2005 03 00 Acta Physica Polonica - Vol 36 No 3 - Silagadze

Magazine Overview

This issue of Acta Physica Polonica B, Volume 36, Number 3, published in 2005, features the article "TUNGUSKA GENETIC ANOMALY AND ELECTROPHONIC METEORS" by Z.K. Silagadze from the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk, Russia. The issue date is noted as 2005, with the cover date implied by the volume and issue number.

Tunguska Genetic Anomaly and Electrophonic Meteors

The article begins by highlighting the Tunguska event's genetic impact as a great mystery, noting reported genetic anomalies in plants, insects, and people in the Tunguska region, and an increased rate of biological mutations not only within the epicenter but also along the TSB's trajectory. Crucially, no radioactivity was found that could be reliably associated with the event. Hypotheses about the TSB being a stony asteroid, comet nucleus, or carbonaceous chondrite explain the absence of radioactivity but fail to address the genetic anomaly, which the author likens to choosing between "blue devil, green devil and speckled devil."

The author suggests that invoking electrophonic meteors might make the origin of the Tunguska genetic anomaly less obscure. The introduction to the article emphasizes the enduring mystery and adventure associated with the Tunguska event, noting that despite extensive research over ninety-five years, no single theory explains all the facts. The author expresses a desire to explore the less conventional, perhaps irrational, roots of the phenomenon before delving into a more conventional scientific track.

The article then discusses the public and scientific interest in the Tunguska catastrophe, spurred by Kazantsev's suggestion of an alien spacecraft. It notes the scientific community's reluctance towards UFOs but argues that the rise of modern UFO myths and their cultural impact are phenomena worthy of scientific explanation, citing Carl Jung's view that UFO accounts are projections of modern man's inner psychic state and longing for wholeness.

The mythological impact of the Tunguska explosion on the native Evenk people is presented as of great interest. A play, "The Sleeping Land," by Floyd Favel, is mentioned, which is based on the spiritual significance of the event for the Evenk. The play's narrative describes a destructive event involving "Agdy" or "fearsome iron birds" that flattened the forest, destroyed tents, and caused the disappearance of reindeer, echoing the Evenk belief that only the Agdy can inhabit the area. This myth is compared to the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The article draws parallels between the Evenk myth and other ancient stories, such as the destruction of the city of Ubar in the Koran, which was destroyed by a "dark cloud brought on the wings of a great wind." The discovery of Wabar, a site of a fierce meteorite impact, is discussed, and it's noted that the real Ubar city was found later. The Wabar meteorite impact was comparable to the Hiroshima bomb, while the Tunguska explosion was a thousand times more powerful. This leads to the conclusion that the unconscious fears of modern man about hazards from outer space are not entirely groundless, emphasizing the need to understand the nature of the Tunguska Space Body (TSB) to estimate this danger.

Two main hypotheses about the TSB's nature are presented: cometary and asteroidal. The author notes that proponents of these hypotheses have often ignored each other, citing Planck's principle. Despite recent research supporting an asteroidal origin, Bronshten advocates for a cometary hypothesis, pointing out the lack of found stony asteroid fragments. The article acknowledges that facts are hard to reconcile with either hypothesis, particularly concerning the genetic impact.

Biological Consequences of the Tunguska Event

This section details the ecological consequences of the Tunguska event, which are described as another conundrum. Two main types of effects are observed: accelerated growth of young and survived trees, and quick revival of the taiga. The second type relates to the genetic impact.

Observations from early expeditions noted that the taiga in the catastrophe area seemed depressed in some years but showed no growth deceleration in others. A systematic study in 1958 revealed anomalously large tree ring widths (up to 9 mm) in young specimens germinated after the catastrophe, compared to 0.2-1.0 mm before. Accelerated growth was also observed in older, survived trees. Subsequent expeditions confirmed this accelerated growth, with a large-scale study in 1968 collecting data from over six thousand pine specimens. A more recent study by Longo and Serra (1995) confirmed this phenomenon, noting that the growth has only recently weakened for trees over 150 years old.

