RIAP bulletin - Vol 02 No 1 - January-March 1995

Magazine Overview

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin, Volume 2, Number 1, published in January-March 1995, features a two-part article titled "The Tunguska Meteorite: A Dead-Lock or the Start of a New Stage of Inquiry? — Part II" by N.V. Vasilyev, and an article on "UFOs on the Moon" by A.V. Arkhipov. The bulletin is published quarterly by the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP) and distributed free to its fellows and donators.

The Tunguska Meteorite: A Dead-Lock or the Start of a New Stage of Inquiry? — Part II (N.V. Vasilyev)

This extensive article delves into various aspects of the Tunguska catastrophe, critically examining existing hypotheses and presenting new findings.

6. On radioactivity in the region of the Tunguska catastrophe

The hypothesis of a nuclear nature of the Tunguska explosion was tested by searching for radionuclides at the epicenter and in the explosion products. The results indicate that radioactivity at the epicenter is within the range of background fluctuations, though slightly higher than at the periphery. Radionuclides are concentrated in the upper soil and peat layers, likely from global fallout after nuclear tests. A specific finding in 1960 at Vanavara showed a second maximum of radionuclide concentration at a depth of 35 cm, which was not fully studied. Investigations of inert gases in rocks near the epicenter did not reveal peculiarities attributable to neutron irradiation. Analysis of 14C content in tree rings from 1909 showed a global excess over background values, potentially linked to solar maxima, but this doesn't fully explain the patchy character of the effect at the epicenter. The author concludes that the search for radioactivity, in terms of the nuclear hypothesis, has yielded negative results, but acknowledges the difficulty of detecting traces half a century after an event, especially with present-day contamination. Efforts to find indirect evidence included studying thermoluminescent properties of minerals, which showed shifts indicating exposure to ionizing radiation. These shifts were distorted by two opposing factors: one reducing thermoluminescence near the epicenter, possibly due to a light flash, and another intensifying it, potentially due to ionizing radiation, correlating with a "blind spot" of minimal thermal effects.

7. Ecological consequences of the Tunguska catastrophe

Ecological consequences have been studied for over 30 years and fall into two main types: rapid revival and accelerated growth of the taiga, and genetic impact. The forest revival correlates with the Tunguska space body (TSB) trajectory and is not limited to the leveled area. This effect is observed in all wood species and tends to concentrate towards the TSB path. While some attribute this to improved light and thermal conditions or soil enrichment with microelements, these explanations don't fully account for the correlation with the TSB trajectory and the discrepancy between growth zones and the forest fall/fire areas. Another conception suggests enrichment of poor soil with cosmogeneous microelements. The genetic impact is characterized by a sharp increase in mutations in Tunguska pine trees, concentrated towards the epicentral area and the TSB trajectory. The mutagenic factor is unknown, but a powerful electromagnetic pulse is considered a possibility. Morphometric peculiarities in ants and a rare mutation in the Rh-antigen among the Evenks are also noted. Medico-ecological examinations of native inhabitants show population-genetic effects similar to those in regions affected by nuclear weapon tests, including oncological morbidity and immunity status peculiarities.

8. On the substance of the Tunguska meteorite

No milligram of positively identified substance of the Tunguska "meteorite" has been found. Early searches for astroblemes and geomorphological formations proved negative. Attempts to find fragments using mineralogical analysis, magnetometers, and mine detectors also failed. Since the 1960s, the search strategy shifted to analyzing finely-dispersed space material. Results include the presence of small amounts of silicate and magnetite space material in soil and peat, but direct evidence linking it to the TSB is lacking. Information on iridium anomalies in Antarctic ice and Tunguska peat from 1908 is based on isolated findings and requires verification. Increased concentration of silicate microspherules enriched with copper, zinc, gold, and other elements has been found in "catastrophic" layers of peat and wood resin, suggesting a cosmogeneous origin, though not proven. Isotopic shifts in carbon and hydrogen in peat at the epicenter are attributed by E.M. Kolesnikov to dispersed substance of a space body similar to carbonaceous chondrites. A number of local geochemical anomalies, including a rare-earth (ytterbium) anomaly, have been discovered at the epicenter, reaching a peak where the TSB trajectory intersects the Earth's surface. This anomaly is mainly in upper soil layers. The RE anomaly is also noted in Antarctic ice from 1908 and in particles from space material collection experiments, suggesting a potential link to the TSB.

9. On the geometry of the Tunguska catastrophe effects

The "Tunguska effects" exhibit a peculiar geometric structure, with phenomena like forest fall, radiant burn, and accelerated tree growth showing similar outlines. A "blind spot" exists in the ENE sector for these effects, suggesting it was screened from thermal influence but exposed to hard radiation. The relationship between the radiant burn area and the blast wave suggests anisotropy of the explosion fireball.

10. On internal inconsistency of the traditional models of the Tunguska phenomenon

Traditional cometary hypotheses, popular since the 1960s, explained the overground explosion, lack of astrobleme, and atmospheric optical anomalies. However, recent studies have complicated these models. Assumptions of very low TSB density are contradicted by Halley's comet density. Calculations by Z. Sekanina and C. Chyba et al. suggest that a comet nucleus or carbonaceous chondrite would have disintegrated at a much higher altitude. They propose the TSB was a stony asteroid, but this raises questions about the lack of a large astrobleme and the observed isotopic and elemental anomalies. The authors suggest that the explanation of these anomalies might be the last possibility for explaining the Tunguska phenomenon within traditional concepts, necessitating check investigations in control areas.

