters,' luminous balls capable of penetrating aircraft, and notes that some researchers attempt to integrate these into the phenomena of ball lightning. Large-scale ball lightning events, some photographed with diameters of 12 to 13 meters, are also mentioned, as are instances of very large ball lightning emerging from the sea or descending from clouds, posing a potential risk to ships.

A notable incident occurred on May 28, 1979, when a large fireball, estimated to be over a meter in diameter, exploded in the Crouzet family's courtyard. The witnesses described it as coming from above at a significant angle, being white-yellow in color, and exploding with a thunderous sound, leaving no trace. The event did not disturb the electrical appliances, despite the proximity of a high-tension power line.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The concluding section emphasizes that the line between ball lightning and UFOs is difficult to discern. It criticizes the attempt to relegate events like the Valensole incident to mere ball lightning as 'ridiculous puerility.' The article calls for a coherent explanation of these phenomena, urging meteorologists and ufologists to work together. It ends by posing the question of whether unidentified lightning or unidentified objects are being observed, suggesting that agreement on terminology alone does not capture the essence of the phenomenon.

Looking ahead, the issue notes that researchers A. Laugier and C. Fumoux predict a wave of UFO sightings in December 1982, based on information provided by Monsieur Schneydier.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ambiguity between ball lightning and UFOs, the historical and contemporary accounts of these phenomena, and the scientific and parapsychological attempts to explain them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a thorough examination of complex cases without resorting to overly simplistic or reductionist explanations. The magazine advocates for a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a phenomenon to avoid mutilating the data.

This document is the first page of a publication from the association "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), declared in accordance with the law of July 1, 1901, under the Regional Delegation of Drome-Ardèche, and a member of the C.E.C.R.U.

The date indicated is July 1, 1901.

Bureau Composition

The bureau of the association is composed of:

• PRESIDENT: DUQUESNOY David
• VICE PRESIDENT: CHALOIN André
• SECRETAIRE GENERAL: DORIER Michel
• SECRETAIRE ADJOINTE: FIEVEE Charlotte
• TRESORIERE: DORIER Rolande
• TRESORIERE ADJOINTE: ROUGON Marie
• CONSEILLER A L'INFORMATION: REBULL Jean Marc
• CONSEILLER TECHNIQUE: ROUGON Gérard

Correspondents

The association has correspondents in various regions:

• ARDECHE SUD: PATTARD Jean Pierre
• ARDECHE NORD: REYNAUD Lionel
• DROME SUD: FIEVEE Charlotte
• DROME NORD: VINCENT Luc

Administration, Subscriptions, and Editorial

• ADMINISTRATION & ABONNEMENTS: Located at "La Berfie", ARTHEMONAY, 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE.
• REDACTION: Managed by A.A.M.T. DORIER Michel, also at "La Berfie", ARTHEMONAY, 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE.
• Tel: (75) 45.70.72

Editorial Policy and Contribution

The bulletin is presented as the result of collective analysis and reflection. Readers are encouraged to contribute articles and suggestions. The association also asks to be made known in different regions to inform its members.

Copyright and Responsibility

Articles, photos, and drawings are protected by the 1957 law on artistic reproduction. Partial reproduction is authorized provided the source (author and publication) is cited, except for articles explicitly marked "Reproduction prohibited without the author's authorization." The articles published are under the sole responsibility of their author. Unused manuscripts will not be returned.

Printing and Publication Details

• PRINTED BY OFFSET: by AAMT, "La Berfie", ARTHEMONAY, 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE.
• Director of Publication: DORIER Michel
• LEGAL DEPOSIT: Upon publication.
• PARITY COMMISSION No.: 60 112

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document focuses on the organizational structure and operational details of the "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" association. It emphasizes collaboration, information sharing, and the legal framework governing its publications. The editorial stance appears to be open to contributions and aims to foster a sense of community among its members and in its regional presence. The mention of copyright and author responsibility highlights a professional approach to content creation and dissemination.