Anomalous Phenomena - No 2 - 1993

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Anomalous Phenomena' (No. 2, April 1993) focuses on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the establishment of ufological organizations in Ukraine. The magazine features articles discussing the scientific and philosophical implications of searching for alien life, the history and current status of SETI projects, and the potential benefits and political aspects of discovering other civilizations.

Extraterrestrial Civilizations and Ukraine

The main article, 'Extraterrestrial Civilizations and Ukraine' by A.V. Arkhipov, argues for the continued importance of searching for extraterrestrial life. It highlights that scientific exploration, even in times of crisis, can lead to significant discoveries, citing examples like Hertz's discovery of radio waves and Rutherford's work on atomic energy. The article notes the establishment of the International Astronomical Union's Commission 51 (Bioastronomy) and the growing investment in SETI by governments and corporations worldwide, including a significant increase in US funding.

Arkhipov emphasizes the philosophical and sociological value of understanding humanity's place in the universe by knowing whether other intelligent beings exist. He also points out the potential practical applications of SETI technology in fields like astrophysics and reconnaissance. The article touches upon the political implications, referencing a debate in the Australian Parliament about potential export opportunities from discovering alien civilizations and concerns raised by Georgetown University Dean A.E. Goodman about the potential politicization of SETI for national security purposes.

The article mentions the 'Declaration of Principles of Action Arising from the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Intelligence' distributed at a conference and the debate initiated by US President Reagan regarding potential military threats from space beings.

SETI: 30 Years of Search

The issue reviews the 30-year history of SETI, stating that while results have been inconclusive, they are not entirely negative. It discusses the challenges in detecting artificial radio signals, which are expected to be narrow-band, repetitive, and originating from point sources. The article notes the detection of unusual, short-duration, narrow-band radio bursts in directions of stars considered favorable for life, though most have not been repeatable or linked to Sun-like stars. Researchers like R.S. Dixon, S.U. Ami, M.I. Ladge, and A.E. Vaughan have investigated these phenomena, with some suggesting they could be accidental encounters with signals from alien spacecraft or the result of civilizations moving powerful processes outside their planetary systems.

The article concludes that SETI strategies need to be broadened beyond the radio spectrum, becoming all-wave searches.

Founding of the Ukrainian Ufological Association

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the protocol of the founding conference of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UКУФАС), held in Kharkiv on February 15-16, 1991. The conference was attended by 34 delegates from various regions of Ukraine and guests, including representatives from Russia and the media.

Key figures at the conference included A.V. Beletsky (Chairman of the Organizing Committee), E.Ya. Klinger (Deputy Chairman), V.S. Pokanevich (Member), and A.V. Nechaev (Secretary). The primary agenda items were the review and approval of the association's charter and the election of its leadership.

Beletsky's report on the preparation of the charter emphasized that the association should be a creative organization supporting scientific research, not a commercial entity. He highlighted the broad rights granted by the charter, aligning with Ukrainian legislation, and stressed the importance of economic self-sufficiency and self-financing. The charter aims to professionalize UFO research and ensure a balance of interests within the association, advocating for consensus-based decision-making.

Discussions during the conference touched upon the charter's provisions, including the need for clear objectives, the potential for financial and material assets, and the mandatory nature of certain decisions. Concerns were raised about the association becoming overly bureaucratic, with suggestions to create an expert council (EKSO) to protect the integrity of ufological research.

The charter, drafted with reference to Soviet and Ukrainian laws on public associations, outlines the principles of creation and operation of such organizations, including political parties and public organizations. It defines their status (nationwide, local, international) and the procedures for their establishment and termination.

UFO Sighting Near Kharkiv

The 'UFO-Fact' section reports a UFO sighting by V.S. Mantulin on January 6, 1993, between 16:48 and 16:51 in the eastern sky near Kharkiv. The object was described as star-shaped, moving silently at an angular height of 15 degrees. It was comparable in brightness to Sirius, with an angular size of 12 minutes of arc, and appeared elliptical. Air traffic controllers at Kharkiv airport and military radar operators did not detect any aircraft matching the description, leading Mantulin to conclude it was an unidentified flying object (UFO).

Other Sections

The issue also includes a section on Ukrainian law concerning public associations, providing excerpts from the Law of Ukraine 'On Associations of Citizens.' It details the rights and freedoms of citizens to form associations, the legal framework for their operation, and restrictions that may apply.

A directory of ufological organizations in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is provided, listing contact information for groups in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, and Lithuania.

An interview with Russian Military-Space Forces Commander General-Colonel V. Ivanov is featured, where he expresses his belief in the existence of UFOs, citing personal experiences and observations that cannot be explained by conventional means.

Announcements include information about an upcoming regional scientific-technical conference on the study of anomalous phenomena in Kharkiv and the publication of a preprint by A.V. Arkhipov on the physical classification of transient lunar phenomena. Subscription and advertising information for the next issue are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and societal implications of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, the organizational development of ufology in Ukraine, and the reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of open scientific inquiry into anomalous phenomena, advocating for structured research, legal frameworks for associations, and the dissemination of information. The magazine aims to serve as a platform for reporting observations, discussing theories, and coordinating efforts among researchers in the field.