RIAP bulletin - Vol 01 No 2 - April-June 1994

Magazine Overview

The RIAP Bulletin, Volume 1, Number 2, published in April-June 1994, is a quarterly publication from the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), based in Kharkov, Ukraine. The issue is distributed free to RIAP fellows and donors.

Editorial: Post-Soviet UFology: A View from Inside

This editorial, by V.V. Rubtsov, discusses the significant shift in the availability of information regarding UFO sightings from the former Soviet Union following perestroika. Previously, obtaining such data was challenging due to media silence, witness reluctance, and logistical hurdles. However, from 1986 onwards, increased openness allowed Soviet citizens and ufologists to travel abroad, facilitating data exchange and mutual visits. Even formerly secret UFO reports from the USSR Ministry of Defense are becoming accessible. This new situation presents a crucial opportunity for world ufology, but also leads to polarized viewpoints: over-enthusiasts believe declassified data will solve the UFO problem and confirm the ET hypothesis, while over-sceptics dismiss it as potentially fabricated information aimed at financial gain, as suggested by science writer James Oberg. Oberg's view is that Russian UFO files might contain "rubbish" or "fairy tales" created by individuals seeking to profit from the economic crisis in Russia. The editorial critiques Oberg's approach, suggesting it is arrogant and dismissive of genuine research conducted under difficult conditions. It acknowledges that while startling revelations might not emerge from military files, important statistical data and insights into the Soviet establishment's views on UFOs and Western investigations are likely to be found. The editorial also touches upon specific cases like the 1967 "crescents" and the 1977 Petrozavodsk "jellyfish" phenomenon, suggesting they warrant further detailed examination.

UFO Physics: UFOs: A Possible Mechanism of Formation, Behavior and Environmental Impact

This article by Vladimir I. Mazhuga proposes a theoretical framework for understanding UFOs based on physics principles. It suggests that UFOs are not necessarily intelligent craft but rather phenomena related to plasma physics, specifically electron bunches and combined electron-photon showers (EPS) generated by high-energy cosmic rays. The article details how these bunches can form, behave, and interact with the environment, explaining various observed phenomena such as pressure on people, soil changes, power screens, and electromagnetic emissions. It posits that the kinetic energy of particles within a UFO is primarily consumed to compensate for radiation losses and that ions are accelerated and ejected, potentially causing effects on the environment and observers. The paper discusses how these ion bunches can create a "power screen" and disrupt electronic systems and chemical current sources, explaining phenomena like lights spontaneously switching on or engines stalling. It also addresses the psychological effects, such as hallucinations, suggesting they can be a form of self-regulation in stressful situations, and concludes that the UFO problem encompasses both reality and psychological responses.

Search for Alien Artifacts on the Moon: A Justification

Alexey V. Arkhipov's article argues for the importance of searching for extraterrestrial artifacts on the Moon as part of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) effort. The author notes the limited success of traditional radio astronomy-based SETI and advocates for non-traditional approaches. He suggests that artifacts could have arrived in the Solar System via the "gravitation sling" effect from nearby stars. While previous searches have focused on orbits, Earth, and asteroids, the Moon is presented as a prime candidate. The article outlines several reasons why intelligent beings might use the Moon as a base for observing Earth: its suitability for long-term monitoring due to protection from meteorites and radiation, ease of stabilization and heat setting, concealment from Earth, potential for life support and repairs using lunar soil, and absence of adverse atmospheric effects. The author emphasizes that the Moon's advantages make it a logical choice for an intermediate base for interplanetary flights. He challenges the common assumption that life has never existed on the Moon, pointing out that only a small fraction of its surface has been photographed at high resolution. The article proposes a research program, "Search for Alien Artifacts on the Moon" (SAAM), to analyze lunar phenomena, identify potential artifacts, and develop lunar archeology. The article concludes by listing references supporting its arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of anomalous phenomena with scientific inquiry, particularly in the context of post-Soviet Russia and Ukraine. There's a strong emphasis on applying physics principles to explain UFOs, moving away from purely speculative or supernatural explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism and rigorous scientific investigation, encouraging the examination of newly available data from former Soviet bloc countries while also critiquing overly simplistic or dismissive viewpoints. The theme of seeking extraterrestrial intelligence extends beyond UFOs to include the search for physical artifacts, highlighting the Moon as a promising location. The publication seems to advocate for a non-traditional, yet scientifically grounded, approach to understanding these complex subjects.

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin, Vol.1, No.2 from 1994, features content related to the Journal of Scientific Exploration (JSE) and the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), alongside information on the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE).

Exploring the Frontiers in the Journal of Scientific Exploration

The main article details the genesis and mission of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), founded in 1981 by a diverse group of scientists and scholars. The primary motivation was the need for a new initiative in scientific research that would address phenomena ignored or inadequately studied by mainstream science. The SSE recognized that scientific progress relies on collective effort, including information sharing, criticism, and consensus building, ideally facilitated by a rigorous scholarly journal.

