RIAP bulletin - Vol 05 No 1-2 - January-June 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: RIAP BULLETIN
Volume: 5
Issue: 1-2
Date: January-June 1999
Publisher: Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)
Country: Ukraine
Language: English

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin, published quarterly by the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena, focuses on investigations into anomalous phenomena. The institute itself is described as an independent scientific research body established in 1992, dedicated to studying non-traditional energy sources, anomalous atmospheric phenomena, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).

Editorial: Science and Anomalistics

The editorial, written by Vladimir V. Rubtsov, discusses the relationship between mainstream science and anomalistics. It posits that anomalistics, while not a scientific discipline itself, plays a crucial role in highlighting "uncomfortable" questions that mainstream science tends to neglect. It argues that anomalistics can serve as a mirror to "scientific drawbacks" and that a more "altruistic" approach, often found in alternative science, preserves the ideal of a "disinterested quest for truth." The editorial notes that the late Dr. Sergey Dozmorov's work on Tunguska samples, performed in his spare time, exemplifies this dedication. It also touches upon the reluctance of some scientists to jump to conclusions regarding phenomena like the Tunguska Space Body (TSB) and contrasts theoretical models with empirical data. The editorial advocates for a closer integration of science and anomalistics to ensure that anomalies are studied rather than ignored or discredited.

Science and Anomalistics

This section elaborates on the nature of anomalistics, contrasting it with normal science. It highlights that anomalistics often deals with phenomena that are off-mainstream, such as the Vashka find, the Tunguska meteorite, and the concept of paleovisits. The editorial emphasizes that while science has methodological standards, anomalistics lacks them, yet it has evolved into a substantial socio-cultural system. It suggests that anomalistics can benefit from science by drawing attention to neglected anomalies, and science can benefit from anomalistics by being challenged to address these issues. The editorial concludes that the separation of science and anomalistics weakens their potential and hopes that the issue's papers will contribute to their convergence.

The Vashka Find: Results of an Investigation

Author: V. N. Fomenko

This article details the investigation of a metallic object fragment, dubbed the "Vashka find," discovered on May 10, 1976, near the Vashka river in Russia. The fragment, described as being the size of a man's fist, exhibited unusual properties upon discovery, including producing sparks when dropped and emitting fire when cut.

1. The facts of the case

The fragment was found by three workers and later given to geologists for analysis. Initial spectral analysis indicated an alloy of magnesium, iron, manganese, and molybdenum, but its X-ray diffraction spectrum showed no crystalline structure, which is unusual for amorphous metal films thicker than 1 micrometer. Later, a piece of the find was cut and sent for further investigation.

2. Results of the studies

2.1. Chemical composition of the sample

Analysis using a scanning electron microscope (Microscan-9) revealed that over 90% of the surface was uniform in composition. Table 1 shows the chemical composition, with magnesium, cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium being the primary components, totaling 99.61% of the alloy. Notably, uranium and molybdenum were present as impurities (0.04% each). The lack of crystals of a few micrometers in size was observed. Other Soviet research bodies obtained different results, possibly due to less rigorous sample preparation.

2.2. Isotopic composition of the sample

Isotopic ratios for magnesium were determined using a mass spectrometer. Table 2 shows that the ratios of 24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg in the Vashka find were very close to those found in the Solar System, with only minor discrepancies. However, the parameters of other isotopes (lanthanum, cerium, neodymium) could not be compared due to interference. The isotopic analysis suggested the alloy was likely produced from materials within the Solar System.

2.3. Structure of the sample

The density of the sample was determined to be 5.974 g/cm³, which is lower than expected based on its composition, suggesting the presence of small pores (about 10% of the volume). Metallographic examination revealed cylindrical fibres (needle crystals) occupying about 10% of the surface, with the remaining 96% being an optically homogeneous substance. The fibres were straight and light-colored, with no preferential orientation, indicating the object was not processed by typical Earth technologies involving plastic deformation.

Microhardness tests showed values close to unalloyed cerium, with low dispersion, suggesting the fibres did not significantly enhance strength. The microhardness was higher than that of known rare earth alloys.

