Anomalous Phenomena - No 1 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: АНОМАЛЬНЫЕ ЯВЛЕНИЯ (Anomalous Phenomena)
Issue: No. 1
Date: March 1993
Type: Special electronic edition / Information Bulletin
Publisher: Kharkiv Coordination Council of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS)
Country: Ukraine
Language: Russian

To the Readers

The editorial addresses the state of Ukrainian ufology two years after the formation of UKUFAS. It highlights persistent challenges, including the need for better coordination, operational information exchange, and raising the professional and scientific level of ufologists. The editorial laments the widening gap between domestic ufology and scientific methodology, and criticizes the lack of adherence to ethical principles by some researchers. It points to legal nihilism and a lack of legal literacy among some ufologists, as well as a divergence of interests and positions within UKUFAS itself, leading to a division of the organization. The bulletin aims to provide objective and timely information, promote scientific views, support the development of SETI and UFO research, and foster a positive atmosphere based on universal human values. It also plans to cover the history of ufology, its people, and organizations, and will publish free announcements and advertisements.

The bulletin is presented as a continuation of the "AP" bulletin, with the first issue appearing in December 1990. Due to current production difficulties, the publication is returning to a "samizdat" (self-published) format to allow for faster and more efficient production in small print runs. The bulletin is non-commercial, with the first issue distributed free of charge. However, to cover production costs, voluntary financing through advance payment is requested from readers. Authors of published materials (excluding advertisements) will receive free copies of the bulletin.

Information: Scientific Research Institute for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (SRISAP)

Location: Kharkiv, Ukraine
Director: V.V. Rubtsov (Corresponding Member of the Academy of Cosmonautics)

The Scientific Research Institute for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena (SRISAP) was established at the Aerocosmic Scientific-Production Company "Vertikal" in Kharkiv. It operates on a full cost-accounting basis and is an independent scientific research organization. Its primary objectives are the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and research in non-classical SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

The institute adheres strictly to scientific methods and collaborates with the Academy of Cosmonautics and the Academies of Sciences of CIS countries. SRISAP is described as a "center for crystallization" of temporary research teams and scientific directions rather than a permanent institution. It has a small staff and minimal overhead, allowing it to form creative teams for specific tasks with defined timelines and funding. It engages scientists from various research institutions and universities on a contract basis.

Scientific Council: A.V. Arkhipov (secretary), A.V. Beletsky (deputy chairman), P.I. Kutnik, N.N. Morozov, N.V. Platov, V.V. Rubtsov (chairman), V.G. Tupalo.

Consultative Council: Includes members from the USA, Spain, Ukraine, Russia, Belgium, Japan, and the CIS.

The Problem of UFOs

The problem of UFOs is divided into two main sub-problems: the existence of genuine UFOs (objects and phenomena not explainable by current science) and the nature of these phenomena. The unique characteristics of UFO problems distinguish them from typical natural science issues. The primary "instrument" for observation is the human being, whose sensory organs record anomalous and pseudo-anomalous objects. The eyewitness's individual characteristics, vision quality, attention, and ability to recall and describe observations significantly impact the informativeness and accuracy of reports. The body of UFO sighting reports is highly heterogeneous, as is the research community studying the problem.

Many amateur associations generate "noise" that leads the international scientific community to dismiss UFO research as a waste of time and effort. Past research, both in the former USSR and other countries, has yielded little understanding of UFOs due to a weak consideration of data specificity, the need for an interdisciplinary approach, and appropriate methodology. There is a lack of "quality standards" in ufological research that are common in general scientific research.

Significant progress has been made in collecting UFO observation data in recent decades, and it is now reasonably certain that genuine UFOs exist. However, their nature remains unexplained, and the problem is unlikely to be solved with current research approaches. The available data does not allow specialists to reach a definitive conclusion.

To advance UFO problem resolution, it must be framed as a normal scientific problem with established cognitive norms. However, the problem of UFOs cannot be fully encompassed by any single scientific discipline. Therefore, it needs to be broken down into narrow, mono-disciplinary questions that can be rigorously developed methodologically, with effective interdisciplinary coordination. The results of such research may prove useful for the advancement of science and technology, regardless of whether "genuine UFOs" represent a fundamentally new phenomenon.

SRISAP was created for this purpose, proceeding from the premise of the physical reality of UFOs and the possibility of studying them with "normal" scientific methods and equipment. Detailed study of UFOs using methods like radar and atmospheric optics, combined with geological, geophysical, and geochemical analysis of suspected landing sites, is intended to provide necessary data. Effective collection and analysis of instrumental ("regularized") information on the UFO phenomenon is crucial for building a comprehensive picture and theoretical models.