The cause of this anomalous growth is controversial. A simple explanation suggests improved environmental conditions due to ash fertilization and reduced competition. However, Longo and Serra's finding of a correlation between anomalous growth and pre-catastrophe ring dimensions is considered too premature to fully support this simple hypothesis. Vasilyev's analysis suggests that the Wilder's Law of initial values might be at play, where higher initial physiological function leads to a smaller response to function-raising agents. While environmental changes played a role, certain features of the accelerated growth are hard to explain solely by this factor.

Differences in the shape of areas with accelerated growth for young and old trees are noted. For young trees, the effect is maximal in the epicenter, but the region differs from areas of forest fall or fire, suggesting factors beyond simple devastation. Proximity to an ancient volcano and soil enrichment by volcanic material are proposed, as the Tunguska epicenter coincides with a Triassic volcano muzzle. The effect is maximal in the epicenter area due to this enrichment. However, younger trees showed a higher concentration of accelerated growth effect towards the TSB trajectory, suggesting a factor directly related to the TSB, possibly mutagenic.

For old survived trees, the accelerated growth is more scattered, appearing in forest fall areas and outside them, and is more prominent near the TSB trajectory. The areas of observed effect have oval shapes stretched along the TSB trajectory. The article notes regions, like the one between Kichmu and Moleshko rivers, with considerable forest fall but no accelerated growth in survived trees. The extrapolated maximum of this effect is expected far from the epicenter, suggesting an unknown agent accompanying the TSB's flight, capable of inducing remote ecological and genetic changes.

Genetic Consequences of the Tunguska Event

This section addresses the genetic consequences, described as the most controversial subject. Experiments in Novosibirsk to find genetic effects of ionizing radiation on pines showed an increased occurrence of 3-needle cluster pines, compared to the usual 2-needle clusters. G.F. Plekhanov's expeditions found this frequency increased in the epicenter area, peaking near Mount Chirvinskii, where the TSB trajectory supposedly pierces the Earth's surface. However, this phenomenon is also common in areas with intense forest recovery after fires, making it difficult to definitively link it to the Tunguska explosion as a primary factor.

V.A. Dragavtsev's algorithm was used to process Tunguska pine tree linear increments, revealing a sharp increase in genotypic dispersion in Tunguska trees, concentrated towards the epicenter and the TSB trajectory projection. Maximum genotypic dispersion showed a 12-fold increment, with peaks coinciding with Mount Chirvinskii and the light flash center.

Later studies using pine isozyme systems polymorphism by electrophoresis found no indications of increased mutagenesis, but the small sample size (11 trees) makes the results inconclusive. Population-genetic studies on pea Vicia cracca found considerably higher phenogenetic characteristics in the epicenter area compared to a reference point near Vanavara settlement, with two special points of maximal effect observed, one at Mount Chirvinskii and another in the Chugrim canyon.

Researchers also studied fluctuating asymmetry of birch leaves, finding it significantly increased not only in the epicenter but also in remote regions, possibly indicating ambient climatic stress. Mount Chirvinski was noted as a site of highest asymmetry in the epicenter area.

Morphometric peculiarities of ants Formica fusca in the epicenter area showed significant differences in ants from Mount Chirvinskii and Chugrim canyon. Analogous studies with Formica exsecta found no peculiarities in ants from the central and peripheral parts of the catastrophe area.

A potentially related genetic mutation was discovered by Rychkov: Rhesus negative persons are rare among Mongoloid Siberians, but an Evenk woman was found lacking the Rh-D antigen. Genetic examinations suggested a rare mutation of the Rh-D gene occurred in 1912, possibly affecting her parents who witnessed the Tunguska explosion in 1908. The woman recalled her parents' description of a bright flash, thunder, droning sound, and burning wind.

These facts suggest the Tunguska event left peculiar ecological and genetic traces. The challenge is to separate primary from secondary factors. The recurrent appearance of the TSB trajectory and specific points related to it suggests that the flight and explosion were accompanied by an unknown stress factor, possibly electromagnetic radiation.