To address the 'chicken and egg' problem of needing articles for a journal and a journal for articles, the SSE was formed first. Its first council meeting was held at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 1982. Astronomers formed a visible leadership group within the society. A key impetus for the SSE's formation was a 1977 questionnaire on UFOs distributed to members of the American Astronomical Society by Professor Peter Sturrock, a solar physicist at Stanford University and then president of SSE.

The SSE has a small number of professional members (around 350) but has opened its doors to associates who support its goals. The international Journal of Scientific Exploration (JSE) was launched as the society's official publication in 1987. Initially published by Pergamon Press and appearing twice yearly, JSE circulated mainly to SSE members. Under the editorship of Ronald Howard (1987-1988) and later the author, it grew in size and readership. Since 1992, JSE has operated as an independent publication of the society, appearing quarterly and reaching a worldwide audience that has nearly tripled in two years.

The core goals of the SSE and JSE are to provide a professional forum for discussing topics neglected by mainstream science and to promote a better understanding of factors that limit scientific inquiry, such as sociological constraints, restrictive worldviews, and hidden theoretical assumptions. The journal aims to foster improved understanding of these limiting factors and to encourage the exploration of phenomena that may offer significant scientific advances.

The society encourages investigations for several reasons: the intellectual challenge for research scientists, the learning process for student scientists (emphasizing that science begins with the unknown), the public interest in certain topics requiring objective evaluation, and the potential for anomalies to become future technologies for policymakers.

An offer is made for members of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP) to receive JSE at a discounted rate of $35 per year (four issues), with foreign subscriptions costing $40. Contact information for subscriptions is provided: Journal of Scientific Exploration, ERL 306, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA, with phone (415-593-8581) and fax (415-595-4466) numbers.

The article is signed by Bernhard Haisch, Ph.D., Managing Editor, Journal of Scientific Exploration.

Editorial - Continued

The editorial continues the discussion on the challenges of scientific exploration, particularly concerning UFOs. It notes that the field is not immune to 'illnesses' and that the rapid 'tabloidizing' of the UFO subject surprised many researchers. Despite these challenges, the situation is improving, with serious specialists in UFOlogical studies mentioned, including Dr. L.M.Gindilis, Dr. Yu.V.Platov, Dr. A.F.Pugach, and Dr. M.Yu.Shevchenko. The author highlights the presence of scientists and scholars in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who are not prejudiced against UFO subject matter and are willing to study it seriously, which is seen as essential for assimilating the UFO problem into science. While current difficulties in the CIS might slow progress, they are unlikely to stop it, as human creativity can flourish even under adverse conditions.

Collaboration between researchers in the CIS, Europe, and America is expected to continue and develop. A key instrument for this collaboration is the recently created Joint USA-CIS Aerial Anomaly Federation, headed by Dr. Richard F. Haines. This federation is involved in translating and distributing ufological materials from the CIS into English. Interested parties can contact the Federation at its USA office.

References

A list of references is provided, citing articles on UFOs and anomalous phenomena from publications like FSR, MUFON UFO Journal, and OMNI, as well as a statistical analysis of UFO sightings in the USSR from the Institute of Space Research. A reference to the JUSA-CISAAF is also included.

Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE)

This section introduces the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE), described as a networking newsletter focused on the medical, psychological, and psychotherapeutic aspects of UFO abduction and contact experiences. BAE serves as a forum for mental health professionals and academics to discuss paranormal experiences related to UFOs and abduction/contact phenomena. It addresses the dismissal of these experiences by mainstream science and medicine, which often prevents experiencers from seeking help, leading to unknown morbidity and social costs.

BAE is dedicated to studying the causes of abduction and contact experiences, their effects on people and society, and the best ways to assist experiencers. Each bimonthly issue includes reader discussions, networking opportunities for research organizations and support groups, and literature reviews of relevant medical, psychological, and anthropological studies. The 'Experiencer Section' provides a platform for abductees and contactees to share their experiences and insights.

Subscriptions to BAE are available at $25 per calendar year for six bimonthly issues. Payments should be made in Canadian funds for Canadian subscriptions and U.S. funds for foreign subscriptions, payable to 'David Gotlib, M.D.'. Contact information for ordering subscriptions or sample issues ($4) is provided: David Gotlib, M.D., Bulletin of Anomalous Experience, 2 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 607, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1L5. An internet contact ([email protected]) is also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment and promotion of scientific inquiry into anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance clearly supports the rigorous, academic study of these topics, advocating for open-mindedness and interdisciplinary collaboration. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of scientific journals and societies as platforms for such research, challenging the limitations imposed by mainstream scientific paradigms. The issue also highlights the growing connection between researchers in the USA and the CIS, aiming to bridge research efforts and share findings across geopolitical boundaries. The inclusion of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience indicates a focus on the human element of these phenomena, acknowledging the psychological and social impacts on individuals who report such experiences.