RIAP bulletin - Vol 03 No 3-4 - July-December 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: RIAP BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 3, Number 3-4
Date: July-December 1997
Publisher: Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)
Country: UKRAINE
Language: English
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial: Some Pages from the History of the Paleovisit Idea

The editorial introduces the topic of paleovisits, emphasizing its long and fascinating history, with brilliant conjectures made by scholars, engineers, and science fiction writers over decades and centuries. It notes the absence of a comprehensive study on the historical side of paleovisits and announces the publication of important materials on this subject in special paleovisitological issues of the RIAP Bulletin. The editorial asserts that the idea of paleovisit is not a 'modern myth' but a concept considered a possibility by many deep thinkers, who have sought evidence for it.

A significant publication highlighted is an interview with Russian pioneers of cosmonautics N.A. Rynin, K.E. Tsiolkovsky, and Y.I. Perelman, published in the journal Vestnik Znaniya in 1930. While parts of this interview have been exposed in other works, a complete English translation has not been previously published, making it of interest to RIAP readers.

The editorial also touches upon the 'paradox of subscriber No. 41912', which formulated the core idea of the Fermi paradox more than ten years before its famous advancement. This paradox, as later developed by scholars like V. Lvov, M. Hart, F. Tipler, and I.S. Shklovsky, presents a logical structure: 1) Earth has never been visited by extraterrestrials; 2) interstellar flights are technically feasible; 3) therefore, extraterrestrial civilizations do not exist. The editorial suggests renaming this the 'paradox of subscriber No. 41912' as proposed by Dr. Yuriy Morozov, and notes that there is 'nothing new under the sun' even in the SETI field.

Another topic discussed is the astronomical lore of the Dogon people of Mali, which attracted attention twenty years prior due to books by Robert Temple and Eric Guerrier. The 'missionary hypothesis,' suggesting Dogon astronomical concepts were borrowed from the Western world, is contrasted with the 'Ancient Astronaut theory.' The editorial notes that the discussion has largely come to a standstill, with attempts to accuse ethnologists of forging source material having little impact. It draws a parallel between paleovisitology and ufology, describing both as non-cumulative fields, with scientific paleovisitology still in its infancy.

The editorial mentions that a paper by Mrs. Ida P. Moffett of the Continuum Foundation offers an explanation of Dogon astronomy based on mythological or culturological grounds. While the editor expresses doubts about this approach, they acknowledge its non-trivial arguments and richer conception compared to the 'missionary hypothesis,' suggesting that the mythological context of past interstellar contact would influence results and must be considered in paleovisitological studies.

Contents

• The issue's contents include:
• Editorial: Some Pages from the History of the Paleovisit Idea
• V.V. Rubtsov: Is Interplanetary Travel Possible?
• N.A. Rynin, K.E. Tsiolkovsky, Y.I. Perelman: Ancient E.T. Contact Source of Dogon Astronomical Knowledge?
• I.P. Moffett: The Black Ball: a Few Words in addition

Is Interplanetary Travel Possible?

This section presents a discussion initiated by a letter from subscriber No. 41912 to the journal Vestnik Znaniya (Herald of Knowledge) in 1930. The letter questioned the feasibility of interplanetary voyages, posing the question: "If interplanetary voyages are at all feasible and if the Earth has not the highest culture in the whole Universe, if there are higher cultures on other planets, then why has not the Earth been visited by inhabitants of other worlds?" The author concluded that interplanetary travel is impossible based on the premise that Earth has not been visited.

Reply by Prof. N.A. Rynin: Rynin agrees that Earth is not the most cultured planet but questions the conclusion that interplanetary travel is impossible. He notes that Earth may have the most favorable conditions for life in the solar system. Regarding the lack of visits, he suggests that legends and traditions from antiquity might hold a grain of truth about visits from other worlds. He also points out that the author's conclusion is insufficient, as it only considers visits in ancient times and not the future, and that the Earth has billions of years of development ahead.

Reply by K. E. Tsiolkovsky: Tsiolkovsky argues that the absence of visits does not mean other planets haven't been visited. He highlights the vastness of the universe with countless planets. He also discusses the technological feasibility of interplanetary travel, referencing his theory of the airplane and the potential of jet engines to achieve cosmic velocity, enabling flight around Earth in vacuum without energy consumption.

Reply by Y. I. Perelman: Perelman dismisses the argument that interplanetary travel is impossible because hypothetical inhabitants of other worlds have not visited us. He states that science does not attach importance to unproven assertions. He emphasizes that the feasibility of astronautics is scientifically proved, regardless of whether other civilizations exist or have visited Earth.

