Anomalous Phenomena - No 9 - 1994

Magazine Overview

'Anomalous Phenomena' (АНОМАЛЬНЫЕ ЯВЛЕНИЯ), Issue No. 9, published from January to March 1994, is an electronic edition from Ukraine focusing on anomalous phenomena. This issue features a significant discussion on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), the Tunguska event, and the social phenomenon of ufology.

The Truth About SETI (Part 2)

This section, authored by A.V. Arkhipov, continues the discussion from a previous issue, exploring the reasons behind the potential 'silencing' of interesting SETI results. Dean A.-E. Goodman of Georgetown University is quoted, expressing concern that SETI could be politicized as a military aspect of national space research, potentially leading to a 'chilling effect' on open communication. The article cites the example of pulsar discovery delays and the hesitation to publish until their natural origin was confirmed. A reader's question from 'Sky and Telescope' highlights the fear that crucial discoveries might be suppressed by bureaucratic means or for 'national security' reasons.

A NASA representative, D. Tarter, claims NASA has a verification plan and independent confirmation process, stating that keeping a real discovery secret would be impossible. However, the article points to the 'Declaration of Principles for activities following the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence' developed by the SETI Committee of the International Academy of Astronautics. The first two points of this declaration suggest that parties should not publicly disclose information about a potential extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) discovery until its reliability is confirmed. The discoverer is obligated to inform their national authorities, who would then decide the fate of the discovery. The article suggests that national authorities might not be inclined to share strategically important information that promises new technological, economic, and political opportunities.

The author notes that in the USSR, censorship required authors to explain if their scientific articles contained information about new inventions. The 'Declaration' also proposed a censorship committee for information dissemination. A crucial condition is that the discoverer must first verify that the evidence is indeed ETI and not a natural or anthropogenic phenomenon. This is presented as a near-prohibitory filter, as critics like L.M. Gindilis, N.S. Kardashev, S. Len, V.V. Rubtsov, and A.D. Ursul argue that analyzing the practically infinite variety of possible natural explanations is unrealistic.

The article references the difficulty in confirming the origin of narrow-band radio flashes, where experiments could not definitively rule out 'strong interference of unknown origin.' It is suggested that it is easier to detect ETI than to prove it, leading to the conclusion that an official announcement of ETI discovery might be a long time coming, even if it has already occurred.

Towards Non-Classical Approaches

The article criticizes the narrowness of the classical approach to SETI, which may lead to the failure of ambitious, expensive, and endless searches, potentially causing a resurgence of pessimism and funding rejections. It advocates for moving away from the 'unjustified hegemony' of classical SETI and developing alternative directions.

M.D. Papagiannis, who headed the IAU Commission 'Search for Life in the Universe,' is quoted from 1989, emphasizing the importance of supporting alternative viewpoints and experimental approaches to increase the chances of discovery. He hoped NASA, as the leading agency in SETI, would resist pressure to fund only its own programs and continue supporting other initiatives.

Unfortunately, these hopes have not materialized. The 'SETI News' publication gives the impression that radio signal detection is the only method for detecting ETI, with other proposals not being published. Funding is primarily directed towards the 'Microwave Observatory of High Resolution.' This situation also influences Russian specialists to limit their activities to classical approaches, hoping to receive a share of the American SETI budget, estimated at $12-14 million annually. S.F. Likhahev, scientific secretary of a section at the Russian Academy of Sciences, is mentioned as limiting SETI to classical radio and laser signal searches.

The article then points to interesting non-classical possibilities, such as searching for alien artifacts on the Moon, studying narrow-band radio flashes, investigating anomalous cosmic radiation, searching for alien waste, and exploring the problem of UFOs. It concludes that modern classical SETI is merely a prelude to more serious searches for ETI that go beyond the classical approach.

Tunguska Phenomenon: Riddle of the Century

This section reports on a seminar held at the Kharkiv State University Astronomical Observatory on December 21, 1993, where Academician N.V. Vasiliev of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences discussed the current state of research on the Tunguska meteorite event of June 30, 1908. Vasiliev, who has participated in numerous expeditions to the impact site since 1959, highlights the complexity of the phenomenon, requiring further study and a serious approach.

The explosion's estimated power was equivalent to 15-40 megatons of TNT, occurring at an altitude of 6-7 km with a trajectory of 30-40 degrees. This is supported by the 'butterfly' pattern of fallen trees radiating from the epicenter. The vast area of devastated taiga, with a radius of 25-30 km to 40-45 km from the epicenter, attests to the event's grandeur.

