Chetvertoye Izmereniye - 2003 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ЧЕТВЕРТОЕ измерение НЛО" (Fourth Dimension UFO), issue No. 3(177) from 2003, published by the Yaroslavl UFO Center named after F. Yu. Zigel, focuses on the nature of UFO pilots and recent UFO phenomena. The cover headline asks, "UFO PILOTS - ROBOTS OR 'PEOPLE'?" and features artwork depicting various figures against a cosmic backdrop.

UFO Pilots: Robots or "People"?

The lead article explores the classification of UFO occupants based on witness accounts. Professor Mac-Campbell categorizes them into two groups: human-like beings, who can blend into human society, and 'dwarfs' who are described as having disproportionately large heads, wrinkled foreheads, and sharp ears. The article discusses their physical characteristics, attire (including spacesuits), and behavior. It raises the question of whether the human-like beings are the intelligent pilots and the dwarfs are their robots, or vice versa. The possibility of humans being transformed into robots or vice versa is also considered. The article references the Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter as an example of encounters with non-humanoid beings.

Astronomical Events

This section highlights upcoming astronomical phenomena in May 2003. Russian scientists predicted Mercury's transit across the Sun on May 7th, a total lunar eclipse on May 16th lasting 52 minutes, and an annular solar eclipse on May 31st, where the Moon would partially obscure the Sun, creating a 'corona' effect that might not be visible in higher latitudes.

Pioneer-10 Goes Silent

The article reports on the cessation of communication with the Pioneer-10 space probe, launched on March 3, 1972. It details the probe's mission, its groundbreaking achievements like crossing the Kuiper Belt and photographing Jupiter, and its status as the first human-made object to leave the solar system's orbit. Communication was lost after a signal sent on February 7, 2003, and NASA does not plan further attempts. The article notes that Pioneer-10 carries a golden plaque with information about Earth and humanity.

Wave of UFO Sightings Over South America

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported in South America during February and March 2003. Reports include a UFO hovering over Brasilia, Brazil, on February 4th; 'silver UFOs' and 'saucers' near Brasilia and Buenos Aires, Argentina, with blue flashes; and sightings over Calama, Chile, where witnesses reported rapid changes in speed and trajectory. A UFO was also observed over Rufino, Argentina, described as a bright white light.

Mysterious Marks on the Body: A Sign of Abduction?

A witness named Philipp reports experiencing two strange triangular 'wounds' on his body over two years. The first, on his left hand, consisted of three small punctures forming an isosceles triangle. The second, on his left leg, was a triangular piece of flesh seemingly cut out. Ufologists suggest such marks are left by aliens after abductions. The article also notes that similar marks can appear during poltergeist activity.

Two-Legged Robot SDR-4X

This short piece updates on Sony's SDR-4X robot, showcased at Robodex-2002. The robot has been improved for better stability, enhanced fall-prevention capabilities, and the ability to protect itself and other objects during falls. Its vocabulary has been expanded, and it now has new songs, movements, and speech scenarios.

Jupiter Now Has 52 Satellites

Astronomers have announced the discovery of several new moons orbiting Jupiter, bringing its total to 52. These newly discovered satellites are small (around 1 km in diameter) and orbit Jupiter at great distances, often in a retrograde direction, suggesting they were captured asteroids. The article recalls Galileo Galilei's discovery of Jupiter's four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) in 1610.

Searching for Extraterrestrials on Personal Computers

The SETI project is entering a new phase, utilizing personal computers worldwide through the SETI@home program to analyze radio signals from space. Millions of people have downloaded the screensaver, which processes data when their computers are idle. The project has analyzed trillions of signals and identified over 350 million 'suspicious' ones. A new initiative, the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), aims to significantly expand the search capabilities with an array of 350 parabolic antennas, funded in part by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Incredible Photograph from Samara Oblast

This article presents a photograph taken during a wedding in the Samara Oblast, Russia, which appears to show unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the sky. Expert analysis suggests the objects are material and volumetric, not photographic errors or hoaxes. The article also notes a possible 'humanoid' figure in the photograph, though this is attributed to an optical illusion caused by the dark objects.

What Flew Near Sharjah?

On February 26, 2003, a fiery object, too slow to be a meteor, was observed and filmed over Sharjah, UAE. Meteorologists did not record the event, attributing it to the limitations of their equipment. Geologists also found no seismic activity. An amateur astronomer estimated the object's speed at 20 Mach, suggesting it could be debris from near-Earth orbit.

Alien Day Proposed

New Mexico legislators are considering establishing an 'Alien Day' to welcome extraterrestrials. The proposal, championed by Representative Dan Foley from Roswell, aims to foster intergalactic relations and potentially boost tourism and the state's economy.

UFO Landing in Norway

In December 1943, witnesses in Norway observed a bright object in Oslofjord that caused their cars to stop. The object, described as bell-shaped and dull orange, ascended and turned bright blue before disappearing at high speed. It left behind an indentation in the snow that had melted around the edges.

What Was Seen Over Vologda?

A Vologda newspaper reported an unusual aerial phenomenon on January 24, 2003. A luminous point grew rays, resembling a 'flying saucer' or rocket, emitting a spotlight-like beam before ascending rapidly. The article notes that this event does not correspond with any known Russian space launches.

Canada: Ufological Statistics - 2002

Canadian ufologists reported 483 UFO sightings in 2002, a 30% increase from 2001. British Columbia had the highest number of sightings (176), followed by Ontario (128). The reasons for the increase are unclear.

To the Crash Site

Scientists in Irkutsk are preparing an expedition to investigate the site of a large meteorite impact in the Vitim River basin in September 2002. They aim to collect samples before they are washed away by meltwater.

Balls of Naga: Scientific Explanation?

This article provides a scientific explanation for the 'Balls of Naga' phenomenon, which occurs annually in Thailand. Scientists attribute the fiery spheres to the ignition of a mixture of methane and hydrogen gases produced by decomposing organic matter in the riverbed, influenced by factors like temperature, bacterial activity, and lunar/solar gravity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related scientific and speculative topics. It presents witness accounts, expert analyses, and news from the ufological community worldwide. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging readers to consider various hypotheses while also presenting scientific explanations where available. The publication also promotes ufological films and research initiatives like SETI@home.