Ancient E.T. Contact Source of Dogon Astronomical Knowledge?

This article by Ida P. Moffett from the Continuum Foundation explores the astronomical knowledge of the Dogon people of Mali and its potential connection to extraterrestrial contact.

1. Dogon Astronomical Knowledge:

French ethnographer Marcel Griaule began studying the Dogon in 1928. The Dogon possess a unique cosmology reflected in their social institutions and ceremonies. In 1946, Dogon Elders initiated Griaule into their teachings, revealing their knowledge. Key collaborators like Germaine Dieterlen compiled findings, notably on the Dogon creation myth in "Le Renard pâle" (The Pale Fox).

The most intriguing aspect for the Western world is the Dogon's astronomical knowledge. An article by Griaule and Dieterlen, "Un Système Soudanais de Sirius," revealed that the Dogon are aware of Sirius A having a small, high-density companion, Sirius B, and possibly a third star in the system, with an elliptical orbit and a 50-year period. They also depict Saturn with a ring and Jupiter with four satellites, all without optical instruments. This knowledge baffled astronomers like Kenneth Brecher, who remarked, "They have no business knowing any of this."

2. Recent Source for Dogon Knowledge Claimed:

One explanation, proposed by Brecher, Sagan, and Roxborough, suggests a Jesuit priest who read about Sirius B in a newspaper might have visited Mali in the 1920s. This priest could have shared the information with the Dogon, who then incorporated it into their myths, similar to the 'Cargo Cult' phenomenon among South Sea Islanders. However, anthropologists and others find this scenario improbable due to the established nature of Dogon traditions and the long period of observation before Griaule's initiation.

The article highlights two key Dogon facts that contradict this scenario: 1) Masks are carved for each Sigui ceremony, held every sixty years and related to Sirius and its companions. The existence of masks dating back to the thirteenth century suggests a much older tradition than the 1920s. 2) A lecture by Dieterlen in 1970 mentioned an aged Dogon man who had participated in three Sigui ceremonies, the most recent in 1969, the previous around 1909, and one in approximately 1849, thirteen years before Sirius B was discovered.

3. An ET Source for Dogon Knowledge?:

Robert K. G. Temple, in "The Sirius Mystery," suggests the Sirius tradition might be thousands of years old. He explores the possibility of inhabitants from the Sirius system visiting Earth in prehistoric times and passing on information that was encoded into Mediterranean mythologies. Temple posits that this knowledge eventually came south with the Garamantians, a Berber tribe, who intermingled with the local Negroid population, thus becoming the real ancestors of the Dogon. Temple finds evidence in Dogon myth of semi-aquatic beings arriving on an 'ark,' which he interprets as a space capsule.

4. Amma and the Creation:

This section details the Dogon creation myth, starting with Amma, the Creator. Amma's egg contained the universe-to-be, a twin replica of himself. Through a spiraling motion, the 'po' seed was created, leading to the formation of six more seeds and the four elements. This process eventually led to the creation of the Pale Fox. Amma then created other grains and, using his placenta, created a twin placenta which served as a double womb. Within this, he created male twins, eventually succeeding after eight attempts.

5. The Nommo Anagonno:

These beings, provided with female counterparts by Amma, are collectively called the Nommo Anagonno. They are symbolically represented as fishes, indicating their fetal form. The first is the Nommo Die (great Nommo), Amma's representative in the sky. The second, Nommo Titiyayne, is the messenger. The third, O Nommo, is sacrificed to purify the universe. The fourth is Ogo, who disrupts Amma's plans. Nommo Semi, resurrected as a human, descended to Earth with ancestors in an ark fashioned from his placenta.

6. Creation of Sirius:

The star Sirius (sigi tolo) came into being when the Nommo Titiyayne severed his brother's sex organ and umbilical cord. Sirius is thus symbolic of the Nommo's placenta and umbilical cord. The Dogon say Sirius is the 'navel of the world,' hinting at its central position. The sacrifice of Nommo Semi led to the scattering of stars and seeds, forming constellations like the Belt of Orion.

7. The Nommo's ark:

The ark, fashioned from the Nommo's placenta, contained sixty compartments and carried components and beings that compose Dogon agricultural society, including human ancestors. The ark's descent impacted the formation of space. Its landing at Lake Debo is described with graphic detail, including a column of dust and impact. The 'blood' from the placenta spurted to the heavens, and a new star (an interstellar spaceship) appeared. The ark's landing marks are described as resembling rockets.

