Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Magazine Overview

The article "The Study of Unidentified Flying Objects in the Soviet Union" by Yu. V. Platov and B. A. Sokolov, published in the Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vol. 70, No. 3, 2000, pp. 244-251, details the history and results of government-sponsored research into anomalous phenomena in the Soviet Union between 1978 and 1991. The authors, both involved in the research, describe the context of UFO interest in the mid-1970s, the initial, less rigorous approaches to data collection, and the eventual establishment of a formal, multi-agency research program.

History of UFO Studies in the Soviet Union

In the mid-1970s, unofficial organizations in the Soviet Union became more active in studying UFOs, leading to increased public interest. Lectures by urologists often promoted the idea of extraterrestrial origins for UFOs. Initially, investigations by official bodies were limited to collecting diverse, often questionable, information. The USSR Academy of Sciences appointed researchers to register reports, consult specialists, and analyze data. However, this approach yielded no significant results.

The formal impetus for a more structured investigation came with the "Petrozavodsk phenomenon" on September 20, 1977. This event involved a large-scale light display witnessed by many people in northwestern Soviet Union, described as a "jellyfish"-like object emitting beams of light. The event was reported in the press and prompted inquiries from neighboring states concerned about potential military technology experiments.

Under pressure, Academician A.P. Aleksandrov, President of the USSR Academy of Sciences, requested the Military-Industrial Commission (MIC) to consider a comprehensive investigation of anomalous phenomena with the involvement of the Defense Ministry. This led to the establishment of a working group and, subsequently, the inclusion of the problem "Studies of Anomalous Atmospheric and Space Phenomena, Their Causes, and Their Effects on the Performance of Military Hardware and the Status of Personnel" in the state plan of defense-related research for 1978.

Organization and Scope of the Research Program

The research program, which ran for 13 years (1978-1990), was divided into two main aspects: "DM Network" (Defense Ministry) focusing on effects on military hardware and personnel, and "AS Network" (Academy of Sciences) focusing on the physical nature and development mechanisms of anomalous phenomena. The program was notably inexpensive, limiting the design of new equipment or specially designed experiments. Research primarily involved analyzing collected data and constructing physical models.

The program was based on three principles: recognizing anomalous phenomena as real, rejecting a priori solutions, and conducting prolonged study. Hypotheses considered included anthropogenic origin, natural processes, and extraterrestrial civilizations, though the latter generated less enthusiasm.

The military section was coordinated by a General Staff directive in 1980, leveraging the vast observation potential of the Soviet Army. Servicemen were tasked with reporting any inexplicable phenomena. The academic part was headed by Academician V.V. Migulin, with a working group at the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, the Ionosphere, and Radio Wave Propagation. Specialists from various scientific disciplines were involved.

Findings and Identified Phenomena

Over the 13 years, approximately three thousand communications about anomalous phenomena were received. The vast majority were identified. A significant finding was that practically no UFO sightings were reported by military units stationed at proving grounds, likely because the effects were understood as part of military technology testing.

Nighttime mass observations of UFOs were almost unequivocally identified as effects accompanying launches of space rockets or tests of aerospace technology. The mechanism involved sunlight scattering on gas-and-dust clouds formed by fuel combustion. Examples include the Petrozavodsk phenomenon (linked to the Kosmos-955 satellite launch) and a dirigible-shaped object observed in 1980 (linked to the Kosmos-1188 satellite launch). Other phenomena were attributed to the launch of ballistic missiles and sounding balloons.

High-altitude balloons, particularly tetrahedral ones, were also identified as a source of sightings. These balloons, used for atmospheric studies, can reach high altitudes and appear as large objects when viewed from a distance.

Notable Incidents and Unexplained Cases

While most phenomena were explained, a few cases required urgent consideration. One incident on October 5, 1983, involved unusual light phenomena observed by servicemen that coincided with a fault signal in the rocket launch system, prompting an investigation. Another involved aircraft accidents between 1984-1987 where unknown objects were detected on radar and by pilots, leading to the inclusion of UFO specialists in accident inquiries. These cases remained unidentified.

Conclusions and Significance

The study concluded that the overwhelming majority of perceived anomalous phenomena are explicable, stemming from human technological activities or rare natural occurrences. A surprising result was the complete absence of reports concerning UFO landings, contacts, or abductions, leading the authors to question the extraterrestrial hypothesis or suggest that the Soviet Union was perhaps "closed" to such visitors during that period.

The authors also addressed the proliferation of claims about "secret KGB files" and "secret data," dismissing them as absurd and suggesting that such material, if it exists, likely pertains to Soviet space secrets rather than alien visitations. They emphasize that the UFO subject, despite its sometimes "goofy" associations, deserves serious research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article consistently emphasizes a scientific and rational approach to the study of anomalous phenomena. It highlights the importance of rigorous data collection, analysis, and the development of physical models. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims, particularly those involving extraterrestrial visitation, while acknowledging the reality of the phenomena themselves and the need for continued scientific investigation. The authors advocate for treating UFOs as a subject worthy of serious research, comparable to other genuine mysteries.

The article also touches upon the classification of UFO research within the Soviet Union, noting that the term "anomalous phenomenon" was used to avoid associations with sensationalism and to align with the classified nature of defense projects. The authors express gratitude to the observers and the numerous specialists who contributed to the program.