RIAP BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: RIAP BULLETIN
Volume: 3
Issue: 1-2
Date: January-June 1997
Publisher: Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)
Country: UKRAINE
Language: English

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin, published quarterly, is dedicated to the complex and often controversial topic of paleovisits – the hypothesis that Earth may have been visited by extraterrestrial civilizations in ancient times. The editorial, "The Problem of Paleovisits: A Knight at the Crossroads" by V.V.Rubtsov, sets the stage by outlining the contradiction between the theoretical possibility of such visits and the scarcity of concrete evidence. Rubtsov notes that science has largely ignored this problem, with the hypothesis finding a home primarily among 'amateurs' and proponents of the Ancient Astronaut Theory (AAT). He suggests that the 'Fermi paradox' (the question of why, if extraterrestrials exist, we haven't encountered them) has partially opened the door for a more serious scientific discussion, leading to a second SETI paradigm that considers interstellar travel, not just radio communication, as a primary contact method.

Rubtsov criticizes the scientific establishment's "ostrich policy" towards paleovisits, arguing that a rational approach requires serious research rather than dismissal. He highlights that his institute, RIAP, considers paleovisitological studies a central research direction, involving both theoretical work and the examination of supposed extraterrestrial traces.

Types of Traces

The bulletin categorizes potential traces of paleovisits into direct (e.g., remains of alien devices or beings) and indirect (e.g., alterations of terrestrial objects, genetic manipulations, ancient depictions, or texts). Direct evidence, such as an "undeniable artifact," is considered crucial for proving contact.

Featured Article: The Black Ball

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the preliminary study of a mysterious object dubbed the "Black Ball," presented by V.N.Fomenko. This object was discovered in 1975 in West Ukraine within a clay layer estimated to be 10 million years old. Its regular shape and black glass-like substance immediately inspired the idea of an extraterrestrial origin.

#### Introduction to the Black Ball Study

Fomenko's report details the object's discovery and its journey through various hands, including parapsychologists who claimed to extract 'bioenergy' from it. The investigation was initiated by I.G.Petrovskaya and involved D.A.Menkov. Due to extreme caution to preserve the object, the study employed non-destructive methods. A comprehensive research program was planned but could not be fully implemented as the Ball was returned to its owner shortly after the initial stage.

#### Results of the Studies

Configuration: The Black Ball is described as an ovoid with a longer axis of 87.5 mm and a midsection diameter of 84.7 mm. Its shape is approximated by three arcs, with specific radii and angles. The deviation from a perfect sphere is noticeable.

Surface: Two-thirds of the surface was covered by a soft, yellow-grey leached layer. This layer showed signs of thinning towards the edges, suggesting it was a result of leaching over time. Some areas where the layer was removed revealed smooth, shining glass-like surfaces. The leached layer was fragile and could be scratched, except in areas of impact.

Transparency: Visual examination with a powerful light source failed to reveal any core or inclusions within the Ball, suggesting either an opaque core or strong absorption of visible light by the shell.

Structure: X-ray studies revealed an internal core shaped by two paraboloids of revolution and a cylinder. The core's height is half the Ball's axis of symmetry, and its diameter is three-quarters of the axis length. The core substance absorbs X-rays about four times less intensively than the shell. The core's end face is saucer-shaped and slightly shifted. The axes of the Ball and core are nearly coincident.

Volume and Density: The Ball's volume was calculated using various methods, yielding results close to 334.6 cm³ for a spherical approximation and 319.914 cm³ from water displacement. The core's volume was determined to be approximately 79.555 cm³, comprising about 24.9% of the Ball's total volume. The average density of the Ball was calculated at 1.934 g/cm³, which is significantly less than that of typical glass or quartz. A preliminary determination of the Ball's center of gravity led to a highly unexpected result: a negative density for the core (-4.58 g/cm³), suggesting antigravity properties.