Electrophonic Meteors and Tunguska Bolide

This section explores electrophonic meteors, defined as meteors accompanied by unusual sounds. The history of their research is presented as an example of Planck's principle, with early observations by Edmund Halley dismissed as psychological effects. Modern research confirms the reality of these sounds, which are divided into short-duration "burster" types (clicks, pops) and long-duration "sustained" types (rushing, crackling).

Similar "clicks" have been heard during nuclear explosions and are attributed to intense bursts of very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic radiation. Keay proposed a mechanism where the geomagnetic field trapped in a meteoroid's turbulent wake is twisted, and its strain energy is released as VLF radiation. Bronshten elaborated on this, suggesting that bright bolides can generate megawatt VLF power.

Other mechanisms for generating ELF and VLF electromagnetic fields include explosive disruption of meteoroids and electrostatic mechanisms. Beech and Foschini proposed a space charge model for bursters, suggesting a shock wave during catastrophic breakup produces a significant space charge due to differential mobility of ions and electrons, leading to a transient in the geoelectric field rather than a VLF signal.

A suitable transducer is required to convert VLF energy into audible form, explaining why electrophonic meteor observations are rare and capricious. Experiments by Keay and Ostwald showed that common objects can act as transducers for electric fields. Despite a clever scientific explanation, experimental confirmation is scarce due to the rarity of the phenomenon.

Instrumentally recorded electrophonic meteor data are rare. In 1993, a VLF transient was detected during a Perseid meteor, but no electrophonic sounds were reported. Earlier, a meteor VLF signal was detected by Japanese observers. ELF/VLF radiation associated with the Leonid meteor storm was also reported. An observation during the reentry of a Russian satellite produced an electrophonic sound, and simultaneously, a distinct ELF magnetic pulse was detected in Australia. However, instrumentation was not available to check Keay-Bronshten's theory for higher frequencies. ELF electromagnetic transients may affect the human brain directly, potentially requiring lower energy levels to produce electrophonic effects.

Sparse experimental data are insufficient for definite conclusions, and existing theoretical models are too simplified. A benchmark in research was the first instrumental detection of electrophonic sounds during the 1998 Leonid meteor shower, though Leonids are not ideal for the Keay-Bronshten mechanism. Two clear electrophonic signals were recorded, preceding the meteors' light maximum. No ELF/VLF signal was detected, possibly due to receiver insensitivity. The observed sound intensities imply unreasonably high ELF/VLF radiation power, suggesting existing theories are incomplete.

Zgrablić et al. suggested that Leonids might acquire a large enough space charge to trigger a geophysical phenomenon generating EM radiation. This was previously advocated by Ol'khovatov. The Keay-Bronshten mechanism is expected to work for slow, bright bolides like the Tunguska meteorite, suggesting its flight might have been accompanied by powerful ELF/VLF radiation.

The article questions if eyewitness accounts support the electrophonic nature of the Tunguska bolide. Krinov noted in 1949 that many observers described sounds preceding the bolide, similar to electrophonic meteor phenomena but extraordinarily strong. Krinov suggested this difference might be due to the Tunguska event's magnitude, or that these reports were purely subjective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event, its potential genetic and ecological impacts, and the scientific investigation into its causes. The article also explores the phenomenon of electrophonic meteors, linking them to electromagnetic radiation and potential extraterrestrial or cosmic events. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, acknowledging the limitations of current theories and emphasizing the need for further research and experimental confirmation, while also recognizing the cultural and psychological dimensions of such phenomena.

This document, titled "Tunguska Genetic Anomaly and Electrophonic Meteors," presents a detailed investigation into the Tunguska event of 1908 and related phenomena. It explores the concept of electrophonic meteors, which are associated with audible sounds, and delves into the potential biological and genetic consequences of such events, particularly focusing on the role of electromagnetic radiation.

