Anomalous Phenomena - No 4 - 1993

Magazine Overview

This issue of the 'Anomalous Phenomena' bulletin, published in June 1993, is presented as a special electronic edition from the Kharkiv Coordination Council of UKUFAS. It is dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Georgievich Prokhorov, a significant figure in the study of geopathology and biolocation.

In Memory of a Colleague: Vladimir Georgievich Prokhorov

The bulletin opens with an obituary for Vladimir Georgievich Prokhorov, who passed away on December 8, 1992. Prokhorov was a leading researcher at the Krasnoyarsk branch of the Siberian Research Institute of Geology, Geophysics, and Mineral Resources. He was a candidate of geological-mineralogical sciences and an active member of the Interdepartmental Commission of the Russian Radio Engineering Society named after A.S. Popov. Prokhorov was a pioneer in biolocation and the study of geopathogenic zones, serving as the head of the Central Siberian section of the biolocation association. His work focused on identifying and mapping geopathogenic zones and assessing their impact on living and industrial spaces. He also conducted experiments on the biological comfort of areas and the physiological parameters of operators in biolocational anomalies. Prokhorov was born in 1928 and began his geological career in 1952. He held various positions, including head of an experimental metallometric party and a postgraduate student at the Mining and Geological Institute. His professional life from 1962 onwards was closely tied to the Krasnoyarsk complex laboratory. His research formed the basis for an original direction in bio-comfort assessment of territories and premises. Under his guidance, geopathogenic zones were investigated for planned radon resorts and existing sanatoriums. He also conducted experimental work on identifying zones of geodynamic stress near major hydroelectric power plants. Prokhorov was a prolific researcher, leaving behind over 100 publications, including monographs, scientific reports, and inventions. He also contributed to popular science articles and gave numerous interviews. His scientific interests were diverse, encompassing the geology, geochemistry, and mineralogy of various ore deposits, as well as experiments in modeling mineral formation processes. He also focused on the typomorphic properties of minerals, particularly pyrite, and the development of analytical instruments. A significant part of his research from the 1960s onwards involved biolocation and its application in mineral exploration and geoecological tasks. He introduced the concept of integral intensity of biolocational anomalies. Prokhorov's work was characterized by its practical orientation, and his biolocational methods were successfully used in exploration in the Yenisei Ridge and Morocco. His research was based on extensive factual material and thorough field investigations. He was an active participant in numerous scientific schools and seminars on biolocation, organizing and leading research in Central Siberia. He was also a gifted communicator, capable of clearly explaining complex concepts. The obituary notes his broad erudition, scientific intuition, passion, and multifaceted interests, including a love for Russian poetry.

Ufology as a Social Phenomenon

This section discusses the rise of public interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the formation of 'ufological' organizations. The author, who has been researching anomalous phenomena for years, argues that this social phenomenon requires analysis. The article traces the history of ufology in Ukraine, identifying four main stages:

1. Illegal Existence (Before 1980): Enthusiasts gathered information semi-legally, relying on foreign literature and samizdat due to official skepticism towards UFOs. Connections were made with foreign colleagues, and information was exchanged through manuscripts.
2. Transitional Stage (1980-1989): Growing interest led to a questioning of the official negative stance. In 1980, a section for 'Study of Anomalous Phenomena in the Environment' was formed under the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, fostering the development of legal ufological groups across Ukraine. Research activities increased, but censorship on publications and foreign materials persisted. The Academy of Sciences had a dual stance, acknowledging some phenomena as natural or human-related while also supporting research into unconventional propulsion systems.
3. Boom (1989-1991): The perestroika era saw a surge in entrepreneurial interest in UFOs, leading to the creation of ufological divisions within businesses. Censorship was lifted in 1989, resulting in a widespread popularization, and often a profanation, of the topic. This period saw the proliferation of ufological publications, many driven by commercial success. The author notes the emergence of 'researchers' and 'businessmen' within the ufological community, with the latter prioritizing commercial gain. This led to the formation of organizations like the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS) in 1991, initially with democratic statutes that were later amended.
4. Crisis (Since 1992): The severe economic crisis led to a decline in business interest in ufology. Many ufological divisions faced financial difficulties, and the publication of ufological literature decreased due to rising costs. The topic of UFOs also lost its novelty and relevance in mass media, which were focused on survival issues. This situation has led to a decline in the number of ufologists, particularly 'businessmen', and a potential return to a phase where 'researchers' might have more influence. The author emphasizes the need for a national scientific journal to publish well-argued articles on UFOs to elevate ufology to a scientific discipline.

Consequences of Commercialization

Commercialization attracted new enthusiasts with insufficient research experience, lowering the overall quality of research. Sensational and often unscientific reporting became common, driven by market demands rather than objective presentation. The article critiques Ukrainian ufological press, citing examples of unsubstantiated claims and sensationalized reports.

Protocol of the Founding Conference of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS)

This section details the proceedings of the founding conference held in Kharkiv on February 15-16, 1991. Key events include:

• Adoption of the Charter: The charter of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS) was discussed and adopted. The name was confirmed as 'Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS)'.
• Election of Officers:
• President: Initially, A.F. Pugach was proposed, but he withdrew his candidacy. A.V. Beletsky was then proposed and unanimously elected as the first president of UKUFAS.
• Vice-President: V.S. Pokanevich was proposed and unanimously elected as vice-president. He is described as having significant organizational experience.
• Formation of Governing Bodies: The conference also involved the election of other governing bodies.

Law of Ukraine on Associations of Citizens

This section provides excerpts from Ukrainian law concerning associations of citizens, detailing their rights, property ownership, and limitations, particularly for political parties. It outlines the legal framework for the establishment and operation of such organizations.

Methodological Guidelines for Observing Anomalous Phenomena

These guidelines, developed by the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, provide instructions for observing anomalous phenomena in the atmosphere and outer space. They cover:

• Introduction: Emphasizing the need for reliable observational data for scientific research.
• Recommendations for Registration: Detailing the use of technical equipment (radar, photographic, etc.) and visual observations. It stresses the importance of recording details such as brightness, shape, movement, and any associated acoustic or electromagnetic effects.
• Organization of Observations: Outlining the need for a plan of observation and instruction of personnel.
• Content of Reports: Specifying the information to be included in reports, such as date, time, location, description of the phenomenon, technical data, environmental impact, and observer details.
• Procedure for Submitting Reports: Instructions on how and where to submit observation reports, with emphasis on timely reporting of interesting phenomena.

Other Sections

• "Vershiny Dukha" (Peaks of the Spirit): A philosophical or spiritual text, possibly related to leadership and spiritual development.
• Announcements and Advertisements: Includes information about psychological support services, a call for financial support for the bulletin, and an offer to reprint previous issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin exhibits a strong interest in anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs and biolocation, with a focus on scientific investigation and methodology. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of rigorous research and the professionalization of ufology, as evidenced by the detailed methodological guidelines and the discussion on the challenges of commercialization. The passing of Vladimir Prokhorov highlights the importance of his contributions to the field. The publication also engages with legal aspects of citizen associations and includes philosophical or spiritual content, suggesting a broad scope of interest beyond just UFO sightings.