Anomalous phenomena observed alongside the event include a significant increase in anomalous aerial phenomena from June 22 to August 4, 1908, across the Russian Empire and beyond. 160 descriptions of such phenomena were recorded, with a peak on June 30, 1908. These included anomalous night sky glows and an increased frequency of strange bolides, phenomena directly attributable to UFOs. Furthermore, an anomalous spot of the element ytterbium was detected on the ground along the projected trajectory of the Tunguska object. Anomalous traces of carbon, hydrogen, and lead isotopes were also found. The genetic ability of plants to recover was found to be 12 times higher than normal mutation rates.

Most remarkably, the object made a sharp turn on the final segment of its trajectory, deviating 20 degrees to the left from a course of 290-295 degrees to a course of 275 degrees before the explosion. The event involved multiple explosions, and the epicenter coincided with the crater of an ancient volcano active about 250 million years ago.

Finally, Vasiliev mentioned that the most mysterious aspect is the objective reports of an unknown, cigar-shaped flying object (or objects) observed in the area immediately after the Tunguska event.

The Tunguska phenomenon is described as a complex and scientifically interesting event requiring further study by specialists from various disciplines, as existing hypotheses have failed to explain the full range of established facts.

UFOs: To Believe or Not to Believe?

This section, authored by I.N. Kovshun, discusses the rise of public interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the emergence of 'ufological' movements. The article touches upon a controversial TV series, 'Mysteries of the 20th Century,' which explored the 'Anenerbe' organization's alleged attempts to recreate a 'superman' through genetic selection and occult practices. The series was reportedly cut short due to criticism that it predicted the possibility of neo-fascist come to power in Russia.

The author references A.G. Dugin, a metaphysician and historian of religions, and his book 'Conspirology,' which discusses theories of conspiracy, secret societies, and occult warfare. Dugin's work includes the concept of a 'conspiratorial plot of the saucer-people' (UFOs) as part of various 'occult conspiracies.' These conspiracies are characterized by a desire to present themselves as authentic bearers of religious or esoteric truth, hatred of traditional doctrines, claims of 'messianic' restoration of spirituality on Earth, and adherence to neo-mysticism and neo-spiritualism.

Some 'occult conspiracies' aim for political and geopolitical influence, with Dugin citing the 'Moon sect' as an example. The article suggests that conspiracy theorists studying the prophecies of 'occult sects' about the restoration of 'new spirituality' on Earth will find elements of a 'conspiratorial plot' aimed at undermining human criteria, as most sects encourage 'openness to the otherworldly reality,' often leading to mental pathology.

Dugin's 'conspiratorial plot of the saucer-people' is described as a subspecies of neo-spiritualism. In this 'ufological conspiracy,' the 'conspirators' are not just humans but 'intelligent beings from other planets.' These 'visitors from saucers' are presented as 'secret rulers of Earth' seeking to establish a new order corresponding to cosmic 'norms.' Some versions suggest that 'aliens' and 'saucer pilots' originate not from other planets but from 'the center of the Earth.' The article also mentions hypotheses that UFOs are emissaries of a hypothetical underwater civilization on Earth or messengers from 'Teachers' from Shambala.

A more extreme version posits that 'conspirators' are former Nazis and their neo-Nazi followers who, after their defeat in the war, aim to bring humanity to a strange catastrophe and establish their dominion with the help of UFOs, described as the 'secret occult weapon' of the Fourth Reich, hidden in South America, Canada, or Antarctica. In these versions, UFOs are not just technical devices but 'magical astral bodies,' the combat weapons of the Aryan 'superman' race.

Ufology as a system of beliefs is relatively young, with the term 'flying saucer' gaining prominence in 1944 among German pilots. The 'saucer craze' swept through the USA and then the world after businessman Kenneth Arnold reported seeing 'flying saucers' near the Rocky Mountains. The attempt to establish ufology as a science has been unsuccessful, as many UFO observations could not be explained by conventional science. Consequently, official science has not recognized the existence of UFOs, despite photographic and film evidence, and historical accounts from ancient times.

The second stage in UFO study involved incorporating non-orthodox hypotheses about the universe, such as the existence of multiple universes or parallel realities. However, these hypotheses often lack scientific status due to the unproven existence of their subject matter. The article mentions that many para-scientific hypotheses explaining UFO phenomena are not listed, but suggests that among non-scientific hypotheses, there might be correct ones.

A quote from A. Zinoviev's 'The Heights of the Spirit' is used: "I have my own theory," said the schizoid. "Tell me," asked Mazila. "Try," said the schizoid. "But I warn you, it's unscientific." "Never mind," said Mazila, "as long as it's true." This quote is deemed particularly relevant as many authors of para-scientific UFO theories were treated for schizophrenia by Soviet clinical psychiatry.

