Неведомое

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Неведомое" (Unknown), dated No. 1, 1996, published by "Независимая газета" (Independent Newspaper), is a Russian-language magazine focusing on anomalous phenomena, space, and societal issues. The cover prominently features a dramatic illustration of a UFO and the headline "ЗА БОРТОМ АВИАЛАЙНЕРА - НЛО!" (UFOs Aboard the Airliner!). The issue includes articles on UFO sightings by cosmonauts and military personnel, encounters in space and on the Moon, and a significant discussion on the dangers facing adolescents concerning sexuality and morality.

UFOs and Space Encounters

The magazine dedicates substantial space to UFO phenomena, beginning with a conversation between Valery Uvarov, Director of the International Information Center of Ufological Research (MICUFI), and Magazali Endreev, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Kabardino-Balkaria. Endreev recounts a personal sighting in July 1994 of a bright yellow, football-sized spherical UFO that made astonishingly rapid jumps while he was on a flight. He notes the unusual behavior and intensity of the object's light, suggesting it was not of earthly origin.

Endreev also shares an account from his subordinate, Bislan Shagenov, who witnessed an unusually large, cigar-shaped object near Baksan. This object was described as being about ten Tu-154 aircraft in length, with large square illuminators, flying silently and very low. The sighting attracted the attention of local authorities and hundreds of witnesses.

The issue features a discussion with cosmonauts Musa Manarov and Gennady Strekalov, who share their experiences with UFOs. Manarov describes observing an object detaching from their spacecraft during a docking maneuver, which he filmed. Strekalov, while cautious, admits to seeing unidentified, possibly optical, phenomena, including a shimmering, spherical object resembling a Christmas tree ornament, which appeared and disappeared quickly over Newfoundland in 1990.

Further evidence of UFOs in space is presented, referencing accounts from the Apollo missions. It is mentioned that Apollo-10 astronauts Stafford and Cernan filmed a fast-moving white object over the Moon in 1969. The magazine also refers to books by Maurice Chatelain and Jacques Bergier & Georges Gallet, which claim that Apollo-11 astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin observed unknown objects on the lunar surface, and that film footage from orbit showed merging and separating luminous spherical objects. A NASA cataloged photograph (No. 16-19238) of a cylinder-shaped object over a lunar crater from Apollo-16 is also presented as evidence.

What Threatens Our Children?

Authored by Alexey Medvedev, this section shifts focus to a critical social issue: the dangers of adolescent sexuality and the perceived moral decline. The article challenges common myths surrounding sex education and adolescent behavior.

Debunking Myths of Sexual Education:

• Myth 1: Sex is more important to teenagers than love. The article argues that teenagers often seek emotional warmth and connection due to a lack of it at home, leading them to seek sexual relationships.
• Myth 2: Teenagers cannot be made to wait until marriage. It counters this by suggesting that while sexual permissiveness is high in some societies, others have low rates of premarital sex, indicating that moral values, not just instinct, play a significant role.
• Myth 3: We see the truth about sexual relationships on screen. The magazine criticizes media portrayals of casual sex without emotional consequences, contrasting them with the real-life guilt and tragedy that often follow.
• Myth 4: Sexual relations are a private matter for two adults. This is challenged by the spread of STDs like AIDS, which affect not only the individuals but also their families and loved ones.
• Myth 5: 'Safe Sex' exists. The article questions the effectiveness of contraceptives, citing that they are not 100% effective and can have negative health consequences. It argues that promoting 'safe sex' to teenagers is cruel and leads them into a dangerous game, potentially increasing abortions and unwanted pregnancies.
• Myth 6: Value neutrality. The idea that all choices regarding sexuality have equal moral value is rejected. The article emphasizes the need for moral guidance, especially concerning issues of sexual violence and coercion.
• Myth 7: The availability of contraceptives does not exacerbate adolescent sexual promiscuity. Research is cited suggesting that programs promoting 'safe sex' and the idea of sex as a primary need can actually increase sexual activity and experimentation among teenagers.

The author warns that these myths are being actively promoted through media and educational programs, potentially leading to the adoption of approaches like Universal Sexual Education (USE), which he views as detrimental. The article advocates for chastity and abstinence before marriage as the true path to protecting young people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Неведомое" clearly positions itself as a platform for exploring unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and for addressing what it perceives as critical moral and societal issues. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards conventional explanations for anomalous events and a strong concern for traditional moral values, especially in the context of adolescent development and sexuality. The publication seems to aim at informing its readers about mysteries beyond the ordinary while also advocating for a conservative approach to social issues, particularly concerning youth. The inclusion of both UFO reports and a detailed critique of modern sex education suggests a belief in the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate topics, perhaps viewing a decline in moral standards as a symptom of a broader societal vulnerability or distraction from more profound truths.