Anomalija - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: АНОМАЛИЯ (Anomaly)
Issue: No. 1
Date: January 1991
Publisher: TACC and Association "Ecology of the Unknown"
Document Type: Scientific-Informational Bulletin

Editorial Stance and Content

This inaugural issue of "Аномалия" (Anomaly), a scientific-informational bulletin published by TASS in conjunction with the "Ecology of the Unknown" association, sets out to explore phenomena that lie outside the conventional understanding of reality. The editorial, penned by editor Sergey Bulantsev, addresses the very definition of 'anomaly,' arguing that what is considered anomalous is often a reflection of our incomplete knowledge of the world's laws rather than an inherent abnormality. Bulantsev uses the historical rejection of meteorites by the Paris Academy of Sciences as an analogy for the current skepticism towards phenomena like UFOs, poltergeists, and extrasensory perception.

The bulletin emphasizes the importance of collecting and systematizing facts as the foundation for any scientific hypothesis. TASS's extensive information network is highlighted as a resource for gathering 'anomalous' facts, while the "Ecology of the Unknown" association is tasked with analyzing this information to guide research. The publication promises to present facts that challenge ordinary consciousness, such as the instantaneous disappearance of UFOs, which defy known laws of nature.

Scientific Perspectives

Vlail Kaznacheev, an Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, contributes an article titled "Collecting a Collection of Facts." He posits that our perception of anomalous phenomena should not be limited to sensationalism but should aim to build a scientific collection of unusual events. Kaznacheev suggests that humans, as living beings, might be part of a cosmic symbiosis and that historical accounts of strange aerial phenomena, from ancient drawings to modern UFO sightings, could be manifestations of objective reality not yet fully understood. He proposes that these phenomena might represent a form of 'cosmic mimicry' or contact with other forms of intelligent life in the universe, and that understanding them requires a new, synthetic science.

Elena Melnikova, Doctor of Economic Sciences and Chairperson of the "Intellect and Survival" Foundation, writes about "Minefields of New Knowledge." She reflects on how past generations could not have imagined modern communication technologies and argues that humanity is now navigating a landscape of new knowledge with potentially catastrophic consequences. Melnikova emphasizes the explosive growth of human intellect and its role in shaping the planet, but also warns of the paradox where technological advancements, driven by intellect, have also led to the possibility of self-destruction. She advocates for a shift in the application of intellectual resources towards creating a safe future and suggests that exploring anomalous phenomena, such as UFOs and telepathy, is crucial for understanding the true potential of human intellect and ensuring survival.

UFO Sightings and Commentary

The issue includes a section on UFO observations and commentary, featuring several eyewitness accounts:

• Objects with Tails: An assistant locomotive engineer recounts an experience on November 22, 1989, near Chervlennaya station, where he witnessed a formation of oval objects and a larger object with a white halo and glowing stripes moving silently. The sighting was accompanied by a bright glow in the sky.
• August 3, 1990 Sightings: Two separate accounts from August 3, 1990, describe luminous objects. One, observed from a street, was a glowing object that changed shape and left a trail. Another, reported by teenagers in the village of Zhelezovo, Tver region, described a small, bright white ball moving at high speed over a forest, leaving a wavy trail.

Other Sections

The bulletin also features an "Eyewitness Questionnaire" and an article titled "Beyond Being: The Kingdom of the Afterlife or the Agony of the Brain?" which discusses a new study by American scientists, commented on by a biologist, a medic, and a theologian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of anomalies, the limitations of current scientific understanding, the importance of empirical data collection, and the potential for a new field of study focused on the unknown. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging a scientific approach to phenomena that are often dismissed due to their unusual nature. The publication positions itself as a platform for exploring these 'anomalies' and fostering a deeper understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it, advocating for a proactive engagement with the unknown for the sake of intellectual progress and survival.

This issue of "НЛО: наблюдения и комментарии" (UFO: Observations and Commentary), dated 01.91, delves into various UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, expert analyses, and a detailed guide for reporting sightings. The magazine focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential impacts on technology, living beings, and human perception.