8. Sirius B and C in Egyptian myth?:

Temple scans Egyptian myths for clues about Sirius B, noting its invisibility to the naked eye, density, and 50-year orbit. He suggests Isis represents Sirius A, Nephthys the invisible Sirius B, and Anukis (pouring liquid from two jars) might represent Sirius C with watery planets. He interprets the Sothic heavens as a 'watery, reed-growing paradise.'

9. Ancient ETs?:

Temple cites Berossus, a priest and historian, who recounted the arrival of Oannes, a semi-daimon with a fish-like form and human head, in Mesopotamia. Oannes instructed humanity in agriculture, architecture, and arts. Similar figures are found in Hermetic literature, such as Hermes and Thoth, linked to Imhotep.

10. Sirius mysteries reflected in Hermetic literature?:

A quote from an Egyptian magic papyrus mentions a 'Good Daimon' associated with 'perfect black,' which Temple interprets as Sirius B. He sees a connection between Hermeticists' desire to understand the 'inner nature of the holy spaces' and modern space programs.

11. Is the orbit of Sirius represented in ancient myths?:

The number fifty is frequently used in mythology, appearing in the number of Argonauts, Cerberus' heads, Danaos' daughters, and Nereus' daughters. The number fifty is linked to 7x7+1, representing seven distinct spheres of being, each subdivided into seven.

12. Were the Nommo ET visitors?:

Temple concludes that the Nommo, represented as fishes and associated with water, were amphibious cosmonauts, similar to Oannes. He interprets the Dogon myth of the ark's landing as a spacecraft's descent, with rocket exhaust and an interstellar spaceship hovering. He suggests that Earth might be under constant observation by advanced extraterrestrial beings who left probes.

13. The hidden code within the myth:

Myths are seen as containing hidden meanings, wisdom shrouded in fables. The Dogon's pursuit of 'deeper knowledge' and the efforts of Hellenic intelligentsia to study Egyptian priests suggest a profound, possibly metaphysical, significance in these traditions.

14. Secrecy surrounding sacred traditions misunderstood:

The article critiques Temple's interpretation of secrecy in Dogon knowledge as a conspiracy. It argues that the Dogon shared their knowledge willingly with Griaule and Dieterlen, who had proven their sincere interest, differentiating this from the secrecy of temporal authorities like the CIA.

15. Interpretation of Egyptian myth:

The article challenges Temple's interpretation of Egyptian mythology, particularly his identification of Isis with Sirius. It explains that Isis was part of the Ennead, with Atum-Ra being the head of the pantheon. Nephthys is described as a symbolic representation of darkness, not necessarily Sirius B. The 'perfect black' attributed to Osiris represents the void before creation.

16. The meaning of numbers:

Numbers play a significant role in mythological and philosophical systems, with Pythagoras and Kabbalists using numerical interpretations. Numbers like 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 24, 40, 50, and 432 are common in myths, often symbolizing cosmic structures or divine attributes.

17. The civilizer in fish-form:

The appearance of divine or semi-divine beings in fish-form, emerging from the sea, is a common mythological theme, seen in figures like Brahma, Vishnu, Ea, and Oannes. These are often creative deities and culture-heroes, and it is illogical to categorize them all as amphibious cosmonauts.

18. Dogon cosmology reexamined:

This section reevaluates the Dogon cosmology in light of "The Pale Fox." It argues that the Nommo are creative deities, and their fish representation signifies their undeveloped state. The idea of an amphibious humanoid is dismissed as imaginative. The ark being made of the Nommo's placenta is also questioned as material for a space module. The timing of Sirius' formation and the ark's descent are presented as part of a mythic sequence rather than a literal event. The return of the ark via a 'chain' is seen as a common mythic theme.

19. Possible origins of the Sirius knowledge:

The article considers alternative origins for the Dogon's Sirius knowledge, including Mesopotamian or Egyptian astronomers, or even a lost high culture like Atlantis. It notes the advanced astronomical capabilities of ancient cultures like the Mayans and Hindus. Parallels between Egyptian and West African kingship suggest a link. The discovery of arrowheads dated to 9000 BC is mentioned as potential confirmation of Plato's account of Atlantean influence.

