Finnish UFOlogical Bulletin - 1994 Number 1

Magazine Overview

Title: FINNISH UFOLOGICAL BULLETIN
Issue: 1/94
Date: January 1994
Editor: Kalevi Mikkonen

This issue of the Finnish Ufological Bulletin delves into the complex relationship between the ancient astronaut theory and prehistoric rock art, offering a critical perspective that emphasizes the need for scientific methodology. The publication also features reports on unusual radar observations and introduces a new research initiative.

The Ancient Astronaut Theory and Prehistoric Rock Art: Some Critical Comments

Kalevi Mikkonen, the editor, opens the discussion by positing that the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence and their potential visits to Earth challenge the established principles of archaeology and history. He argues for a complete rethinking in these fields and stresses the necessity of conducting scientific research to support any claims related to the ancient astronaut theory. Mikkonen calls for a move away from pseudoscience towards a scientific approach, asserting that open debate and the application of scientific methods are crucial for advancing knowledge.

Interpreting Prehistoric Rock Art

The article defines rock art as images hewn, cut, chiselled, or painted on natural surfaces. Interpreting this art is presented as a significant challenge in archaeological research, as it attempts to convey important thoughts of ancient humans. Archaeologists currently strive to reconstruct explanatory models using belief systems from indigenous cultures. Traditionally, prehistoric culture has been understood through shamanism, leading to interpretations of rock art figures as representations of animal lords, fertility cults, or cosmic symbols within an animal-centered worldview. However, the author notes that this interpretation is not exhaustive and that abstract and geometric figures are particularly difficult to link to specific belief systems, suggesting they might represent something entirely unknown.

Mikkonen highlights that even with improved documentation, interpreting petroglyphs remains complex. He suggests that rock art is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, and it is premature to definitively link it solely to shamanism, totemism, hunting magic, fertility cults, cosmology, or the influence of ancient astronauts. These functions likely operate simultaneously, and the irrational element inherent in rock art, like religion and myths, complicates accurate interpretation.

A Hungarian archaeologist, Mihaly Hoppál, is mentioned for his ethno-semiotic research method, which divides the analysis of rock art into syntactic (symbol-object relations), semantic (symbol-user relations), and pragmatic (symbol-object relations) parts. Mikkonen proposes adding a fourth method: universal/mythological, examining relations between symbols and universal myths. He believes this comprehensive approach could lead to better analysis, especially when identifying compositions within rock art that reveal ancient human thought.

The discussion then turns to the dating of rock art, noting that its chronology generally aligns with regional archaeological timelines. Changes in rock art are expected to correspond with shifts in technology, artifact types, social structures, and human thought. Continuities in motif selection and subsistence orientation are also observed. The selectivity of motifs and the creation of rock art to convey symbolic meanings suggest it was likely produced by shamans, who acted as intermediaries between rock art, public rituals, and society. They controlled the content, context, and style within the society's belief framework.

If extraterrestrial contact occurred in the past, the shaman would have been the most likely individual to interact with and interpret these events for the tribe. Therefore, their activities are of particular interest. The author also points out that changes in belief and ideology, reflected in rock art, would likely require collective consciousness and acceptance within the tribe.

The evolution of prehistoric human thought is believed to have progressed through phases like totemism and cosmic consciousness. The prevalence of cosmic symbols (sun, moon, sun boats) suggests a shift. Mikkonen questions whether the influence of extraterrestrial visitors might have triggered this leap from animism and hunting magic to cosmic consciousness, introducing new ideas and concepts that could have been readily accepted through migration, common experience, or other influences.

What to Do Now?

Mikkonen questions whether sufficient empirical data exists to confirm ET connections. He notes that the continuity of shamanism and oral traditions preserves evidence of original myths, and interesting rock art depicting "gods" exists globally. He suggests using computers to analyze global data, comparing empirical descriptions of "gods" with rock art symbols to determine if they are mere figments of imagination or evidence of extraterrestrial influence. Experts in various fields should collaborate to investigate potential direct or indirect extraterrestrial influence.

He also emphasizes the need to clarify what constitutes proof, referencing Dr. Pasquel S. Schievella, who identified various types of proof: empirical, observational, experimental, inductive, theoretical, logical, mathematical, hypothetical, deductive, statistical, probable, and documentary. All proofs must be verifiable and compatible with existing facts and theories. However, the author acknowledges that current circumstantial evidence is insufficient to alter scientific consensus. He reiterates the difficulties in interpreting rock art and calls for scientific projects, financially supported by entities like RIAP and the Ancient Astronaut Society, to gather "hard" evidence and promote open discussion for progress.

Strange Observations from Oulu

This section reports on interesting radar observations made by the University of Oulu in 1990 and 1993. Astronomer Kari Kaila describes a 1990 campaign where an optical and EISCAT radar detected a satellite-type signal at an altitude of 122 km. The signal's repetition period was 0.2 seconds, and its visibility suggested an angular speed of 0.6 degrees/min, with the satellite's distance increasing by about 6 km over one minute. Kaila notes similar signals were found on other days, with a revolution time of approximately 23 hours 56 minutes, and asks for identification of the satellite and its distance.

Kaila also recounts a 1993 observation where a phenomenon, initially appearing as a meteor, suddenly brightened into a large object before fading. On January 25, 1993, a meteor or satellite entered the atmosphere at 69 degrees N and 21 degrees E, with a magnitude of at least -15, described as much brighter than the full moon. This event was visible on videotapes, showing two sudden brightenings or explosions. Similar phenomena were observed using photometers.

American satellite-expert Mike McCants commented that the January 1993 observation was likely a meteor, noting that fireballs of magnitude -15 are rare but not exceptionally so, and the short duration supports this. He found the first case (from 1990) more puzzling, suggesting it could be one of the numerous 12-hour synchronous objects with an apogee around 37,000 km. He also mentioned other possibilities like Russian objects or US GPS and Russian Glonass satellites, all moving slowly.

RIAP Bulletin

This section introduces the RIAP Bulletin (RB), the official newsletter of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), established in 1992 by the Kharkov-based Aerospace Company "Vertical." RIAP's mission is to conduct scientific studies in non-classical SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). The first issue of the RB, published in English, includes papers on the "Astrodynamical Aspect of Paleovisitology" by A.V. Arkhipov and "UFOs as Objects of Study by Terrestrial Physics" by V.A. Buerakov. Future issues will feature a survey of the Tunguska explosion by Dr. Nikolay V. Vasiliev, papers by A.V. Arkhipov on searching for artificial ET objects on the Moon, a paper by A.V. Beletsky on post-Soviet ufology, and a report on the "Kassimov ball" artifact.

Information on distribution and contact details for the RIAP Bulletin is provided, including mail, fax, and email addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of the ancient astronaut theory, the interpretation of prehistoric rock art, and the pursuit of scientific evidence in ufology. The editorial stance, as articulated by Kalevi Mikkonen, strongly advocates for a rigorous scientific approach to these subjects, urging a departure from pseudoscience and a commitment to empirical research and open debate. The inclusion of radar observations and the introduction of the RIAP Bulletin underscore a dedication to investigating anomalous phenomena through scientific means.