Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 2002 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'ЧЕТВЕРТОЕ ИЗМЕРЕНИЕ НЛО' (Fourth Dimension UFO), number 2(167) from 2002, published by the Yaroslavl UFO Center named after F. Yu. Zigel, covers a range of topics related to UFOs, space, and anomalous phenomena. The cover prominently features a headline about Americans attempting to clone Jesus Christ, alongside other intriguing teasers about invisibility, stellar explosions, and photographic hoaxes.

Cloning Jesus Christ

The lead article, "AMERICANS WANT TO CLONE CHRIST!", details a controversial project called "Project Second Coming." Led by Adam Parfrey, a group of individuals from various religious backgrounds in California aims to clone Jesus Christ. They believe this is necessary to bring about world peace and test his miraculous abilities. The plan involves obtaining DNA from Christian relics, implanting a cloned embryo into a virgin volunteer, and expecting the birth on December 25, 2001. However, the project faces significant scientific and ethical challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining viable DNA from ancient relics and the theological implications of artificially resurrecting Christ. Biologist Arthur Kaplan expresses skepticism about the feasibility of cloning from ancient DNA, and church representatives condemn the project as 'the highest recklessness.'

Visible Invisibility and Flying Falsehoods

Another section, "VISIBLE INVISIBILITY," discusses the challenges in researching anomalous phenomena due to a lack of equipment and methodologies. It suggests that existing radio technology can be adapted into measurement devices. The article "FLYING FALSEHOODS" quotes an interview from 'Komsomolskaya Pravda' where a correspondent discusses the professional falsification of UFO photographs, suggesting some do it for the love of art.

The 'Parisian Glitch'

The "PARISIAN GLITCH" describes a strange event in Paris on the night of December 29-30, 1902. At 1:05 AM, pendulum clocks in many parts of the city simultaneously stopped. Simultaneously, people reported experiencing nausea and dizziness. The event was documented in 'Vestnik Znaniya' in 1903.

Duma Believes in UFOs

Vladimir Shemshuk, a writer and former director of the Perm Commission on Anomalous Phenomena, believes Earth is being invaded by a hostile civilization and humanity is enslaved. He is involved in preparing a second international symposium to address the creation of a committee for contact with extraterrestrial communities.

Star Explosion in Pisces

On February 7, Japanese astronomers reported the detection of an "ultrasupernova" explosion in the constellation Pisces, approximately 37 million light-years from Earth. This event, a final stage in the life of certain stars, resulted in an explosion hundreds of times more powerful than a typical supernova. The article notes that while supernovae are common in other galaxies, the last observed in our galaxy were by Tycho Brahe in 1572 and Johannes Kepler in 1604.

'Little Airplanes' for Mars Exploration

The magazine discusses the development of miniature flying devices, weighing only 75 grams, for the 2007 Mars exploration expedition. These 'little airplanes' use principles from insect vision, such as compound eyes, for navigation and collision avoidance. Developed by scientists at the Australian National University, these devices are seen as highly promising due to their low mass, which is crucial for space missions. NASA and DARPA are involved in funding and developing this technology, with final tests planned for 2003.

Anomalous Glows on the Moon

An extensive article, "UNUSUAL GLOW ON THE MOON," details the phenomenon of Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP) – short-lived glows observed on the Moon's surface. The article traces observations back to 1540, including those by amateur astronomer R. Houton in 1956 and Soviet scientist N. Kozyrev in 1958, who photographed a reddish glow. It mentions observations by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong near the Aristarchus crater. Various hypotheses are presented, including geological activity, interaction with solar winds, and thermoluminescence caused by lunar soil heating. The article notes that TLP activity correlates with the lunar calendar, being more frequent during the Moon's approach to perigee and during the full moon. While some scientists dismiss TLP as atmospheric effects or mirages, others point to specific locations and evidence of degassing and radioactive elements found in TLP areas, suggesting the Moon might not be a geologically dead body.

Pioneer 10's Mysterious Push

The article "WHO IS PUSHING PIONEER 10?" highlights the anomalous behavior of the Pioneer 10 probe. Launched in 1972, it has been transmitting signals from beyond the solar system. Scientists are puzzled by an unknown force that appears to be pushing the probe back towards the Sun, a force that remains constant despite the probe's increasing distance. This phenomenon, if confirmed, could significantly alter our understanding of cosmology and space navigation.

Ten Million Dollars for a UFO Fragment

"TEN MILLION DOLLARS FOR A PIECE OF A UFO" reports on James Hughes of Florida, who advertised a fragment he claims fell from a cigar-shaped UFO 45 years prior. Analysis in a university lab revealed complex metallic alloys. Hughes is seeking $10 million for the fragment, intending to use the money for airport security.

UFO Congress in New Jersey

An announcement for a large UFO congress to be held in New Jersey on April 6-7 and October 12-13, 2002, covering topics like paleoastronautics, UFOs, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Russia's Space Program Moving Out of Kazakhstan

"SPACE IS LEAVING KAZAKHSTAN" reports on Russia's efforts to develop its own space launch capabilities at the Plesetsk cosmodrome to reduce reliance on the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Russia pays $115 million annually to lease Baikonur. The development of the "Angara" rocket family and its launch complex at Plesetsk is crucial for this transition. The project is partly funded by Lockheed Martin, which anticipates "Angara" capturing a significant share of the global space services market. The article notes that the construction of the launch pad for heavy "Angara" rockets is 70-80% complete, with full operational status expected in 2004.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

"VOICES FROM NOWHERE" explores the phenomenon of transcommunication, or Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), where voices and sounds are recorded from seemingly empty space. The article credits Friedrich Jürgenson with popularizing the phenomenon in the late 1950s, though it notes English musician P. Rogers made earlier recordings. Jürgenson reported hearing voices of deceased relatives, including his mother. The article includes anecdotes of inexplicable voices, some speaking in unknown languages or offering corrections. It also mentions a similar phenomenon reported by cosmonaut V. Volkov on the Salyut-7 space station, who heard a dog barking, a child crying, and voices while in orbit.

Mass Human Cloning Prepared

"MASS HUMAN CLONING PREPARED" reports on an upcoming experiment where 200 women will be implanted with cloned human embryos in neutral waters. The experiment, led by Italian embryologist Severino Antinori, aims to create the first cloned human. The article notes that American women will not participate due to potential political interference, and Antinori is barred from conducting such experiments in the US. The article also mentions the successful cloning of a cat named CC in the US.

New Video Films

Announcements for new three-hour video films: "20 Years of Infinity!" and "Great Mysteries and Myths of the 20th Century!", detailing UFO sightings and other paranormal topics. A separate list provides titles and descriptions for a "Golden Ufological Video Fund," including films on UFOs, parapsychology, and alleged alien encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, anomalous phenomena, and speculative scientific theories, often bordering on the sensational. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, with a particular interest in extraterrestrial life and advanced technologies. The inclusion of articles on cloning, mysterious celestial events, and unexplained terrestrial phenomena suggests a broad interpretation of 'ufology' that encompasses a wide range of unusual occurrences. The publication also actively promotes its own video products and subscription services, indicating a commercial aspect to its operations.