Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 2001 No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ЧЕТВЁРТОЕ измерение НЛО" (Fourth Dimension UFO), issue number 7(162) from 2001, published by the Yaroslavl Efodetra newspaper, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, alongside a significant discussion on human cloning.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

Mysterious Holes in Yermish

The issue details an event in the village of Yermish, Ryazan region, where two perfectly formed cylindrical holes, one with a triangular bottom, were discovered in a field. Local residents attributed these to extraterrestrial activity. Mechanizers from SPK "Nadezhda" reported the initial discovery. The holes were approximately 2 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters deep, with no soil ejected and no tracks around them. The triangular section at the bottom extended to a depth of 1.8 meters. Investigations revealed a slightly elevated radiation background (14-18 units compared to 10 on the field) within the holes, but within permissible limits. Local authorities, including the head of civil defense and environmental protection specialists, were puzzled, ruling out conventional explanations like digging or falling objects.

Wheat Field Traces in Voronezh

Another report describes unusual traces found on an experimental wheat field near Voronezh. Seventeen-year-olds Alexander Veselov and Semen Babin discovered rows of strangely flattened wheat. The stalks were laid in neat rows, with sudden changes in direction, and some were bent in two layers, with the upper layer oriented in the opposite direction of the lower. Some stalks formed patterns resembling mohawks or were seemingly wound around a giant finger. The witnesses noted the absence of footprints, suggesting the phenomenon was not caused by human entry.

"Cigar" Over Saratov Region

A letter from Pavel Emelyanov and Alexander Panferov of Rtishchevo, Saratov region, describes a cigar-shaped, black UFO observed on July 11, 2001. The object, moving silently from south to north, was visible for about a minute. A notable detail was that birds stopped singing during the sighting. A similar incident was reported in 1971 near Kapustin Yar.

Turkish Pilots Encounter UFO

The magazine reports on an incident on August 9, 2001, where Turkish Air Force pilots allegedly encountered an unidentified flying object near Izmir. The object, described as a glowing pyramid or cone, reportedly maneuvered around their T-37 jet for about fifteen minutes. Air traffic control and air defense systems reportedly did not detect the object, contradicting earlier reports from ITAR-TASS. The pilots' communications were partially released, detailing the object's proximity and maneuvers. While the Air Force initially stated the incident was under investigation and considered reporting it internationally, they later suggested it might have been a flock of birds or a weather balloon. The UFO center "Sirius" in Istanbul dismissed these explanations, arguing that birds or balloons could not engage in such maneuvers with a jet and that radar should have detected a weather balloon.

Odyssey Probe Nears Mars

Separately, the issue mentions the Odyssey probe's progress towards Mars. On July 2, the probe fired its engine for 23 seconds, increasing its speed by 0.9 m/sec for trajectory correction. This was the second correction since its launch on April 7. Odyssey was expected to reach Mars in October, approximately 35 million km away, traveling at about 27 km/sec relative to the Sun. Ground control in the USA confirmed that all scientific equipment was functioning correctly.

Cloning Debate

Open Letter on Human Cloning

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the debate surrounding human cloning. An open letter addressed to the President of Russia argues against a proposed 5-year moratorium on human cloning. The author, Yuri Alexandrovich Smirnov, head of the Yaroslavl UFO Center and a physicist, contends that public opinion largely supports cloning and that the technology is safe and simple, comparable to cloning animals. He criticizes the government for spending on projects like the "Kursk" submarine recovery and nuclear waste management while neglecting healthcare and scientific advancement. Smirnov suggests that humans may have been genetically enhanced by extraterrestrial beings in the past, citing recent genomic research. He views the ban as government interference in private life and a step backward, comparing it to the Soviet-era suppression of genetics and cybernetics. He asserts that cloning could accelerate civilization's development by enabling artificial selection and potentially eliminating crime and diseases. He also mentions inviting international scientists to Russia for cloning research, finding it more advantageous than in countries with religious or political opposition.

International Cloning Conference

The magazine reports on a conference held on August 7, 2001, at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., to debate the safety of human reproductive cloning. Key proponents included Dr. Severino Antinori (Italy), Dr. Brigitte Boisselier (Clon-aid, USA), and Dr. Panos Zervos (Institute of Andrology of America). Dr. Ian Wilmut of the UK led the opposition. Proponents argued for using cloning to help infertile couples, with Boisselier stating it's a fundamental human right. Opponents highlighted risks observed in animal cloning, such as high mortality and developmental issues (e.g., 18% of cloned mice died after birth, and 38% of cloned goats had problems, compared to 2-3% in natural reproduction). Wilmut advised against using the technology on humans. Researchers also discussed efforts to reduce risks by introducing DNA into a female egg cell. Pro-cloning advocates expressed their intent to proceed with experiments, with Antinori mentioning support from an unnamed Mediterranean country.

Gaddafi's Cloning Initiative

Muammar Gaddafi reportedly offered Dr. Severino Antinori and his team a facility in Libya to conduct human cloning experiments, promising to cover all expenses and offering a million-dollar reward if successful. This offer was allegedly overheard and recorded by Israeli intelligence (Mossad). The initiative aimed to bypass the need for expeditions to international waters to avoid legal repercussions.

Other Content

CD-ROM Offer

An advertisement promotes a CD-ROM titled "UFO, COSMOS, MAN" edited by Yu. Smirnov. It contains thousands of color UFO images, NASA photos, video fragments of natural phenomena and UFOs, information on cloning, back issues of the newspaper, and cosmic music. The CD-ROM is available for 300 rubles via postal order.

Computer Training Announcement

An announcement offers individual computer training, including internet and professional software skills, at the "Fourth Dimension and UFO" editorial office, with negotiable payment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, unexplained aerial objects, and potential extraterrestrial contact, often presenting eyewitness accounts and investigative reports. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in the significance of these events. The inclusion of the human cloning debate suggests an editorial stance that embraces controversial scientific advancements, viewing them as potential pathways to progress and even societal improvement, while acknowledging and presenting opposing viewpoints. The publication appears to align with a perspective that challenges conventional scientific and governmental narratives, particularly in the realms of UFOlogy and emerging biotechnologies.