RIAP bulletin - Vol 04 No 4 - October-December 1998

Magazine Overview

The RIAP Bulletin, Volume 4, Number 4, published from October to December 1998, is the quarterly publication of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP). RIAP is an independent scientific research body established in 1992 in Kharkov, Ukraine, by the aerospace company Vertical. Its focus is on anomalous atmospheric phenomena, non-traditional energy sources, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

The institute's motto states: "We study: anomalous phenomena. We consider: any theories. We accept: normal proofs, exact references."

The Scientific Council includes A.V.Beletsky (Vice-Chairman), P.I.Kutniuk, Y.N.Morozov, Y.V.Platov, V.V.Rubtsov (Chairman), N.V.Vasilyev, and V.K.Zhuravlev. The Advisory Board comprises international experts such as V.-J. Ballester Olmos (Spain), T.E.Bullard (USA), R.F.Haines (USA), A.Meessen (Belgium), and G.Sassoon (United Kingdom), alongside numerous Russian and Ukrainian researchers.

The issue features a table of contents listing articles on the investigation of a "Glass Ball as a Supposedly Anomalous Object" by V.N.Fomenko, "Tracking the Alien Astroengineers" by V.V.Rubtsov, and "Did the Maori Know About the Ring of Jupiter?" by Y.N.Morozov. It also includes an obituary for Gary Burgansky by R.S.Furduy. Future issues are previewed, promising continued investigation into UFO landings on the Mzha river and a study of the Tunguska catastrophe.

The publication is by RIAP, P.O.Box 4684, 310022 Kharkov-22, UKRAINE, and printed/distributed by Frontier Sciences Foundation, P.O.Box 372, 8250 AJ Dronten, THE NETHERLANDS. The website is http://www.f-s-f.com/. The copyright is 1998 RIAP.

Investigation of the Glass Ball as a Supposedly Anomalous Object

This article by Valentin N. Fomenko details the investigation of a Glass Ball (GB), approximately 4.4 cm in diameter, found in red clay at a depth of seven meters near Kasimov, Russia, in 1983. Initially considered a potential anomalous object, the GB split into three parts due to internal stresses during examination.

Summary of Findings

The investigation suggests the Ball is likely an intermediate product of glass manufacture, possibly made in Russia 150-200 years ago, and potentially used as a toy. However, some aspects, such as its depth of discovery and chemical composition, warrant further study to conclusively prove its conventional origin.

Introduction

The problem of paleovisits (hypothetical ancient extraterrestrial visits) is linked to the UFO problem. The discovery of potential extraterrestrial artifacts (ETAs) is crucial. The Glass Ball, found during excavation for a foundation pit near Kasimov, was given to the Kasimov Museum of Regional Studies. After ten years, specialists could not agree on its nature. In 1992, Dr. Yuriy N. Morozov was informed, leading to Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov of RIAP examining the find. The GB was then transferred to RIAP for full examination.

Preliminary Examination and Aims

Preliminary examination showed the GB resembled a "Black Ball" previously studied, which had anomalous characteristics. The primary aim was to determine if the GB could be classified as an anomalous ball or stone by analyzing its physical and chemical properties. However, the collapse of the former Soviet research infrastructure limited the scope of research, making it impossible to determine isotopic composition or age directly.

Manufacturing and Origin Hypothesis

The conclusion reached is that the Glass Ball was likely made by human hands using glass manufacturing technology from Russia 150-200 years ago. It was possibly an intermediate product, like a "gob" or "banochka", used in glass-ware production, later cut off by shears. The presence of a "stalk" remnant and a funnel-shaped recess supports this. The varying shell thickness (5.5 mm near the stalk to 3 mm opposite) is typical of hand-blown glass. The concavity around the stalk suggests pressure drop during cooling. The yellow-green color indicates iron impurities in the sand. Air bubbles and black inclusions (possibly from charcoal) suggest a low technological level, consistent with pre-1880 Russian glass production.

Physical and Chemical Analysis

Shape and Structure: The GB's shape is not a regular spheroid and cannot be approximated by simple arcs, unlike the "Black Ball." Manufacturing methods differ, with the GB likely made using a hand-operated blow-pipe, resulting in a less regular shape influenced by surface tension, viscosity, air pressure, and blowing speed.

Chemical Composition: Spectral analysis revealed the substance contains approximately 30% Si, 5-10% Ca, 1-1.5% Na, 0.5-1% Mg, 0.5-1% Ti, 0.008-0.01% Zn, 0.003-0.005% Pb, and 0.003% Cu. The main components are likely SiO2 (64%) and CaO (7-14%). More sensitive methods are recommended for further analysis.

Density: Before splitting, the Ball's weight was 54.39 g and volume 44.58 cm³, yielding a density of 1.22 g/cm³. This is less than normal glass, suggesting abnormal glass or a glass-like resin. Amber has a density of 1.20 g/cm³. Particles did not burn, and triboelectrification was minimal. After splitting, the fragments' density was 2.58-2.59 g/cm³, approaching that of normal glass.

Hardness and Refractive Index: The hardness is about 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and the refractive index is about 1.6, consistent with the hypothesis of its origin.