Key Articles and Reports

"Why Does the Engine Stall?"

This section compiles several accounts where UFOs allegedly caused vehicle engines to stall. One report from T.K. Zhubanchaliev in Kazakhstan describes a silver disc-shaped object emitting a beam that caused his car's engine to stop. The engine restarted 25 minutes after the object departed. Another case from the village of Burnovo involves a cone-shaped light object whose beam struck the observer, causing their car engine to stall and all lights to fail. The editorial section, referencing research by D. Mac-Campbell, suggests that UFOs might interfere with the air-fuel mixture intake, ignition spark, or the electrical ignition circuit, potentially by disrupting the properties of air, fuel, or the spark itself. High-frequency electromagnetic radiation is proposed as a likely cause, capable of inducing overvoltages and discharges in ignition coils, disrupting the spark generation sequence. The 'tungsten effect' is also mentioned, where the resistance of tungsten contacts in the distributor might increase due to microwave radiation, reducing current to the ignition coil and weakening or eliminating the spark. The article notes that the design of the distributor cap, not being made of metal, might contribute to the sensitivity of ignition systems to such influences.

"Night Sun"

A detailed account from A. Madaminov in Uzbekistan describes an event on the night of August 18-19, 1990. The observer and his brothers witnessed a strong hum and ground vibrations. A bright red-crimson light enveloped the sky and ground, originating from the south and moving west. At 3:30 AM, the western sky was a deep red, and a pulsating 'sun' was visible, about 10 to 100 km away. The object descended rapidly at 4:15 AM and disappeared below the horizon. The light and hum diminished as it landed. Another report from July 31, 1989, by Alexander, describes a glowing object with precise geometric outlines, resembling the letter 'B', seen near the setting sun. Its glow gradually faded.

"Face to Face"

This section features an account from V. Melchinsky, a stoker at a bakery in Kazakhstan, who witnessed a silver-pink object with rays on June 22, 1990. The object, described as an elliptical pink-red apparatus about 10-15 meters long, illuminated the area with a pink glow. It later transformed into a silver-steel disc and emitted beams that struck Melchinsky. He reported that a previously existing skin growth on his face disappeared after this encounter. The report also mentions that his leg pain, particularly in the heels, improved after the event. The editorial notes that this incident is significant due to multiple witnesses and its correlation with other UFO contact cases. The slow descent, hovering, and takeoff with a roll are characteristic of many close encounters. The sound, like rustling leaves, is often explained by electrical phenomena such as corona discharge. The effects on Melchinsky are attributed to electromagnetic radiation, potentially causing rapid muscle contractions.

Contactee Experience: Oyniso Normuradova

This report details an alleged encounter of a young woman, Oyniso Normuradova, from Uzbekistan, with extraterrestrial beings. The beings, described as wearing silver suits, visited her on multiple occasions starting in September 1990. They predicted a happy future for her and spoke of her cousin's bioenergetic abilities. The report notes that the beings' communication was 'down-to-earth,' reflecting an anthropocentric viewpoint. When Oyniso's parents forbade her from meeting them, strange occurrences began at home, including doors opening and closing violently and occupants feeling unwell. The report suggests that such phenomena, including poltergeist activity, can be linked to adolescents during puberty, where their inner world might 'materialize.' The article draws parallels with another case from the newspaper "Полярная правда" where humanoid figures were observed.

Expert Commentary

Several experts provide commentary on the reported incidents. Alexander Serdyukov, a candidate of technical sciences, classifies five cases as 'distant observations,' difficult to identify. He suggests some might be landings of spacecraft enveloped in plasma upon atmospheric entry. He attributes three cases to rocket launches. Valery Nazarenko, a specialist in energy processes, finds the information on the 'Night Sun' case limited but notes it cannot be explained by explosions. Alexander Tumakov suggests the phenomenon might be related to the burning of a large volume of combustible material, possibly from an emergency gas release or combustion, and notes similar phenomena observed near chemical plants. Yuri Fomin, a senior ufologist, acknowledges the intriguing nature of the reports but stresses the difficulty of verification, suggesting that while not dismissible, they require further detailed investigation. He posits that UFOs might exert influences on witnesses, possibly through electromagnetic means, and that phenomena like poltergeists and UFOs are real.