The third stage, occurring concurrently with the second, involves explaining UFO phenomena through occultism, neo-spiritualism, and dualistic concepts of good and evil as fundamental forces of world evolution. This stage also includes Eastern teachings about the coming of 'Higher Beings' and information about 'Teacher races' guiding humanity. The article notes that restrictions on UFO publications have led to a proliferation of literature portraying UFOs as messengers from God or Satan, or as emissaries from distant planets.

The author criticizes the literature produced by self-proclaimed 'masters of the occult,' 'academicians of occult sciences,' and others, which often mixes beliefs from ancient Eastern and Western traditions. This literature, according to the article, further hinders the establishment of ufology as a science.

The article then discusses the 'conspiratorial plot of the saucer-people,' which aims to revive humanity's spirituality with the help of 'visitors from the cosmos.' These 'visitors' are presented as 'secret rulers of Earth' seeking to establish a new order. The author notes the appearance of swastikas with the inscription 'UFO - the end of the world' on walls and telephone booths, linking this to the 'ufological conspiracy.'

UFOs as a Social Phenomenon

This section, by A. Arkhipov, examines ufology as a social phenomenon, noting the recent surge in public interest in UFOs and the formation of numerous 'ufological' organizations. The author argues that this social phenomenon requires analysis independent of the nature of UFOs themselves.

The article traces the history of UFO research in Ukraine, identifying four main stages:

1. Illegal Existence (until 1980): During this period, UFO enthusiasts operated discreetly due to the negative official stance from academic and governmental institutions. Materials were circulated through samizdat, and access to foreign literature was limited. Despite KGB surveillance, information was accumulated and shared.

2. Transitional Stage (1980-1989): The growing number of enthusiasts and accumulated information led to a shift. In 1980, a section for 'Study of Anomalous Phenomena in the Environment' was established under the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. This marked the beginning of legal ufological groups and increased research activities, including conferences and seminars.

3. Commercialization (post-1989): The post-Soviet era saw a surge in commercialization, with attempts to secure funding for ufological projects. The article criticizes these ventures, citing an example of a proposal for 'Al'ta' that sought significant benefits for its leadership without concrete scientific backing. This commercialization is seen as damaging ufology's credibility with both the Academy of Sciences and the government.

4. Current Challenges and Future Outlook: The author predicts a difficult future for Ukrainian ufologists, with a likely decrease in the number of 'businessmen' in the field. However, this could be accompanied by new speculative projects. The number of dedicated researchers may also decline. The article expresses hope that a situation similar to the transitional stage might arise, where 'researchers' play a more prominent role, potentially leading to a closer relationship between ufology and science. This would be facilitated by the publication of results from conscientious researchers, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon may indeed be a reality worthy of scientific study.

The author emphasizes the need for a national scientific journal to publish well-argued and high-quality articles on UFOs, stating that without it, ufology cannot achieve the status of a scientific discipline.

Methodological Guidelines for Observing Anomalous Phenomena

This section provides methodological guidelines for observing anomalous phenomena in the atmosphere and outer space, and their impact on the environment, living organisms, and technical systems. It is presented as a temporary instruction from the USSR Academy of Sciences, approved by corresponding member V.V. Migulin.

The guidelines emphasize the need for reliable observational data for developing physical models of these phenomena. Organizations involved in research are encouraged to collect information on anomalous phenomena, particularly 'luminous objects.' These objects are categorized into two groups: local phenomena with sharp boundaries and global phenomena observed over large territories with significant angular sizes and complex physical processes.

Due to the lack of reliable classification criteria, the importance of accurate information on all registered phenomena is stressed. The guidelines recommend using technical equipment such as radar stations, television systems, photo/film equipment, night vision devices, sound recorders, dosimeters, and magnetometers. For visual observations, detailed recording of the phenomenon's duration, angular size, and location (azimuth, elevation angle) is advised. The brightness, shape, structure, movement characteristics, and any unusual aspects of the phenomenon should be noted, along with any accompanying acoustic effects, smells, or impacts on the observer's physical state. If photographic registration is impossible, a sketch is recommended.

Recommendations for organizing observations include developing a plan, conducting personal training, and gathering additional information from other witnesses. The report on observations should include the date and time, location, results of registration (technical and visual), observations on technical system performance, meteorological conditions, environmental impact, and personal data of the observer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to anomalies, extraterrestrial intelligence, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the public's interest while advocating for rigorous scientific investigation and caution against unsubstantiated claims or commercial exploitation of these subjects. There is a clear emphasis on the need for empirical evidence and a move towards more scientific methodologies in studying these phenomena, while also recognizing the social and psychological dimensions of belief in UFOs and related topics. The issue highlights the tension between the desire for discovery and the practical and political challenges involved in such pursuits.