Magnetic Properties: The Ball showed slight attraction to a strong permanent magnet, indicating slight paramagnetism due to iron impurities not integrated into clusters.

Ionizing Radiation: Measurements showed beta-radiation was 1.63 times the background, and gamma-radiation was 1.91 times the background. Alpha-radiation was 3.15 times higher. Attempts to determine the age via gamma-radiation were hampered by the low content of uranium and thorium and the lack of specialists. Radiocarbon analysis of air bubbles also failed due to similar issues and the likely age of the object.

Self-Rotation Examination: Experiments to detect self-rotation were negative. A light beam reflected by a mirror on the Ball showed slight displacement, interpreted as crushing deformations at contact points, not self-rotation.

Splitting: The Ball split into three parts, likely due to thermal stresses from one-sided heating during an experiment, exacerbated by internal "frozen" stresses.

Conclusions

The location and unexplained origin of the Glass Ball warranted investigation. While the analysis points towards it being an intermediate product of glass manufacture, likely from Russia 150-200 years ago, some aspects remain unresolved, necessitating further study if opportunities arise.

Tracking the Alien Astroengineers

This essay by Vladimir V. Rubtsov explores the possibility of ancient alien visits to Earth, focusing on the "mythological astronomy" of the Dogon people of Mali. The Dogon cosmology describes a "spiral stellar world" containing the Sun, with an "internal system" including Orion, Sirius, and the Pleiades, which they consider the "support of the seat of the world." Sirius is central, called the "navel of the world."

The Dogon Cosmology and Sirius

Sirius is described as a triple stellar system: Sigi tolo (our Sirius A), Po tolo (Sirius B, a white dwarf), and Emme ya tolo (a hypothetical Sirius C). The similarity between Po tolo and Sirius B (white, small, heavy, with a 50-year revolution period) has fueled discussions about whether this knowledge was brought to Earth by cosmic visitors, as suggested by Robert Temple and Eric Guerrier. However, this hypothesis has faced scientific skepticism, with many suggesting recent adoption of European knowledge.

The Dogon creation myth involves the supreme god Amma creating the Universe within a grain of "po" (fonio millet). This "egg of the world" spun and scattered matter. The first living being, Nommo, multiplied, leading to four Nommos, including Ogo, who created disorder by venturing into space. Amma then purified the Universe by sacrificing a Nommo. The empty shell of the grain became the star Po, which exploded and faded over 240 years. The Dogon also describe the Sirius system with Ogo's female twin, Yasigui, whom Ogo chases, with Ogo revolving eternally around her.

Astroengineering Hypothesis

Rubtsov proposes an "astroengineering interference" by a supercivilization in the Sirius system's evolution. This is partly based on Indo-European myths of heavenly blacksmiths fighting a "dog" and astrophysical data about Sirius B.

Sirius as a "Dog" and Symbolism

Sirius was widely known as "The Dog" in ancient cultures (Egyptians: Starry Dog, Anubis; Blackfeet: "Dog-face"; Hindus: Sarama; Chinese: Heavenly Wolf; Greeks: Dog of Orion; Romans: Southern Cerberus). This association with a "terrible beast," related to death and disaster, is seen as significant. The "dog" is often depicted as a chthonian animal, a guardian of the underworld. Myths describe dangerous dogs, wolves, and foxes associated with world-ending events (Mongols, Slavic mythology, Ukrainian beliefs, Nordic mythology with Fenrir and Garm).

Mythological Parallels and Interpretations

Various names and myths associated with Sirius are explored: "Tishtrya" (Iranian mythology, linked to "three stars" and Cerberus), the "arrow" and "target" symbolism, and the Chinese emperor Huang-ti. The concept of "complementarity" in mythology allows for diverse descriptions of the same phenomenon. The "fetters" used to chain the "dog" in myths are interpreted as evidence of astroengineering activity by a supercivilization.

The "Red Sirius" Enigma

Classical authors like Ptolemy and Seneca described Sirius as red, contrasting with its current white-bluish appearance. This "redness" is linked to danger, fire, and bloodshed in cultural traditions. While it's unlikely Sirius B was a red giant as recently as 2000 years ago, the possibility of ongoing astroengineering works or temporary reddening due to physical processes is considered. The explanation that red was a token of danger, rather than the star's actual color, is also discussed.

Conclusion on Mythology

Rubtsov suggests that ancient myths, particularly the Dogon's, preserve fragmented data about events in the "internal star system," which may have been "projected" onto the firmament. These stories, though confused, can offer clues. He cautions against uncritically adopting science fiction tropes, like the "ancient astronaut" theory, and emphasizes the need to derive reliable facts and formulate new questions from existing answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The RIAP Bulletin consistently explores anomalous phenomena, UFOs, and potential extraterrestrial influences on Earth's history. The editorial stance, as indicated by the motto, is open to all theories, emphasizing the need for evidence and precise references. The articles in this issue, particularly the investigation of the Glass Ball and the analysis of Dogon mythology, reflect a commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry applied to subjects often relegated to pseudoscience. The publication also looks forward to continuing investigations into significant UFO cases and historical mysteries like the Tunguska event, suggesting a long-term research agenda focused on unexplained phenomena.

