Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 1997 No 12

Magazine Overview

"Четвертое Измерение и НЛО" - Issue №12, 1997

This issue of "Четвертое Измерение и НЛО" (Fourth Dimension and UFOs), a supplement to the newspaper "Заводская правда" from the Yaroslavl Tire Plant, dated 1997, delves into two primary areas: groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and the complex world of ufology, with a particular focus on alleged government cover-ups and alternative belief systems.

"New Worlds Discovered!"

The lead article, "New Worlds Discovered!", reports on the epochal astronomical findings of the past year, most notably the discovery of ten exoplanets – planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. American and Swiss astronomers are credited with these findings, which have significantly reshaped our understanding of the cosmos and sparked hope for finding new, potentially habitable worlds. The article highlights the increasing power of telescopes, both terrestrial and orbital, and the advancements in electronic apparatus that are yielding surprising images of celestial bodies and phenomena. It suggests that astronomy is entering a "new golden age" and that the discovery of exoplanets near our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is now within reach, potentially proving that our solar system is not unique.

Astronomers like Geoffrey Marcy and Paul Butler from the University of San Francisco, who have already discovered several exoplanets, believe their findings are just the beginning. The article explains the method used to detect these planets: observing minute changes in the frequency of stellar radiation caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets. The possibility of planets existing around nearly every second star in the Milky Way is raised, fueling the search for new planetary systems. The article also mentions the discovery of planetary objects around a pulsar by radio astronomer Alexander Volvchan, though the environment around pulsars is deemed unsuitable for life. Another significant discovery discussed is a planet with half the mass of Jupiter orbiting a Sun-like star in the Pegasus constellation, confirmed by California astronomers.

Future prospects for exoplanet detection are discussed, including the proposed "Kepler" satellite, equipped with a telescope and video camera, which could potentially discover thousands of exoplanets if approved by NASA. A more ambitious project involves an infrared telescope in deep space to detect the thermal radiation of exoplanets, which could reveal the presence of water and ozone. Engineers at the California Jet Propulsion Laboratory are developing projects utilizing "optical interferometry" with multiple telescopes working simultaneously, aiming to detect Earth-like exoplanets and analyze their atmospheres.

"The Truth About UFOs is Hidden Not Only by the Military, But Also by Ufologists!!!"

This lengthy and critical article focuses on V.G. Azhazha, a prominent Russian ufologist, on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The author accuses Azhazha and his colleagues of widespread suppression and distortion of information regarding UFOs in Russia, allegedly in collusion with the military-industrial complex and scientific elite. The article traces Azhazha's early career, suggesting he received significant support from military and governmental circles, including the GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate).

It details Azhazha's involvement in research projects related to "hydrosphere aspects of the UFO problem" and his communications with high-ranking officials. The author claims that Azhazha's early career was deeply intertwined with military intelligence interests. The article then criticizes Azhazha's later shift in stance, from a proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs to an outright denier, promoting a more abstract and less tangible explanation involving "parallel worlds" and "local materialization of the Absolute essence." This is contrasted with his earlier public presentations, which allegedly included information about UFO crashes and alien bodies.

The article specifically challenges Azhazha's dismissal of the Roswell incident, suggesting his interactions with American ufologists like Phil Klass (alleged CIA agent) and Dr. Richard Haynes (former NASA employee) influenced his views. It also points to Azhazha's alleged collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1992. The author argues that Azhazha's current position is "ufoprimitivism," a narrow-minded approach that dismisses evidence contradicting his theories, such as crash retrievals and alien encounters.

The article presents several alleged UFO crash incidents in Russia and other countries, including incidents in Poland (1959), near Donetsk (1974), Kazakhstan (1978), the Urals (1979), the Kola Peninsula (1984), near Vyborg and Monchegorsk (1987), and the Perm region (1989). It also mentions the alleged shooting down of a UFO near Prokhladny in 1991, with claims of recovered alien bodies. The author criticizes ufological publications that allegedly support Azhazha's views, accusing them of suppressing facts about UFO cover-ups in Russia.

"Pagans"

This section explores the enduring influence of pre-Christian Slavic paganism in Russia, contrasting it with Christianity. The author, Anton Anfialov, argues that paganism represents a worldview focused on understanding and harmonizing with nature, rather than a religion based on supernatural beliefs. He describes the Slavic pantheon, particularly Svarog and Dazh-Boh, and emphasizes the concept of humans as "grandchildren of Dazh-Boh," intrinsically connected to nature. The article criticizes the misinterpretations of paganism as mere idol worship and human sacrifice, advocating for a return to its core principles of self-improvement, harmony with nature, and personal empowerment. It suggests that pagan practices like bonfires and jumping over them are not just rituals but steps towards self-discovery and connection with the natural world.

"Miracle in Fatima and Not Only..."

This article recounts several instances where people reportedly received advance predictions of UFO appearances. The most famous is the Fatima event in Portugal in 1917, where three children claimed to have seen a figure from a luminous sphere, who promised to return. Thousands later witnessed a celestial phenomenon. Similar events are described in Casalicchio, Sicily (1950), and in Orange, France, where a hypnotized man predicted a UFO landing. The article highlights the element of predictability and the large number of witnesses in these cases as evidence of intelligent control behind the phenomena.

"Reader and Newspaper"

This section features letters from readers. One reader expresses a long-standing interest in ufology and a preference for "Четвертое Измерение" over "Аномалия" due to its more engaging content. Another reader comments on a video film about David Copperfield, explaining his illusions as a result of professional skill and backstage knowledge. A third reader, a military engineer, expresses interest in writing an article about "Black Programs of the US Air Force" and the alleged use of extraterrestrial technology in advanced aircraft, referencing "Area 51". A fourth reader offers comments on a video film about an alien autopsy, suggesting the Roswell alien was intentionally shot down as part of a future evolutionary plan for humanity.

The editorial notes that the newspaper receives many reader hypotheses but cannot publish them all due to space limitations. It mentions that American ufologist Paul Stonehill is preparing an article and has sent materials in English. The editor, Yuri Smirnov, also notes that Jacques Vallee's hypotheses are facing criticism. The section concludes with New Year's greetings and an invitation for readers to write in.

"Report Meeting"

This section summarizes the report meeting of Yaroslavl ufologists held on December 2, 1997. The head of the Yaroslavl public ufocenter, Yu. Smirnov, reported on the difficult year for ufology, but highlighted progress due to the creation of a computer center that facilitates publishing and translation of foreign materials. He expressed hope for creating a UFO database and accessing the "Internet." Smirnov criticized the former Communist Party and the Orthodox Church's negative stance on UFOs, which he believes attributes paranormal phenomena to "demonic forces." He views Paganism as the original Russian religion and culture, aligning with human creativity and modern ufology.

"Excursions Around Yaroslavl Region!"

This is an advertisement for a three-hour video film titled "Excursions Around Yaroslavl Region," featuring Victor Sergeevich Latyshev. The film showcases museums and historical sites in the Yaroslavl region, including the "Museum of Military and Labor Glory," Borisoglebsky Monastery, and museums in Myshkin. It also includes visits to the Opochininskaya Library and the Rostov Cathedral with its famous bells.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, often questioning official narratives and highlighting alleged cover-ups by governmental and military bodies. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards established institutions and a leaning towards alternative explanations and belief systems, including ancient paganism. The editorial stance appears to favor open discussion of controversial topics and encourages reader participation, as evidenced by the "Reader and Newspaper" section. The publication also seems to align with a more independent and critical perspective on ufology, as distinct from what it characterizes as "official ufology."