X-ray diffraction analysis (DRON-2) initially suggested an amorphous structure due to issues with sample preparation. However, after proper preparation, 26 spectral lines were identified. Only two lines corresponded to known interplanary distances for rare earths, while the other 19 did not match any known rare earth, alloy, or compound lines. Electron diffraction analysis using a JEM 6A electron microscope yielded different results, suggesting the ultrafine particles (about 10 Angstroms) were crystallographically identical and had a perfect crystalline lattice.

2.4. Magnetic properties of the sample

The sample proved to be paramagnetic with an unusually high and anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. This suggests the main phase consists of very fine particles where electrons travel without resistance on their surfaces. The high anisotropy indicates a specific orientation of these particles, likely achieved during manufacturing in a strong magnetic field.

2.5. Relevant technologies

The article notes that the technology for manufacturing cermet artifacts from ultradispersed powders was invented in the late 1980s, making the Vashka find, discovered in 1976, likely manufactured using technologies unknown at the time.

2.6. The age of the find

Analysis of uranium and thorium decay products suggests the age of the Vashka find is less than 1000 years, and more precisely, less than 30 years. The high uranium content (0.04%) suggests it was deliberately added, with its decay products removed.

2.7. Hypothetical reconstruction of the initial object, its function, and the technology of fabrication

Examination of fracture lines suggests the initial object was shaped like a ring, cylinder, or ball about 120 cm in diameter with a wall thickness of about 10 cm. The absence of iron oxides indicates it was manufactured in a high vacuum. The unique magnetic properties suggest it could have been part of a cryogenic cooling installation, possibly for "magnetic cooling" to near absolute zero. Tests for superconductivity were negative, though the test used might not be reliable for high-temperature superconductors.

The fabrication process likely involved orienting ultrafine particles in a strong magnetic field, shaping them into a vessel, and compacting them. The low temperature and gradual pressure increase required, along with the need for a strong magnetic field, suggest that existing terrestrial technologies would have been insufficient to manufacture such an object. The author concludes it was likely manufactured using alien technology.

The Problem of the Tunguska Meteorite: Some Anomalies of the Distribution of Rare Earth Elements at the 1908 Tunguska Explosion Site

Author: S. V. Dozmorov

This section presents results of an examination of samples from pit No. 1 near the Ostraya mountain, related to the 1908 Tunguska explosion.

1. Holmium and Erbium Distribution: The even distribution of holmium and erbium in the pit layers, with a lower content than in Earth's crust, suggests these elements were not part of the Tunguska Space Body (TSB).
2. Extrapolation of Lanthanides: Based on holmium and erbium concentrations, the "terrestrial" component of other lanthanides was extrapolated. An excess of actual concentrations over extrapolated values was noted.
3. Gadolinium and Lutecium: Their nearly even distributions suggest terrestrial origin. A slight excess of gadolinium is considered possibly due to extrapolation error.
4. Praseodymium and Neodymium: Layer-by-layer variations in their concentrations, coinciding with other lanthanides, suggest they might have been impurities in the TSB.
5. Excess Rare Earth Elements: Several layers showed an excess of rare earth elements, including lanthanum, cerium, samarium, europium, terbium, dysprosium, thulium, ytterbium, as well as iron and zirconium with hafnium.

A Scientific Journal on Paleo-SETI

Author: Y. N. Morozov

This section reviews two issues of the journal "Scientific Ancient Skies," which focuses on the problem of paleovisits – ancient extraterrestrial visits to Earth. The review highlights that the idea of paleovisits, first proposed by Dr. Matest Agrest in 1959, is gradually being accepted. It emphasizes that such extraordinary claims require serious, scientific, and deeply normal proof, not extraordinary proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin consistently explores topics that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including potential extraterrestrial artifacts (Vashka find), unexplained natural phenomena (Tunguska event), and the possibility of ancient alien visitation (paleo-SETI). The editorial stance, as articulated by Vladimir V. Rubtsov, advocates for a more open-minded approach to anomalous phenomena, encouraging a dialogue between mainstream science and anomalistics. The institute's own methodology, emphasizing "normal proofs, exact references," suggests a commitment to rigorous investigation even within unconventional fields. The articles collectively aim to present detailed findings and analyses of these phenomena, contributing to the growing body of research on anomalous subjects.