#### Discussion of Results

Fomenko discusses the implications of these findings in the context of extraterrestrial origin. The Ball's regular shape, dimensions being multiples of a base-twenty-four system (a unit of 3.65 mm), and the foreignness of its design system to known terrestrial cultures strongly suggest an artificial origin. The age of the clay layer (10 million years) is consistent with the estimated time for the leached layer to form (a few million years, at least). The hypothesis of an extraterrestrial origin is considered plausible, especially given the unconvincing nature of terrestrial explanations.

One speculative explanation for the negative mass result is that the Ball might be a repository of antimatter. The presence of a thin layer of hypothetical 'neutrid' material is proposed as a means to protect antimatter from annihilation. The manufacturing process is described as involving molten glass injected into a mold containing the core and lid.

#### Conclusions and Suggestions

1. The Black Ball is an ovoid artifact found in 1975, dating back approximately 10 million years.
2. X-ray studies revealed an internal core with a complex shape, absorbing X-rays less intensely than the shell.
3. The Ball's dimensions and shape suggest an artificial origin, possibly utilizing a base-twenty-four number system.
4. The shell is made of black glass-like substance covered by a 1.5 mm leached layer, consistent with its age.
5. The core's density was determined to be approximately -4.58 g/cm³, suggesting antigravity properties.
6. Further measurements of the Ball's center of gravity using multiple methods are recommended to verify the negative mass result.
7. It is strongly recommended that the Ball be withdrawn from private ownership due to the potential dangers associated with antimatter.

Other Content

The issue also includes a brief report by Robin Collyns about a baffling object found in New Zealand, which, like the Black Ball, has not been thoroughly studied. The editorial references works by M.H.Hart, A.Arkhipov, and F.D.Drake, among others, in its discussion of SETI and paleovisits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the exploration of the paleovisit hypothesis and the search for evidence of extraterrestrial visitation in Earth's past. The editorial stance, as articulated by V.V.Rubtsov, is one of advocating for serious scientific investigation into these phenomena, despite the community's general skepticism. There is a clear emphasis on empirical evidence, particularly "undeniable artifacts," as crucial for advancing the field. The detailed analysis of the "Black Ball" serves as a prime example of the type of rigorous, albeit preliminary, research the publication supports. The issue implicitly critiques the prevailing scientific orthodoxy for its reluctance to engage with unconventional ideas, while simultaneously cautioning against unsubstantiated claims by proponents of the Ancient Astronaut Theory. The overall tone is one of open-minded inquiry grounded in scientific methodology.

The RIAP Bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 1-2, published in 1997, is a magazine focused on topics related to unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and scientific research. This issue features a prominent article on an unusual geological find that challenges conventional explanations.

ANCIENT ROCK POSES A MYSTERY

This article, authored by Robin Collyns, details the discovery of a unique piece of sandstone found by two boys on a rock-strewn beach in East Auckland, New Zealand, towards the end of 1978. The rock, measuring 85 x 40 x 25 millimeters and weighing 85.05 grams, is described as hard, light-grey, and seaworn, with its coloration attributed to calcite. Geologists from the University of Auckland suggest the sandstone is approximately 20 million years old, formed from sand ejected by ancient volcanoes in the Waitakere Range.

The most remarkable feature of the rock is what appears to be the embedded remains of a processed metal disc. Part of the sandstone, measuring 15 x 9 millimeters, covers a portion of the disc, indicating that the disc, like the sandstone, is also millions of years old. The author notes that this observation is crucial, as it suggests the disc predates any known human civilization capable of creating such an object.

Upon examination, a geologist at the Auckland Institute and Museum expressed bafflement. His initial thought was that the disc was a limonite "blister"—a concentration of hydrated ferric oxide commonly found on such sandstone. However, unlike typical limonite blisters, which are raised above the rock's surface, this disc is set below the surface level. The geologist admitted he was at a loss to explain its artificial appearance, musing that he could "make up a good story about it but I wouldn't believe it myself."

