Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 1999 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Izmerenie i NLO" (Measurement and UFO), published by the Yaroslavl Public UFO Center in 1999, focuses on a variety of topics including UFO sightings, scientific discoveries, and societal issues.

UFO Landing in Glebovo

The lead article details a UFO sighting in the village of Glebovo on April 24, 1999. Alexandra Nikolaevna Solovyeva, a pensioner and war veteran, reported waking up to a bright light emanating from her window. She observed a dark gray, railway car-like object hovering about 120-150 meters away, approximately half a meter above the ground. The object had four rectangular windows, and beams of bright yellow and red light were emitted from them. After a few minutes, a fiery red sphere, twice the size of a window, emerged from one of the windows and moved towards a forest. The object then ascended about 100 meters and moved away towards the forest, with the light disappearing simultaneously. No sound or exhaust trails were observed. Another resident, Grigory N., also reported being woken by a bright light but did not investigate further. The article notes the unique shape of the craft and the large windows as distinguishing features. The location, Sudislavl and its surroundings, is described as a potential anomalous zone where UFOs and other phenomena are not uncommon.

Hurricanes on Mars

This section presents images of dust storms on Mars, captured on June 30, 1999, by an American interplanetary space station. The accompanying text explains that fine dust is constantly present in the Martian atmosphere, making the surface appear brighter in red light. Winds and dust devils can lift this dust into the atmosphere, where it can remain for extended periods. Significant dust storms were previously observed in the southern hemisphere of Mars in 1956, 1971, and 1973.

Discovery Confirmed

In 1995, astronomers M. Mayor and D. Queloz from the Geneva Observatory detected periodic shifts in the spectral lines of the star 51 Pegasi, suggesting the presence of a planet. Further observations using a powerful telescope in Arizona by a team led by T. Brown confirmed that the spectral lines remained constant in shape despite their shifts, ruling out stellar pulsations. This finding, supported by other specialists, confirms the existence of a planetary system around 51 Pegasi, marking the first discovery of a planet orbiting a sun-like star (spectral class G4V).

"Death Accepts the Challenge" (Continued)

This ongoing section discusses the ethical and scientific implications of cloning. Actress Anastasia Vertinskaya is quoted expressing concerns about the potential for cloning to perpetuate negative human traits like violence and cruelty, while acknowledging its potential for humane purposes. The article mentions the successful cloning of animals like sheep and cows, and the ongoing research into cloning mammoths. It highlights the controversial statement by American scientist Richard Sid, who announced plans to create a clinic for human infant cloning, predicting the production of 200,000 cloned individuals annually. The article notes President Bill Clinton's efforts to ban human cloning in the US and Sid's intention to pursue his work elsewhere, possibly in Mexico or the Cayman Islands. The focus then shifts to Japan, where Richard Sid's group has purchased land in Hokkaido for a cloning center for infertile couples, expecting to produce 500 cloned babies annually.

The Soul and Cloning

The article delves into the question of whether cloning can replicate the human soul or 'thought-form'. It references experiments with microorganisms and chicken eggs, suggesting a connection between identical twins that transcends physical proximity, implying a shared consciousness or 'soul'. The case of identical twins Bobbie Jean and Betty Joe Eller is presented, detailing their inseparable bond, shared psychological states, and eventual simultaneous decline and death, interpreted as evidence of a deep, non-physical connection. The article also mentions studies on brainwave synchronization between twins, even when separated, suggesting a telepathic predisposition due to similar nervous systems and brains. The conclusion drawn is that cloning, if performed with complete genetic information, might not only replicate the physical body but also the 'soul', leading to a new life for the cloned individual, albeit without memories of their past existence.

Liners of the 21st Century

This section discusses future developments in aviation, with NASA predicting the emergence of passenger liners in the 21st century that will fly significantly faster than the Concorde and carry more passengers. By 2015, 'flying wing' designs are expected, accommodating 800 passengers and being more environmentally friendly. Another concept involves a liner capable of speeds up to 11,200 km/h, flying at altitudes over 30 kilometers. A major challenge is the heat generated at such speeds, requiring significant technological advancements. NASA also predicts that by the next century, airplanes will be as affordable as expensive cars, with onboard computers handling all flight operations.