Questionnaire for UFO Observation Reports

The magazine includes a comprehensive questionnaire designed to gather detailed information from UFO witnesses. It covers aspects such as date, time, location, object's shape, color, brightness, light effects, size, altitude, speed, direction of movement, trajectory, physical effects (sound, seismic activity, temperature changes, electromagnetic phenomena), effects on living beings and inanimate objects, weather conditions, and the witness's technical equipment and personal details. The questionnaire was developed by Alexander Semenov, president of the Association 'Ecology of the Unknown,' based on various international and Soviet research methods.

"Portrait of a 'Saucer' or a Photofake?"

This section features an analysis by physicist-optician Alexander Kuzovkin regarding the authenticity of UFO photographs. He discusses the possibility of fakes and montages, implying that not all published images are genuine representations of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, their potential technological and physiological effects, and the challenges of investigating such reports. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting anecdotal evidence and expert analysis, encouraging detailed reporting from witnesses while maintaining a degree of scientific skepticism. The editorial team seems to lean towards the idea that many reported UFO phenomena, particularly those involving electromagnetic effects and physical impacts, are real and warrant further study, even if their nature and mechanisms remain largely unknown. The inclusion of the detailed questionnaire underscores a commitment to systematic data collection in the field of ufology.

This issue of "Anomaly" magazine, dated 01.90 with a volume of 01.91, features the cover headline "Portrait of a 'saucer' or a hoax?" and a price of 1.90. The magazine delves into the controversial topic of UFO sightings and photographic evidence, alongside a separate exploration of near-death experiences.

UFOs: Photos and Hoaxes

The magazine critically examines photographic evidence of UFOs. It presents images provided by V.M. Kondrashov from Cherdakly, Ulyanovsk Oblast, taken in February of the current year, and notes that these were published by the newspaper "Pravda Ukrainy" on March 21st. The article suggests that many such images are typical optical effects caused by lens aberrations and reflections, particularly in night shots with strong side lighting. It cites an example where a similar effect was observed in a home setting due to a floor lamp.

Another photograph, published by "Pravda Ukrainy," is attributed to Dima Girenko, a schoolboy from the village of Solnechny, who claimed to have observed a UFO. The author notes that direct fabrications are not uncommon among UFO reports, with teenagers often being the perpetrators. The article highlights that a refusal to provide negatives for analysis is a common sign of a hoax. It also discusses a case from April 1990 where schoolchildren admitted to faking UFO photos.

The issue also features a photograph taken by S.N. Doroshenko from Yalta on February 3, 1985. The object was described as a glowing green mass moving along the terrain. Analysis of this photograph using a "Zenit-E" camera did not raise doubts about its authenticity.

A photograph from the archive of F.Yu. Zigel, taken on October 15, 1968, over the Kola Peninsula, is analyzed. Its surface and contour are described as resembling boiling substance, with a grain size significantly smaller than the image details. This suggests that the visible UFO form might be a plasma-like shell around a central core.

Another identical UFO shape was observed on November 21, 1979, near Talnakh, under Norilsk, where a group of nine witnesses saw a UFO emitting light rays. The magazine offers practical advice for those interested in photographing UFOs, recommending long exposures for night shots and the use of red or yellow filters for colored objects in daylight.

Canadian Ufologists

The magazine introduces Canadian ufologists, focusing on Chris Rutkowski from Winnipeg, who founded the UFOROM association. Rutkowski, who became interested in UFOs at age 12, has interviewed hundreds of people and stored their accounts in a computer database. He acknowledges that while 95% of sightings can be explained by known phenomena, the remaining few percent are unexplained and warrant scientific attention. He emphasizes that 'unidentified' means 'unexplained,' not necessarily extraterrestrial.

