Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 1997 No 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ИЗМЕРЕНИЕ И НЛО" (Measurement and UFO), published as a supplement to the newspaper "Заводская правда" by the Yaroslavl Tire Plant in 1997, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the "Kyshtym Humanoid" case, alongside articles on the "Petrozavodsk Phenomenon," a magician's visit, and speculative scientific theories.

The Kyshtym Humanoid

The lead article details the bizarre story of "Alyoshenka," a gnome-like creature found in 1957 near Kyshtym by Tamara Prosvirina. The creature, described as about 40 cm tall with a large head, bulging white eyes, and no discernible human features, was kept by Prosvirina. After its death, the mummy was examined by investigator Vladimir Bendlin and pathologist Stanislav Samoshkin. Samoshkin concluded it was not human, and a DNA analysis was proposed but not conducted. The mummy was reportedly taken by ufologist Galina Semenkova, whose current whereabouts are unknown. A scientific council, led by Academician Ya.G. Galperin, reviewed video footage of the mummy and suggested a tragic origin, possibly a child deformed by atomic radiation.

David Copperfield's Visit to Russia

Another article announces the upcoming visit of illusionist David Copperfield to Moscow and St. Petersburg in September 1997. Copperfield aims to convince the Russian public of extraordinary human capabilities, believing that a lack of belief in miracles in everyday life has diminished people's sense of wonder. He plans to perform a stunt in Moscow by temporarily removing Lenin's Mausoleum from Red Square.

UFOs Over Kaluga and Other Sightings

Reports indicate an increase in UFO activity, corroborating earlier predictions by ufologists. On the night of July 14, dozens of people in the Borovsky district of Kaluga Oblast witnessed a large, glowing disc composed of concentric rings of yellow balls, which moved rapidly and repeatedly returned. The article suggests that if UFO activity continues to increase, mass sightings could be expected by the end of the year.

The "Petrozavodsk Phenomenon" of September 20, 1977

This section provides an in-depth account of the unusual events on the night of September 20, 1977, across a vast area of the northwestern USSR, from Denmark to the Ural Mountains. The phenomenon, dubbed the "Petrozavodsk Phenomenon," involved numerous UFO sightings, including a "jelly-fish"-like object over Petrozavodsk that emitted light beams and rays, creating the impression of a rain shower. Eyewitnesses described a large, glowing object moving slowly, sometimes against the wind, and causing psychological effects. The article dismisses explanations involving natural phenomena like ball lightning or conventional aircraft, noting the objects' ability to maneuver, hover, and emit unusual light. Holes with melted edges found in some Petrozavodsk windows are attributed to laser-like beams from the UFO. Similar sightings were reported in Finland, with authorities suggesting a possible rocket stage explosion, though the scale and nature of the events suggest otherwise. The phenomenon lasted for about four hours, with a peak intensity between 4:00 and 4:20 AM.

UFOs Over Kurkiyoki and Namoevo

Engineer A.P. Novozhilov reported seeing a dirigible-shaped object near Kurkiyoki on the Karelian coast of Lake Ladoga early on September 20, 1977. A bright white ball detached from the object and descended, causing a glow on the ground. Novozhilov experienced subsequent health issues, including loss of consciousness. In Namoevo, ufologist Yu.V. Linnik observed a lenticular UFO through a telescope, emitting pulsating rays.

Congress of Ufologists and Psychics

A congress held near Chebarkul from June 21-27 discussed UFOs, astrology, and psychic predictions. Speakers warned that extraterrestrial visitors could be friends, foes, or indifferent observers. Predictions included global upheavals, strained relations between Russia and other countries, potential changes in Russian leadership, and the eventual restoration of the USSR under neo-communists. Psychic Malahat Nazarova predicted chaos until 2017. Astrologers foretold a third world war starting in late 1997, potential cataclysms like cometary impacts, and the submersion of coastal regions.

Photochemical Smog and UFOs

An article by Vladimir Nartsissov proposes a speculative theory linking photochemical smog to UFO sightings. It explains how pollutants in the atmosphere react with oxygen under sunlight to create glowing "plasmoids." This process, involving active oxygen forms, can emit light and potentially cause physiological effects similar to radiation sickness. Nartsissov suggests that some UFO phenomena might be ecological rather than extraterrestrial in origin, requiring specialized protective gear for close observation.

Meteorites and the Committee for Meteorites

The "Committee for Meteorites" appeals to the public for information on bright bolides and meteorite finds. It emphasizes the scientific value of these objects as remnants of the early solar system and urges people to report sightings and send small samples of suspected meteorites for analysis. The committee provides detailed instructions on how to report observations and where to send samples.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes advertisements for UFO-related video films and a call for advertising agents and subscription agents for the local newspaper "Попутный ветер" (Tailwind). A section on "Marina Lukonina Creates Miracles!" features testimonials about a folk healer's ability to treat various ailments, including tumors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of the unexplained, extraterrestrial encounters, and future predictions, reflecting a strong interest in ufology and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism, as noted in the conclusion of the Petrozavodsk Phenomenon section where the author states, "Should we believe all this? Seriously, I think not! But it's impossible not to write about it. Who knows...". The magazine also engages with scientific speculation, as seen in the photochemical smog theory, and appeals to citizen science for data collection, particularly regarding meteorites.