Galileo Photographed Io's Volcano

The research probe Galileo has captured images of the Prometheus volcano on Jupiter's moon Io. Io is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System. The images, taken from an altitude of 612 km, show the volcano and its lava flow. Prometheus is compared to Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, being much larger. Its crater is 28 km long and 14 km wide. Previous observations of Prometheus were made by the Voyager and Hubble space telescopes. The article notes that Kilauea has been erupting for 16 years, with lava flowing into the ocean.

UFO over Pleshcheyevo Lake

On October 23, witnesses in Pereslavl reported seeing a glowing vertical strip above Pleshcheyevo Lake during a fire incident. The object reportedly turned horizontal and disappeared into the sky, leading observers to conclude it was a UFO.

Ramadan - The Best Month of the Year

This article focuses on the Islamic month of Ramadan, quoting from the Quran and Hadith to explain its significance. It highlights fasting as an obligation for believers, a means to achieve piety, and a protection from hellfire. The article emphasizes the spiritual rewards of fasting, the joy of breaking the fast, and the immense blessings associated with observing Ramadan. It also touches upon specific practices during Ramadan, such as night prayers and the obligation of Zakat al-Fitr (charity before Eid al-Fitr).

Bardot Fined for Criticizing Muslims

Former actress Brigitte Bardot has been fined 20,000 francs by a Paris court for inciting national hatred through her public criticism of Arab traditions and Islam's role in France. She had described the ritualistic sacrifice of sheep during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha as barbarism. This is not the first time Bardot has faced legal action for similar comments.

Notable People: Shaidulin Minakhmyat Galimovich

This section profiles Minakhmyat Galimovich Shaidulin, born in 1925 in Tatarstan. He served in the Soviet Army during World War II, participating in battles up to the storming of the Reichstag in Berlin. He was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, the Order of the Badge of Honor, and various medals. After being demobilized due to disability, he worked in agricultural and industrial sectors in his hometown and later in Yaroslavl. He was also actively involved in the repair of the Yaroslavl mosque, serving as its treasurer for eight years, and is currently a muezzin at the "Duslyk" Cultural and Public Center.

Mount Changes Names

The highest mountain peak in the former USSR, previously known as Peak Stalin and then Peak Communism, has been renamed Peak Ismail Samani in honor of the founder of the Samanid state. The Samanid dynasty ruled a significant part of Central Asia in the first millennium AD.

Society and Mythology

This article discusses the role of mythology in society and its relationship with religion and politics. It argues that the rationalist dismissal of mythology has led to negative consequences, with irrational 'forces' continuing to influence human behavior under new guises. The author references Carl Jung's ideas about the persistence of gods and demons, now often labeled with '-isms'. The article then reviews Vyacheslav Polosin's book "Myth, Religion, State," which analyzes the technology of political myth-making. Polosin distinguishes between personal mystical experience and religion as a social phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of rational understanding of myths to avoid ideological extremism and to promote ideals of humanism, harmony, and justice.

The Taimyr Mammoth... Will it Come Alive?

This piece explores the possibility of cloning the Jarkov mammoth, found preserved in permafrost in Siberia. French researcher Bernard Buigues believes that the mammoth's DNA could be extracted and used to create a genetically identical copy using the egg of an Asian elephant. While the cloning of dinosaurs is deemed unrealistic, the Jarkov mammoth offers a more plausible prospect. The article notes that the mammoth died at the age of 47 and its tissue is remarkably well-preserved. Experts like Alex Greenwood express skepticism about the viability of DNA from such ancient remains, citing low concentration and degradation. However, the "Discovery Channel" is funding a documentary on the project. The article also touches upon the debate regarding the extinction of mammoths, with theories ranging from global cooling to disease. The potential for cloning is presented as a significant scientific endeavor, with the possibility of bringing back a creature from the distant past.

Video Films on Ufology and Magic

A list of available video films on ufology and magic is provided, including titles like "Three Hours of Wonder," "Ufological Video Album," and "Guests from Eternity." These films reportedly feature rare footage of UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and even alleged alien autopsies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, scientific frontiers, and societal issues through a lens that is open to paranormal phenomena and speculative science, while also engaging with religious and ethical considerations. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to inform readers about diverse and often controversial topics, presenting various viewpoints and ongoing research in ufology, genetics, and astronomy. The inclusion of religious articles, such as the one on Ramadan, and profiles of notable individuals suggests a broader interest in cultural and historical aspects alongside the paranormal.