11. On unconventional approaches to the problem of the Tunguska catastrophe

Non-traditional approaches include hypotheses ignoring factual evidence (e.g., methane cloud, ball lightning) and more serious conceptions like the antimatter nature of the TSB, plasmoid hypothesis, or technogeneous origin. The technogeneous hypothesis is considered plausible given the object's strange features and the improbability of reducing it to simple models, suggesting an unconventional origin.

Key Questions for Future Research

The article poses several critical questions to guide future research:

1. Can the Tunguska explosion be explained by the destruction of a comet ice lump or carbonaceous chondrite at 5-8 km altitude, or is Sekanina/Chyba correct in denying this possibility?
2. Is the conclusion about the explosion of a stony meteorite unambiguous, considering the silicate aerosol fall?
3. What is the nature of the isotopic and elemental anomalies in peat layers and wood resin dated 1908? Are they due to TSB remnants or other processes?
4. Could the atmospheric optical anomalies of 1908 be due to transport of TSB matter by stratospheric winds?
5. What is the nature of the WNW segment of the "corridor" of forest fall vectors?
6. Is it possible to resolve the contradiction between the TSB trajectory defined by eyewitnesses and the direction of flight suggested by forest fall vectors?

12. On the necessity to protect the Tunguska catastrophe area

The Tunguska catastrophe zone is a unique site of a large-scale space catastrophe, necessitating its protection and further investigation. If the TSB was of extraterrestrial artificial origin, protection becomes even more crucial. Ecological consequences may persist for decades or centuries, and population-genetic effects are significant. Establishing a nature reserve is urged, drawing a parallel to the Mount Pelée eruption where delayed evacuation led to disaster. The author warns against complacency, emphasizing the potential for a future catastrophe with far greater consequences if it occurs over populated areas.

UFOs on the Moon (A.V.Arkhipov)

This article explores the possibility of UFOs on the Moon, drawing parallels with terrestrial UFO phenomena and Lunar Transient Phenomena (LTPs).

Introduction

Two main reasons for searching lunar analogs of terrestrial UFOs are presented: the extraterrestrial hypothesis of UFO origins and the potential of lunar UFOs to test other hypotheses. The lunar aspect of the UFO problem remains largely unexplored, with previous attempts being superficial descriptions.

Phenomenology and analogy

Only a portion of reported terrestrial UFOs are visible from the Moon through conventional telescopes. These include "nocturnal lights" and "daylight discs," often interpreted as LTPs (dust or gas-dust clouds, electrical discharges). However, some LTP types lack conventional explanations and resemble terrestrial UFOs.

• Fast moving objects (FMOs): These appear as light dots and strips moving at speeds of 10⁻³ to 1 degree per second. A catalog of FMOs with trajectories on the lunar disc shows a statistically significant asymmetry, with more events in the western (selenographic) half, suggesting a connection to the Moon rather than terrestrial bodies or meteors.
• Nocturnal lights (NLs): These include motionless light dots of quasiconstant stellar magnitude, sometimes illuminating the lunar surface. Their duration and constancy make explanations like gas clouds or electrical discharges unlikely. Searchlight phenomena and illuminated streaks are also noted.
• Reflections from flat mirrors (RFMs): These appear as star-like phenomena on the day side of the Moon, with durations of 20-60 minutes. The age of craters showing RFMs and meteorite erosion rates contradict the idea that they are reflections from lunar rocks.

LTPs share statistical properties with UFOs, including "waves of reports" that show temporal variations. The LTP waves of 1937-40, 1954-56, and 1964-67 are noted as intriguing analogs to terrestrial UFO waves of 1954 and 1967.

Hints at intelligence

UFO behavior often appears intelligent. Similarly, LTPs exhibit "intelligent or quasi-intelligent behavior." A phenomenon termed the "Invasion Effect" suggests that terrestrial vehicles' presence in certain lunar regions stimulates a statistically significant, temporary increase in LTP emergence. For example, the area around the Ross crater became highly active after the impact of Ranger 6, and a zone near the Sabine and Maskelyne craters became active after Ranger 8 and Surveyor 5 landings. However, this effect was not observed consistently with all landings, such as Apollo 17 near Ross, or in other regions like Mare Foecunditatis.

Conclusions

The article concludes that:

1. There is significant similarity between UFO and LTP phenomena, with some LTPs appearing as lunar analogs of terrestrial UFOs.
2. UFOs are likely not atmospheric or psychological phenomena, as they have been observed by competent observers in vacuum.
3. It is reasonable to search for physical traces of UFO landings on the lunar surface.
4. The interaction with UFOs should be studied as a risk factor for space missions to the Moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly the Tunguska event and potential extraterrestrial activity on the Moon. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry into anomalous phenomena, encouraging detailed analysis, critical evaluation of hypotheses, and further investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between established scientific understanding and speculative theories, while remaining open to unconventional possibilities. The articles highlight the complexity of these phenomena and the need for continued research, as well as the importance of protecting unique scientific sites like the Tunguska catastrophe area.