Electrophonic Meteors and Witness Accounts

The article begins by discussing the psychological tendencies of observers to alter the perception of time lags between light and sound. It then presents several witness accounts of phenomena that could be classified as electrophonic meteors. K.A. Kokorin's account from Kezhma village describes hearing cannonade-like sounds and seeing a red sphere with rainbow stripes. E.E. Sarychev recalls a noise like "wings of a frightened bird," followed by strikes and a spherical radiance. Ya.S. Kudrin, as a child, described a sound like thunder that ceased after a bolide flight. I.K. Stupin also noted that the sound preceded the object's appearance. V.I. Yarygin reported a loud roar, a blackness in the sky, and a flame of fire. E.K. Gimmer described meteorite sounds as "sizzling," and S.D. Permyakov heard noise and booms. The article notes that the electrophonic nature of the Tunguska bolide was previously argued by Khazanovitch and Vasilyev, who dismissed psychological explanations due to the consistency of reports from multiple observers.

Electromagnetic Phenomena and Biological Effects

The document highlights the possibility that the Tunguska event was accompanied by powerful electromagnetic phenomena. A recent event in Vitim, Siberia, in 2002, where a bolide induced a strong alternate electromagnetic field and St. Elmo's fires, is presented as a parallel. The article then transitions to the "Biological effects of ELF/VLF electromagnetic radiation." It discusses how some plants, like mugwort, and animals use Earth's magnetic field for orientation (magnetoreception). Two suspected mechanisms for magnetoreception in vertebrates are mentioned: a light-dependent photoreceptor-based mechanism and a direct sensing mechanism possibly involving magnetite chains.

The potential hazardous effects of ELF electromagnetic fields are scrutinized. Studies suggest that even brief exposures to high-intensity ELF electric fields can be fatal to certain organisms and affect the central nervous system. Exposure can lead to physiological stress responses, depressed body weights, and altered biochemical functions. Conversely, some studies indicate that pulsed magnetic fields can accelerate bone fracture healing and enhance plant growth.

Genetic Consequences and Heat Shock Proteins

The article explores possible genetic effects of VLF/ELF radiation, noting that while some early work suggested genetic aberrations in Drosophila, these were not consistently confirmed. Epidemiological evidence for carcinogenic effects is reviewed and considered "weak, inconsistent, and inconclusive." However, the document emphasizes that cells have emergency programs to cope with adverse conditions, including the activation of heat shock proteins (HSP) to refold damaged proteins. Experiments show that ELF electromagnetic fields can induce HSP70 synthesis, similar to stressors like X-ray irradiation or thermal shock. Interestingly, ELF fields can have a protective effect when combined with heat shock, suggesting cells might use weak electromagnetic impulses as an early warning system.

Evolutionary Role of Heat Shock Proteins

Heat shock proteins, particularly HSP90, are discussed in the context of evolutionary biology. HSP90 plays a role in buffering genetic variation. Under stress, its function is impaired, unmasking mutations. If these mutations are beneficial, they can be preserved, acting as a capacitor for evolution. The Tunguska event's ecological and genetic consequences might be due to the unmasking of latent mutations rather than new ones, with ELF/VLF radiation acting as a stressor.

Direct Mutagenic Effects and Joule Heating

While the primary focus is on electromagnetic effects, the possibility of direct mutagenic effects from the Tunguska bolide's flight and explosion is not excluded. The strong electric and magnetic fields could induce significant Joule heating in biological tissues. A witness account from Vanavara describes a sensation of burning ears and a powerful blow, interpreted as potential evidence for Joule heating.

Lightning and Ionizing Radiation

The article draws parallels between the Tunguska event and lightning, suggesting the explosion might have been accompanied by thousands of lightning strikes. Recent rocket-triggered lightning experiments have demonstrated that lightning is accompanied by short bursts of ionizing radiation, including X-rays, gamma-rays, and energetic electrons. While the exact composition and energy levels are still being studied, this provides evidence for energetic radiation from natural lightning. The possibility of similar radiation accompanying the Tunguska event is considered, though it might have been too attenuated to cause significant biological effects.