The disc is described as being in an exceedingly fragile condition. The article posits that if it were artificial, it could not have been made from iron or other familiar artificially-worked metals, as they would have deteriorated significantly over millions of years due to oxidation. For instance, an iron cannonball exposed to oxygen and water for just 10 years loses 1% of its mass. Therefore, if artificial, the disc must have been made from a highly durable metal or an unfamiliar alloy, possibly of rare-earth metals. However, even such materials are likely to erode over time. The author hypothesizes that the disc might be analogous to a photographic image, a remnant from the gradual molecular disintegration of an original metal, leaving behind a tantalizing image of what might have been a visit to Earth by a space civilization millions of years ago.

Further details about the disc's physical characteristics are provided. It is crimped at a 30-degree angle, suggesting it may have been bent by geological pressures or trodden underfoot. The disc is folded over the edge of the rock, with 180 degrees embedded on one side and the remaining arc on the other, which the author suggests could indicate precise folding by intelligence. The disc exhibits remarkable symmetry. If removed and placed on a flat surface, it would measure 30 millimeters in diameter. It features 3 concentric raised circles, each 1.5 millimeters wide and 1 millimeter high, separated by a 0.5-millimeter space. A small portion removed from the edge revealed the disc to be only 1 millimeter thick, not a thickened concentration of limonite. Beneath the exposed part of the disc, iron oxide staining was apparent, suggesting the disc may have slowly absorbed iron oxide from the sandstone through exosmosis, contributing to its rust-brown appearance.

A 12x magnification jeweller's lens revealed what might be the remains of an attachment loop, measuring 8 x 6 millimeters. This detail leads to speculation that the disc could have been worn as an ornament or amulet, or attached to a garment or spacesuit.

The author contrasts these findings with limonite blisters he has seen on sandstone surfaces, noting that while some have concentric circles, none exhibit the artificial appearance or precise symmetry of this disc.

The rock was exhibited at the Seventh World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society in Auckland in July 1980. Dr. Philip A. Ianna, then Associate Professor with the Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia, commented on the rock, stating that in the search for "hard evidence" to prove Ancient Astronaut visitations, the rock "is a very impressive start in the right direction."

The rock was also featured in a 50-minute New Zealand-made television documentary about the conference. Stephen La Hood, the programme Director, highlighted it as one of the most interesting things to emerge, describing it as a "small stone found at a beach which has a processed metal disc embedded in it."

On April 27, 1994, the rock was again featured on a New Zealand television programme called "Eyewitness UFO." Reporter Ian Wishart described it as potentially the "most puzzling evidence of any of New Zealand's UFO cases," noting the embedded disc with its grooves and sandstone covering.

The article concludes by summarizing the implications if the disc is indeed artificial. It raises questions about its purpose, suggesting it might have been an ornament or amulet, though this seems unlikely for a technically advanced civilization. A more plausible hypothesis is that it was an identity disc, possibly containing personal data stored magnetically. Such a discovery would be a "momentous revelation, an electronic time capsule in miniature." However, the author acknowledges that retrieving or screening such magnetic data is likely impossible now, as the original metal has evidently been destroyed by time and the elements, leaving only a remnant image. The article ends with the provocative question: "Or, is the 'disc' natural after all?"

Erratum

An erratum is included regarding a previous article, "The Petrozavodsk Phenomenon" by L.M. Gindilis and Yu.K. Kolpakov. The dates in Fig. 9, which were listed as "Nov.19, Nov.20, Nov.21," should have read "Sept.19, Sept.20, Sept.21." The publication apologizes to the authors for this error.

Editor's Information

The issue is edited by Vladimir V. Rubtsov, with the editorial office located at RIAP, P.O. Box 4684, 310022 Kharkov-22, Ukraine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin strongly leans towards the investigation of anomalous artifacts and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and historical paradigms. The featured article on the ancient sandstone disc exemplifies this stance, presenting a mysterious object that defies easy explanation and invites speculation about ancient advanced civilizations or extraterrestrial contact. The inclusion of references to scientific studies, geological analysis, and expert opinions, alongside media coverage and conference presentations, indicates a commitment to exploring these topics with a degree of rigor, while still embracing the possibility of extraordinary explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained mysteries, particularly those with potential implications for our understanding of history and the universe.