Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 1999 No 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ЧЕТВЕРТОЕ ИЗМЕРЕНИЕ И НЛО" (Fourth Dimension and UFOs), dated 1999, published by the Yaroslavl Public UFO Center, delves into a variety of intriguing topics ranging from alleged extraterrestrial artifacts to scientific advancements and religious perspectives.

The Mysterious Ball in the Lubyanka Basements

The lead article, "ТАИНСТВЕННЫЙ ШАР В ПОДВАЛАХ ЛУБЯНКИ" (The Mysterious Ball in the Lubyanka Basements), recounts the investigation into a peculiar spherical object that came into the possession of the KGB in 1981. Initially, scientists from the Military-Industrial Commission (VPK) hypothesized that the ball was a fuel container for a spacecraft, possibly holding antimatter, which posed a significant risk due to its potential for annihilation. The object's origin was traced back to a discovery in Western Ukraine in 1975, where it was found buried 8 meters deep. It passed through several hands, including a schoolboy and a retired teacher, before being acquired by the son of the teacher, an employee of the Institute of Earth Physics of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, it came into the hands of Moscow parapsychologists who claimed to be able to extract bioenergy from it. The report by F. and M. (likely V.N. Fomenko and D.A. Menkova) suggested the ball was of artificial, possibly extraterrestrial, origin, with anti-gravity properties. However, further investigation by KGB specialists and scientists revealed that the ball was made of glass and was not hermetically sealed, debunking the antimatter hypothesis. The material was found to be similar to bottle glass but with an unusually high strontium content. The article humorously details the KGB's efforts to retrieve the ball and the parapsychologist's claims of a self-destruct mechanism, which turned out to be a fake red button. Ultimately, the ball was identified as a "gallo," a historical Ukrainian peasant artifact used for ironing, made from discarded glass. The article also touches upon the parapsychologist D.'s subsequent claims of creating "D-wave" generators for healing and other purposes, which continued to engage KGB attention.

Problems with Landing a Probe on Mars

Another section, "ПРОБЛЕМЫ С ПОСАДКОЙ ЗОНДА НА МАРС" (Problems with Landing a Probe on Mars), discusses the challenges faced by NASA's Mars Polar Lander mission. Even before the probe's failure, JPL specialists identified potential issues with the pyrotechnics responsible for separating the descent module, as they were not designed for the extremely low Martian temperatures. Similar concerns were raised about the landing engines. While engineers developed methods to pre-heat the engines, contact with the probe was lost on December 3, 1999, during its landing attempt. The article notes the unusual reaction of Russian internet users, who reportedly rejoiced at the failure of the $185 million project.

A Letter to the Editor and a Response

A letter from Fayver Sekam of Bryansk, questioning the editor's previous assertion that humans have only physical consciousness and no spiritual consciousness (soul), is published. Sekam argues for the existence of a soul as the true 'I' that is divine and holds wisdom, and that humans can live more than once through their soul. In response, editor Yuri Smirnov, in "СМЕРТЬ ОТСТУПАЕТ" (Death Recedes), explains that physical and spiritual consciousness are integrated. He posits that the 'I' is a complex biological program based on DNA, and that while individuality is unique, the concept of a soul as a divine entity is not scientifically supported. Smirnov discusses the vast diversity of life arising from DNA combinations and the implications of cloning. He suggests that cloning could help address Russia's demographic crisis and preserve human heritage, but also raises concerns about overpopulation and the potential misuse of cloning for creating dictators or soldiers. He advocates for international regulation of cloning, emphasizing its use for medical purposes and for resurrecting individuals for the benefit of humanity.

Religious and Cultural Articles

The issue also includes articles on religious and cultural topics. One piece, "ПОЧЕМУ МУСУЛЬМАНЕ НЕ ЕДЯТ Свинину" (Why Muslims Do Not Eat Pork), explains the religious prohibition of pork in Islam and Christianity, citing verses from the Quran and the Bible. It highlights the connection between faith, knowledge, and adherence to divine laws in Islam. Another section features biographical sketches of two prominent Tatar figures in Yaroslavl: Gabdulla Yarullovich Yarullin, who was instrumental in establishing a Muslim community and reclaiming a mosque in Yaroslavl, and Khairullin Yarulla, a patriarch of a family with deep roots in the city's industrial and religious life. The article "ЯРУЛЛИН ГАБДУЛЛА ЯРУЛЛОВИЧ ДИНАСТИЯ" (Gabdulla Yarullovich Yarullin Dynasty) details Gabdulla Yarullovich's life, his service in World War II, and his post-war efforts in community building. The article "ХАЙРУЛЛИН ЯРУЛЛА" (Khairullin Yarulla) recounts the life of his father, Khairullin Yarulla, who moved to Yaroslavl and worked at the rubber plant, and his family's significant role in the local Muslim community.

Technological Advancements

A short piece titled "ТЕЛЕСКОП НА САМОЛЕТЕ" (Telescope on an Airplane) describes the development of SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), a joint international project involving a new airborne observatory with a large infrared telescope, intended to replace the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. The article highlights the technological advancements in mirror construction and the advantages of an airborne observatory for astronomical research.

UFOs and Magic Video Offerings

Finally, the magazine includes advertisements for video films on UFOlogy and magic, offering a range of titles such as "THREE HOURS OF WONDER!" and "GUESTS FROM ETERNITY," along with contact information for ordering these materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena (UFOs, mysterious objects), scientific inquiry into space and technology (Mars missions, telescopes), and philosophical and religious discussions (cloning, the nature of consciousness, religious dietary laws). The editorial stance, particularly in response to the letter about the soul, leans towards a scientific and rational explanation of phenomena, while still acknowledging and exploring spiritual and religious viewpoints. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion on topics related to the paranormal, scientific frontiers, and cultural heritage within the Russian context.