Main Research Directions of SRISAP:

1. Development of methods and strategies for active detection of anomalous objects.
2. Instrumental research of suspected landing sites of anomalous objects (AO) and their environmental impact.
3. Creation of an effective system for reconstructing anomalous phenomena based on witness testimonies.
4. Development of databases for UFO observations for IBM-compatible personal computers and an expert system to identify "genuine UFOs" or, at least, to filter out pseudo-anomalous object observations.
5. Construction of physical models of anomalous aerospace phenomena.
6. Study of the epistemological, social-psychological, and other humanitarian aspects of the UFO problem.

SETI Research

For the past 30 years, searches for extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs) have primarily been conducted using radio astronomy methods. Theoretical models for hypothetical extraterrestrial signals and methods for their detection have been developed, along with experiments to search for such signals, which have so far been unsuccessful. Despite this, the opinion is widespread among SETI specialists that searches should focus on repeating sequences of narrow-band radio or optical pulses, presumably transmitted from the vicinity of Sun-like stars. However, this "classical" approach may not be the only viable one.

In the absence of any empirical information about extraterrestrial civilizations, it is practically impossible to consciously choose an optimal search strategy. Alternative (or non-classical) approaches to this problem may have no less (and possibly greater) potential than the classical strategy. These approaches can be grouped as follows:

1. Search for random external manifestations of technological activity of highly developed ETCs or their widespread, broadband, and/or sporadic electromagnetic radiation in visible, infrared, radio, and other ranges.
2. Search for extraterrestrial artifacts (space bases, interstellar probes and ships, various technical devices, and remnants) on the surfaces of planets and satellites in the Solar System, or even in open space.
3. Search for similar artifacts, as well as other possible traces of ancient and/or recent extraterrestrial visits to Earth.

SRISAP is working in all these areas. Specifically, the Department of Space Research, led by A.V. Arkhipov, analyzes infrared and microwave celestial maps to detect highly developed ETCs, yielding interesting results. Additionally, the program "Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts on the Moon" (PVAL) is underway. This program includes:
a) Searching for possible reflections from flat (mirror-like) surfaces of hypothetical extraterrestrial objects.
b) Searching for other possible artificial extraterrestrial phenomena on the lunar surface.
c) Analyzing the possibility of interaction between Earth and extraterrestrial civilizations on the Moon.
d) Modeling possible extraterrestrial strategies for lunar exploration.

These studies utilize existing catalogs of "short-term lunar phenomena" (KLY) and data obtained from the KLY observer network, recently established in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. The PVAL program is particularly relevant given current plans for lunar exploration by the space agencies of the USA and Japan.

Structure and Publications of SRISAP

Formally, the institute comprises four departments: Ufological, Space, Historical, and Informational. However, the primary research unit is a problem-oriented group created specifically to work on mono- and interdisciplinary problems. These groups are led by a leading specialist who is fully responsible for the quality of the work to the Scientific Council and the institute's director. The latter rely on the support of a Consultative Council, which includes specialists from Ukraine, Russia, the USA, Japan, and other countries.

SRISAP is launching two periodic publications: the journal "Anomalistics & Astronomy" (in Russian) and the Bulletin "Bulletin of SRISAP" (in English).

Institute Address: Ukraine, 310002, Kharkiv-2, Frunze St., 18.
Postal Address: Ukraine, 310022, Kharkiv-22, P.O. Box 4684.
E-mail: riap%[email protected]
Fax: (057-2) 79-11-11
Settlement Account: 609957, MFO 351789, NPK-Bank, Kharkiv.

In the Next Issue:

Extraterrestrial Civilizations and Ukraine, Protocol of the Founding Conference of UKUFAS (February 1991), Law of Ukraine "On Citizens' Associations", Addresses of Ufological Organizations in the CIS, Information, Reports, Announcements, Advertisements.

Target financing for the next issue of "AP" (approx. 1.0 author's sheet): 50 krb (for Ukraine) or 50 rubles (for Russia and other CIS countries). Send money via postal order to the editorial office with the note: "Bulletin Target Financing".

"Anomalous Phenomena"
Founder: Kharkiv Coordination Council of UKUFAS
Editor: A.V. Beletsky
Editorial Address: Ukraine, 310136, Kharkiv 136, Tractostroiteley Ave., 107-B, apt. 123. Tel. 675844
Bulletin is published: non-periodically in Russian.
Circulation: 50 copies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance emphasizes a commitment to scientific rigor, objectivity, and a multidisciplinary approach to the study of anomalous phenomena. While the bulletin aims to present a scientific perspective, it also expresses a willingness to include diverse viewpoints from the ufological community. The publication seeks to foster a more professional and scientifically grounded ufology in Ukraine, moving away from amateurism and unsubstantiated claims. The recurring theme is the need for organized, methodologically sound research into UFOs and SETI, with SRISAP positioned as a key institution driving this effort. The bulletin also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the dissemination of research findings.