The Riddle of the Sands and Libyan Desert Glass

Section 5, "The riddle of the sands," shifts focus to the Libyan Desert Glass (LDG). Discovered in 1932, this glass is exceptionally pure silica and dated to 28.5 million years old. Its origin is debated, with tektite formation from meteorite impacts being a prevailing theory, though challenges exist regarding the removal of volatiles and the absence of impact craters. An alternative theory suggests an atmospheric explosion, similar to Tunguska but much more powerful, could have formed the glass. However, evidence of shock metamorphism in associated sandstones points towards an impact. The isotopic study of sandstones and LDG further complicates the origin, suggesting they may not be directly related. The section concludes by posing that the explanation for LDG, much like the Tunguska event, might require an unusual or "queer" impact, perhaps from a "mirror space body."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this document are the Tunguska event, electrophonic meteors, the impact of electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation on biological systems, and the search for unusual explanations for enigmatic phenomena like Libyan Desert Glass. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, exploring various hypotheses and presenting evidence from witness accounts, scientific studies, and geological findings, while acknowledging uncertainties and ongoing debates in the field.

This document, comprising pages 955-964, is an excerpt from a scientific publication discussing the "Tunguska Genetic Anomaly and Electrophonic Meteors." The primary focus is on the hypothetical concept of mirror matter and its potential to explain various unexplained phenomena.

Mirror Matter Hypothesis

The article begins by introducing the mirror matter idea as a scientifically sound concept originating from the work of Lee and Yang (1956). This hypothetical matter is proposed to restore the symmetry between left and right at a fundamental level, as discrete symmetries like P and CP are broken by weak interactions. To maintain a symmetric universe, a new discrete symmetry, M, is suggested, which interchanges left and right. Mirror particles are postulated to exist alongside ordinary particles, but they are sterile to ordinary gauge interactions. Instead, they possess their own set of mirror gauge particles. The only guaranteed common interaction between ordinary and mirror matter is gravity. Therefore, large chunks of mirror matter could be detected by their gravitational influence. The solar system is considered to have limited mirror matter, but the possibility of a distant planetary or stellar companion is not excluded.

Mirror matter is presented as a natural candidate for dark matter, potentially constituting the dominant component of it. The article notes that dark matter is abundant in our galaxy and solar neighborhood, with a density reaching about 15% of the total mass. This leads to the possibility of small asteroid-sized mirror objects occasionally colliding with Earth.

The consequences of such a collision depend on the nature of the interaction between mirror and ordinary matter. If gravity is the predominant interaction, the mirror asteroid would pass through Earth unnoticed. However, if there is a sizable photon-mirror photon mixing, mirror-charged particles would acquire a small ordinary electric charge, interacting with ordinary matter via electromagnetic forces. This interaction would cause Rutherford scattering, leading to a drag force upon entry into the atmosphere.

The Tunguska Event and Mirror Matter

Detailed studies on the entry of mirror bodies into Earth's atmosphere are referenced. For the Tunguska event, a large chunk of mirror ice (approximately 40m radius) impacting Earth at about 12 km/s would not be significantly slowed by atmospheric drag. Instead, it would melt at an altitude of 5-10 km. Once melted, the dispersion of the body would dramatically increase the atmospheric drag force, causing the body to release its kinetic energy into the atmosphere, resulting in an atmospheric explosion. This scenario conveniently explains the absence of ordinary fragments from the Tunguska event, as suggested by Foot (2001b).

Other Exotic Phenomena Explained by Mirror Matter

The article suggests that other exotic meteoritic phenomena can also be explained by mirror impactors. For instance, the distribution of craters on asteroid Eros is analyzed. Foot and Mitra (2002) observed a sharp decrease in the rate of craters below approximately 70m in diameter. They proposed that for small mirror bodies, the energy release is too slow and over too large a volume to form craters. This crater hiatus is consistent with mirror impactors. From these observations, an estimation of the photon-mirror photon mixing magnitude was inferred, fitting within the expected range for anomalous meteoritic phenomena like the Tunguska event.