Title: RIAP Bulletin
Issue Date: 1998
Volume: 4
Issue: 4
Publisher: RIAP
Country: Ukraine
Language: English

Letter to the Editor: Did the Maori Know About the Ring of Jupiter?

The letter to the editor, authored by Yuriy N. Morozov, Ph.D., delves into the intriguing possibility that the Maori people of New Zealand possessed knowledge of Jupiter's ring, an astronomical feature not officially discovered until 1979 by the Voyager-1 space probe.

Morozov draws attention to the work of ethnologist E.Best, who documented the Maori term 'Parearau' for a planet visible to the naked eye. The word 'pare' means 'fillet' or 'head-band,' and 'arau' means 'entangled.' The Maori described this body as having a 'circlet' or being 'entangled by a fillet,' which they associated with a companion or wife of Venus (Kopu).

While E.Best's contemporary, Stowell, suggested 'Parearau' might refer to Saturn due to its rings, Best himself proposed it could represent Jupiter's cloud belts. This latter interpretation was later supported by R.Collyns. Morozov argues that with the 1979 discovery of Jupiter's ring, the Maori description of 'Parearau' as being surrounded by a 'circlet' can now be taken more literally.

He posits that the Maori's description of Jupiter as 'entangled by a fillet' specifically implies a ring rather than cloud belts, as a head-band is external to the head. Morozov dismisses conventional explanations for this knowledge, such as primitive telescopes or missionary influence. He notes that E.Best's fieldwork concluded in 1911, long before Jupiter's ring was known, and that the ring is not observable from Earth even with telescopes, having been discovered via spacecraft.

Morozov references the Ukrainian astronomer S.K.Vsekhsvyatskiy, who in the early 1960s predicted the existence of a ring of comets and meteorites around Jupiter based on observations of a dark strip on its equator. However, this prediction was not widely known.

Morozov concludes that the Maori knowledge of Jupiter's ring likely originated from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. He calls for further detailed investigation to verify this hypothesis, suggesting that the alternative explanation of a purely accidental coincidence between Maori mythology and modern astronomical findings would require demonstrating how the 'entangled' concept arose within Maori mythology.

Gary Burgansky: In Memoriam

The issue also includes an obituary for Gary Eremeevich Burgansky, described as a pioneer of paleovisitological studies in the former USSR. Born in Western Ukraine in 1936, Burgansky's life was marked by challenges, including limited opportunities and material difficulties. Despite losing his legs due to illness, he maintained his energy and interest in unusual phenomena.

In the 1980s, his apartment in Kiev became a hub for a discussion club focused on UFOs, paleovisits, and parapsychological phenomena, which were considered unconventional in the Soviet Union. Burgansky was instrumental in establishing a Commission on Anomalous Phenomena in Kiev, serving as its 'life and soul.' He wrote articles, translated foreign materials, and sought out individuals interested in anomalistics. As an engineer, he was particularly interested in ancient extraterrestrial technologies like vimanas and 'land-rovers.' His collaboration on the book 'Enigmas of the Antiquity' is fondly remembered.

In 1989, Burgansky moved to the United States but maintained his connections with Ukrainian paleovisit enthusiasts. He is remembered as an erudite, benevolent, and outgoing person.

Other Content

Article: The Glass Ball

This section, continued from page 6, discusses a 'Glass Ball' artifact. It was produced using low-level technology characteristic of Russia from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries. While it has no anomalous properties and cannot be considered anomalous in itself, the circumstances of its discovery—in a layer of pure red clay at a depth of 7 meters, inconsistent with its recent origin—raise questions.

The author suggests that determining the Ball's age and isotopic composition through direct methods would be necessary to resolve the problem.

References

• The issue lists several references, including:
• Moffett I.P. on Dogon Astronomical Knowledge.
• E.Best's 'Astronomical Knowledge of the Maori.'
• R.Collyns' 'Did Spacemen Colonize the Earth?'
• Vasilyev V. on the 'Space Eye of the Dogons.'
• Roxburgh I.W., Williams I.P. on the Dogon Tribe and Sirius.
• Vsekhsvyatskiy S.K. on the possible existence of a ring of comets and meteorites around Jupiter.
• V.V.Rubtsov on the Problem of Paleovisits.
• V.N.Fomenko on the results of preliminary study of a 'Black Ball.'
• Yu.Pichugin on the Riddle of the "Balls of Wonders."
• Entsiklopedicheskiy Slovar Brokhaus & Efron.

Editorial Information

The editor is listed as Vladimir V. Rubtsov, with contact details for RIAP in Kharkov, Ukraine, and an email address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around anomalous ancient knowledge, particularly concerning astronomical observations (Maori and Jupiter's ring, Dogon lore), and the exploration of paleovisits and extraterrestrial hypotheses. The editorial stance, as represented by the content and the inclusion of an obituary for a paleovisit pioneer, appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena and ancient mysteries, encouraging detailed investigation and open-mindedness towards unconventional explanations.