Rutkowski is intrigued by government attempts to downplay or conceal information about UFO sightings. The article mentions that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has held meetings with scientists to discuss the phenomenon, and there are efforts to discredit the topic.

Rutkowski categorizes UFO sightings into two main groups: distant observations (glowing objects of red, orange, or white) and close-range encounters (within 200 meters). Close encounters can sometimes cause interference with engines and electronics, leave marks on the ground or trees, and in some cases, involve encounters with beings. He also notes the increasing reports of 'abductions.'

The case of Stefan Michalak is highlighted as a well-known incident in Manitoba. Michalak underwent extensive psychological testing and was found to be healthy. He claimed to have encountered a UFO in May 1967, which landed near him. When he touched the 'ship,' his glove caught fire, and he was hit by hot gas, burning his clothes and leaving him with unusual burn marks. Fragments of radioactive silver were found at the landing site. Michalak initially suspected it was a secret American aircraft, but the incident remains unexplained.

Rutkowski's research indicates that witness accounts, despite variations in detail, share commonalities regarding UFO shape, maneuverability, appearance/disappearance, sound, and color. He refrains from offering his own explanations, preferring to focus on accumulating facts.

Near-Death Experiences

The magazine also explores the phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs). A study published in the British medical journal "The Lancet" revealed that many individuals who claimed to have had NDEs were not actually close to death. However, the study also found that those who did experience NDEs often reported increased mental potential and perception, even when their brains should have been functioning less effectively.

Janice Owens, a research associate at the University of Virginia, stated that the study's results do not confirm or deny the existence of an afterlife but strengthen the conviction that such phenomena exist and require further research. Professor John Sappington of Augusta College described the study as a 'key to unlocking' the phenomenon, acknowledging that science may not be able to answer all questions about life after death.

The article notes that NDEs have been reported since Plato's time and have become more frequent with advances in medicine. Common elements include moving through a tunnel, seeing a bright light, leaving the body, experiencing strong emotions, and recalling memories. Some interpret these experiences as glimpses of the afterlife, while others attribute them to physiological or pharmacological states during dying.

Research by a Virginia group found that their results supported transcendental, physiological, and psychological interpretations of NDEs. The study of 58 patients indicated that while some were near death, others only felt they were dying. Both groups reported similar experiences, suggesting psychological rather than purely physical origins.

Notable findings include reports of out-of-body experiences, memory recall, and enhanced mental acuity. Patients who were close to death were more likely to report seeing an intensifying light compared to those who were not. The sensation of passing through a tunnel was relatively rare.

Expert Commentary on NDEs

Grigory Kuraev, a professor at Rostov State University, commented on the NDE phenomenon, explaining the concept of parabiosis in the central nervous system, which involves three phases: equilibrating, paradoxical, and inhibitory. He suggests that NDEs might be related to the paradoxical and inhibitory phases of brain activity.

Aleksey Zvezdin, head of the Rescue Service of the USSR Union of Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, shared findings from studies of patients who had been clinically dead. He noted that experiences of those who attempted suicide by cutting their veins, particularly those with narcotic withdrawal symptoms, were similar to NDEs. He also mentioned descriptions of phenomena during the Spitak earthquake in 1988, where individuals reported seeing bright light and feeling unable to move, and noted spiral-shaped changes in the terrain. Zvezdin believes these phenomena are linked to biochemical destabilization in the body during terminal states, affecting bioenergetics and subjective perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the authenticity of extraordinary claims, particularly in the realm of UFO photography, by presenting scientific explanations and highlighting instances of hoaxes. It maintains a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging further investigation based on facts and analysis. The exploration of near-death experiences also reflects a scientific inquiry into subjective phenomena, seeking to understand their origins and implications without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations. The overall stance is one of critical examination and a pursuit of evidence-based understanding.