20. The Dogon's own account:

The Dogon told Griaule and Dieterlen that the star Sirius B was not detected during the reign of the first seven Hogons. The eighth Hogon, however, claimed to have visited the star and revealed its mysteries, leading to changes in the ruling period and a system for calculating time. The raising of the sky is a theme found in various mythologies, often associated with primordial time. The article suggests that the Dogon's information likely stems from their own cosmology and comparative mythology, rather than ET contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin focuses on the historical and mythological aspects of the paleovisit idea and ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting various theories and evidence while also questioning their validity and offering alternative interpretations. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and a cautious approach to sensational claims, particularly concerning extraterrestrial contact. The magazine promotes the idea that ancient myths and cosmologies hold deep meaning and warrant serious study on their own terms, rather than being solely interpreted through the lens of modern scientific or extraterrestrial hypotheses. The issue highlights the importance of historical context and the potential for misunderstanding or misinterpreting ancient traditions. The publication of diverse viewpoints, including those of pioneers in cosmonautics and researchers of ancient cultures, suggests an open yet discerning editorial policy.

Title: RIAP Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 3-4
Date: 1997
Publisher: RIAP
Country: UKRAINE

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin features a detailed discussion on an enigmatic object known as the 'Black Ball', presenting a debate between researchers regarding its nature and the investigation conducted by the KGB.

The Black Ball: A Few Words in Addition

The main article, "THE BLACK BALL: A FEW WORDS IN ADDITION," delves into the findings of an investigation into the 'Black Ball,' an object discovered in West Ukraine in 1975. Dr. Valentin N. Fomenko's initial report suggested the Ball possessed anomalous properties, including a 'core' with negative mass, potentially indicating it was part of an extraterrestrial spacecraft's propulsion system containing antimatter. However, the owner strongly demanded its return, which was complied with.

In September 1994, the Russian newspaper *Izvestiya* published an article by Yuriy Kholodniy, a Ph.D. in psychology and a participant in the investigation. Kholodniy reported that in February 1981, KGB officials were informed about Fomenko's findings and tasked with retrieving the Ball. A special KGB working group, including Kholodniy, was formed. They obtained the Ball from a Moscow parapsychologist, referred to as 'Mr. D.,' who used it in a 'generator of biological field.'

The KGB group disassembled the 'generator,' finding a brown ball. Their investigation, lasting over two months, led to several conclusions:

1. The Black Ball was made of glass, unusual for its lack of sodium and high strontium content.
2. Microcracks in its shell allowed water percolation, meaning it was not waterproof or airtight, thus not a container for antimatter.
3. The 'negative mass' result was attributed to a ten-percent error in detecting its center of gravity.

Regarding the age of the Ball, Kholodniy vaguely stated that carbon 14 dating by specialists from the Geological Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences determined it to be a centuries-old antique of artificial origin, though not 10 million years old.

The article implies the Ball was broken during the investigation. Mrs. Faina S. Petryakova, a specialist in glass history, identified fragments as belonging to a 'gallo,' a primitive device for ironing shirt sleeves, dating back about 150 years based on the leached layer's thickness.

Dr. Fomenko's Counterarguments

Dr. Valentin Fomenko, the author of the original report, responded to Kholodniy's article in a letter to *Izvestiya*. Fomenko disputes Kholodniy's findings, asserting that the KGB may have investigated a forged object, possibly a 'gallo' palmed off by Mr. Deev, who in turn had given the KGB a mold of his generator.

Fomenko points out several discrepancies:

• Color: The object found was brown, but the real Black Ball was described as black glass with a yellow-grey leached layer, with no brown spots.
• Shell Opacity: The Ball's shell was deep black and opaque, even to a powerful halogen lamp, contradicting Kholodniy's description of its fragments as bottle-green.
• Microcracks: The real Black Ball had no microcracks, unlike the object described by Kholodniy, which could allow water to percolate.
• Core Density: The Black Ball contained a core with a density only four times less than its shell, confirmed by X-ray and photometric scanning, not a void.
• Gallo Hypothesis: The KGB's own investigation considered and rejected the gallo hypothesis, noting that a 1.5 mm leached layer could not form in 150 years.

Fomenko also criticizes the carbon 14 dating mentioned by Kholodniy, stating it's absurd to use carbon 14 dating on glass, which contains no carbon.

Fomenko expresses a desire to meet with Kholodniy to discuss these matters further.

Notes and References

The issue includes references to previous articles and publications related to the Black Ball, including Fomenko's own report and Kholodniy's *Izvestiya* article. The editor is identified as Vladimir V. Rubtsov of RIAP, Kharkov-22, Ukraine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the investigation of anomalous objects and the potential involvement of state security agencies. The editorial stance appears to favor critical examination of evidence and highlights discrepancies in official reports, as seen in Dr. Fomenko's detailed rebuttal of the KGB's findings. The publication seems to be a platform for presenting controversial findings and fostering debate within the field of ufology and anomalous phenomena research.