RIAP bulletin - Vol 01 No 1 - January-March 1994

Magazine Overview

The RIAP BULLETIN, Volume 1, Number 1, published from January to March 1994, is the inaugural issue of a quarterly publication by the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP). RIAP, established in 1992 by the VERTICAL Aerospace Company, is an independent research body dedicated to the scientific study of the UFO problem and non-classical SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). The institute emphasizes strict adherence to scientific methodology and collaboration with various scientific academies.

RIAP: Some Basic Data

This section introduces RIAP, outlining its mission to investigate UFOs and SETI using rigorous scientific methods. It highlights the challenges in UFO research, such as the unpredictability of sightings, the low quality of many reports, and the lack of developed data treatment methods, which have historically kept the field at the periphery of "big science." RIAP aims to elevate UFO studies to the status of a normal scientific problem by employing a multidisciplinary approach and coordinating research efforts effectively. Key research trends include developing active monitoring systems (radar, optical, infra-red), instrumental studies of landing sites and samples, creating a unified UFO database and expert system, developing physical models of "genuine UFOs" (GUFOs), and conducting psychophysiological investigations of contactees. In the SETI field, RIAP is engaged in the "Search for Alien Artifacts on the Moon" (SAAM) program, which involves searching for reflections from flat surfaces, examining other artificial phenomena on the lunar surface, and exploring potential interactions between terrestrial and extraterrestrial civilizations.

The institute possesses the "Kassimov ball," a small, black, unknown object found in 1983 in Central Russia, which is considered worthy of deep investigation. RIAP is structured into four departments: Ufological, Astronomical, Paleovisitological, and Information. Its staff includes RIAP Fellows and Contributing Fellows, with specialists in physics, astronomy, history, and psychology. The Scientific Council and Advisory Board include prominent Russian, Ukrainian, and Western scientists.

UFOs as Objects of Study by Terrestrial Physics

By Valeriy A. Buerakov, this article posits that some UFOs may be interstellar probes from extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs). It argues that understanding these phenomena requires knowledge of physical laws beyond current terrestrial physics, suggesting that ETCs might operate in different "information niches," possibly not relying solely on electromagnetic waves for communication over vast distances. The article explores the concept of "teleportation," antigravitation, and super-high electromagnetic fields as potential mechanisms for UFOs. It proposes a theoretical framework based on modified Maxwell-Lorentz equations to describe charged macro-systems capable of generating intense electromagnetic fields, potentially explaining phenomena like ball lightning and UFO behavior. The theory suggests that under extreme conditions of charge density and field intensity, the physical vacuum might exhibit polarization and "self-action," leading to a new state of matter and field interaction. The author presents mathematical models and equations related to these concepts, including the calculation of electrostatic fields and the critical charge (Q0) for forming an "electromagnetic cocoon" (EC).

Astrodynamical Aspects of Paleovisitology

By Alexey V. Arkhipov, this article focuses on improving the efficiency of searching for traces of past extraterrestrial visits (paleovisits) by determining the most probable epochs of interstellar travel from nearby stars to the Sun. It revises existing data on stellar flybys, particularly focusing on stars within 1.5 parsecs of the Sun during the Quaternary period. The study uses data from the Gliese and Wooley et al. catalogues to estimate the minimum distances and epochs of closest approaches. The author calculates the probability of closest encounters between stars and the Sun, suggesting that epoches around 280,000 years ago (Gliese 66 and Gliese 279) and 1,400,000 years ago (Gliese 773.5) were more promising for paleovisits. The article also explores indirect effects of stellar passages, such as increased comet and asteroid infall, leading to higher impact crater formation rates on the Moon. It identifies specific time intervals (e.g., -1.5 × 108 y, -1.95 × 10º y, -3.83 × 109 y) as potential indicators of closest stellar passages. The author concludes that searching for extraterrestrial artifacts in geological layers corresponding to these dates, and on the Moon or other space bodies, could be more fruitful.

The Unclassified Residuum

This section defines the "unclassified residuum" as described by philosopher William James: exceptional, irregular, and minute occurrences that science often ignores. It announces that the Sourcebook Project is compiling an objective catalog of anomalous phenomena, with nine volumes published and five supplementary handbooks available. This project has compiled a database of 30,000 articles from scientific literature based on a 20-year search. The compiler is William R. Corliss.

CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA

This is an announcement for a Spanish-language publication, "CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA" (Ufology Papers), described as a major publication for the European UFO research community. It emphasizes a systematic, methodical, and scientific approach to UFO phenomena, advocating for skepticism and interdisciplinary analysis. The publication is issued three times a year, containing over 100 pages of factual UFO information, articles, news, essays, and technical reports. It invites papers in English or Spanish.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The editorial stance strongly advocates for the application of the scientific method, rigorous data analysis, and the development of new theoretical frameworks to understand these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond anecdotal evidence to gather "hard" data and to explore unconventional physics concepts that might explain observed anomalies. The issue also highlights the importance of historical research, as seen in the paleovisitology section, and the compilation of anomalous data, as presented by the Sourcebook Project. The publication positions itself as a platform for serious, scientific-oriented students and researchers interested in exploring the UFO and SETI fields without succumbing to dogma or irrational credulity.