Furthermore, the enigmatic flat-flaw crater "ponds" discovered on Eros are also considered a footprint of the mirror world. The impact theory provides an explanation: a large mirror space body releasing its energy underground would melt surrounding rocks. If the photon-mirror photon parameter is negative, mirror and ordinary atoms attract each other, leading to the mirror matter chunk being embedded within ordinary matter and releasing energy.

The Richât Structure and Lightning Phenomena

An enigmatic flat-flaw crater, the Richât structure in Mauritania, is discussed. While not traditionally considered an impact structure due to the lack of disrupted beds and shock-metamorphic effects, its circular shape remains a mystery. The article suggests that Eros ponds might hint at a similar mirror matter explanation. It is proposed that a large mirror body could have created the Richât structure, with a fragment forming the smaller Semsiyat dome.

Numerous lightnings are expected during a mirror impact event because the mirror space body can accumulate an ordinary electric charge from ionized air molecules. This phenomenon is linked to speculations about the coesite-bearing quartzite breccias of the Richât structure being produced by lightning strikes. The Tunguska event itself was reported to be accompanied by thousands of lightning strikes. The January 14, 1993 anomalous low altitude fireball event in Poland, a candidate for a mirror meteorite strike, also involved enormous electrical discharge.

Libyan Desert Glass and Edeowie Glass Field

The Libyan Desert Glass in South Australia, known as the Edeowie glass field, is presented as another enigma. Unlike the Libyan Desert Glass, it is clast-rich and inhomogeneous, and no impact crater has been found nearby, despite evidence of rocks melted in situ. Haines et al. (2001) concluded that lightning and impact-related phenomena are the most reasonable explanations. The article proposes that a large mirror body hitting the ground at cosmic velocity could provide both the impact and spatially and temporally confined intense lightnings.

Concluding Remarks and Future Experiments

The article synthesizes various riddles, including the Tunguska genetic anomaly, electrophonic meteors, magnetoreception, molecular basis of evolution, specific geological formations, parity violation, and mirror matter, suggesting they might be pieces of a larger puzzle. While acknowledging that the proposed picture relies on hypotheses rather than firmly established facts, it is presented as an interesting avenue of research.

The Tunguska genetic anomaly is explained as a consequence of an electrophonic bolide emitting powerful ELF/VLF electromagnetic radiation, which acted as a stress factor on local biota, triggering hidden genetic variations. Direct mutagenic factors from lightning during the explosion are also considered. This is seen as a miniature representation of the molecular basis of evolution, with global catastrophic events like asteroid impacts potentially boosting evolution on a larger scale.

The article touches upon the modern scientific acceptance of celestial interference in terrestrial matters, citing near-Earth objects as a considerable hazard. It highlights the enigmatic nature of 'soft' impacts, like the Tunguska event, which do not leave craters despite their magnitude. The mirror space body explanation is presented as the only falsifiable explanation for these anomalous impact events in the near future.

The crucial ingredient for the mirror matter explanation of anomalous impact events is the presence and magnitude of photon-mirror photon mixing. This can be experimentally tested. The ETH-Moscow positronium experiment is planned to search for this effect by observing orthopositronium-mirror orthopositronium oscillations, which would result in events with missing energy. If this experiment yields a positive result, it could indicate a significant population of small mirror bodies in the inner solar system, posing a greater hazard to Earth, as discovering and averting such impacts would be extremely difficult.

Acknowledgements

The author thanks V. Rubtsov, J. Moulder, A. Diamond, K. Thomson, and S.B. Hagen for sharing information, and R. Foot for helpful comments. The research also utilized NASA's Astrophysics Data System.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the concept of mirror matter as a unifying explanation for diverse physical and geological anomalies, including the Tunguska event, unusual crater formations, and potential biological evolutionary triggers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting a speculative but testable hypothesis that connects disparate phenomena within a single theoretical framework. The article emphasizes the importance of experimental verification, particularly through the proposed ETH-Moscow positronium experiment, to either confirm or refute the mirror matter hypothesis.