This issue of the Russian magazine "По ту сторону Бытия" (Beyond Being), identified as issue 01.91 and spanning pages 30-32, focuses on transcendental phenomena, particularly near-death experiences (NDEs) and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), from an Orthodox Christian perspective. The publication is associated with TASS and the "Ecology of the Unknown" Association.

Near-Death Experiences and Out-of-Body Phenomena

The lead article discusses the conditions under which a person's demise might be inevitable, suggesting that the phenomena described by participants deserve more thorough study, considering both the psycho-biological characteristics of those involved and the geophysical conditions.

A significant portion of the content is dedicated to the testimony of Professor Alexey Osipov from the Moscow Theological Academy. He addresses the existence of transcendental phenomena and their evaluation. Osipov asserts that facts of this nature undeniably exist, citing instances where individuals were clinically dead but their consciousness or soul was outside the body. He recounts a personal story about his neighbor, who, while suffering from typhus and near death, experienced leaving his body. The neighbor visited a girl he knew and saw her with another man, then checked on his friends and found them drinking. Upon returning to his body, he miraculously recovered. The doctor had declared him dead, and he was about to be taken to the morgue. The neighbor later confirmed the encounters with the girl and friends, validating the experience as transcendental rather than a mere psychological or physical state.

Osipov references Raymond Moody's book "Life After Life" and the writings of Orthodox American Father Seraphim Rose as sources that provide interesting considerations and facts about such phenomena.

Orthodox Christian Perspective on the Soul and Spiritual Life

From an Orthodox standpoint, Osipov emphasizes that humans are not purely biological beings. A central tenet is the existence of an immortal soul that has a unique relationship with God and can perceive life beyond the physical realm. The soul's ability to leave the body is presented as a fundamental aspect of this teaching.

Osipov contrasts the legitimate, lawful path to spiritual life with "deceptive paths" or "prelest" (delusion). He explains that for Christians, the lawful path to God is through Him. If God does not exist, the entire worldview needs re-evaluation, which is difficult to comprehend. The existence of a spiritual world without God is seen as a contradiction.

He describes "prelest" as a path that is highly attractive, akin to narcotics, and appeals to a basic, childlike curiosity. This path is characterized as "thievish" or "unlawful," a way of "climbing over the fence" rather than entering through the door, which is how the righteous enter. Occult practices like spiritism are categorized under this "thievish" approach.

Osipov recommends "The Third Volume" of the works of Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, a canonized figure, as a definitive resource for understanding the Christian perspective on these matters. This volume, he states, provides the most complete picture and evaluates the "prelest" path, which unfortunately attracts more people than the normal, lawful path.

Critiques of Modern Society and Spirituality

The magazine laments the current era's lack of criteria for distinguishing good from bad, true from false, leading to a state where falsehood and delusion are treated as mere viewpoints, not just concerning the afterlife but reality in general.

Reader Engagement and Publication Information

The issue concludes with a call for reader feedback. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on the articles, their own experiences with "anomalous" phenomena, or any observations of UFOs. The editorial team expresses gratitude for contributions and mentions that the bulletin "Anomalija" is available for subscription. Contact information, including a postal address in Moscow (123298, P.O. Box 5, Association "Ecology of the Unknown") and a physical address for TASS (103009 Moscow, Tverskoy Boulevard, 10-12), is provided.

The editorial staff is listed: Editor S.F. Bulantsev, Scientific Coordinator A.E. Semenov, Cover Artist A.A. Tomashova, and Typesetter A.G. Genaliyev. The publication details indicate the printing location (TASS, Moscow), order number (661), and print run (50,000 copies).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, the existence of a spiritual realm, and the validity of experiences that transcend normal physical perception. The editorial stance is clearly rooted in Orthodox Christian theology, emphasizing the soul's immortality and the importance of adhering to a divinely ordained path to spiritual truth, while cautioning against deceptive and unlawful spiritual practices often associated with occultism. The magazine aims to explore anomalous phenomena through this theological lens, encouraging reader participation and scientific inquiry within this framework.