RIAP Bulletin, Volume 5, Numbers 1-2, published in 1999, is an anomalistic periodical focused on the community of independent states and published in English. This issue delves into scientific investigations related to potential extraterrestrial influences and unusual geological findings.

Scientific Investigations and Data Analysis

The issue presents detailed tables of chemical element content, particularly rare earth elements, from soil samples collected at the Tunguska explosion site (Pit No. 1). Table 1 lists extrapolated 'terrestrial' component concentrations and estimated excess for elements like Lanthanum, Cerium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Thulium, and Ytterbium. It notes that the actual concentrations of Praseodymium, Neodymium, and Lutecium are significantly lower. Table 2 provides the content of iron, copper, and zirconium with hafnium in pit No. 1 across various layers. Table 3 details the content of yttrium subgroup elements (Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutecium) in pit No. 1. Table 4 focuses on the cerium subgroup elements (Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Samarium, Europium) in the same pit.

Key findings from the analysis of these samples include a distinct and abnormally high concentration of certain rare earth elements (samarium, europium, thulium, terbium, ytterbium) that are not typical of natural objects. Coupled with known data on above-average barium content in the Tunguska explosion area, these results suggest an unusual composition for the Tunguska Stone Body (TSB). The authors propose the presence of systems containing a superconducting high-temperature ceramic made of barium, lanthanides, and copper, which they state cannot be natural.

The analysis also suggests that certain layers (4-6) might correspond to the period of the Tunguska catastrophe, with maxima in layers 8-13 potentially due to ground water transfer or the 'shooting' of catastrophic layers during the TSB explosion. Lower strata maxima are attributed to ion transfer by ground water.

To further verify these results, the authors recommend analyzing soil from regions outside the forest leveling area, further south along the TSB trajectory, and analyzing soil layers from Pit No. 2 and additional pits bored nearby.

Review Section: 'Scientific Ancient Skies' Journal

The issue includes a review by Y. N. Morozov of the journal 'Scientific Ancient Skies' (SAS), a periodical dedicated to 'Paleo/Archeo-SETI'. The journal, published by the Ancient Astronaut Society, aims to explore the hypothesis that Earth and other regions of the Solar System were visited or influenced by intelligent extraterrestrial beings or their representatives in historical, early, pre-historical, and geological times.

The review notes that SAS, despite its English title, is primarily published in German, reflecting a trend of 'Germanization' in paleo-SETI literature. The journal has faced publication irregularities, with only two issues published by 1997, and the third potentially delayed or cancelled. The review highlights that the works published in SAS often demonstrate the difficulties and obstacles in the field rather than achievements.

Morozov critiques several papers. He discusses A. Kandler's paper, which suggests using 'scholarly methods of sociology' like interviews and hypnosis for paleo-SETI research, questioning the applicability of hypnosis to archaeological studies. P. Fiebag's paper on employing mythology and cultural memory for paleo-SETI studies is presented more favorably, analyzing Hopi myths about 'kachinas' and demonstrating how myths preserve information over centuries.

L. Gentes' paper comparing ancient Indian epic descriptions of aerial attacks with modern bomber raids is criticized for overlooking the creators' potential lack of knowledge of advanced military technology and for focusing too narrowly on 20th-century technology. M. Haase's paper is commended for correctly identifying the origin of Egyptian temple hieroglyphs, initially mistaken for modern technology, as a result of superimposed inscriptions.

E. Freyburg's geological analysis of samples from Peru, intended to support paleo-SETI interpretations, yielded negative results. A rock sample from Sacsayhuaman showed no signs of vitrification, and a clay figurine was not determined to be ancient. These findings, while not supporting sensational interpretations, are deemed helpful for paleovisitology.

The review emphasizes the importance of rigorous criticism within paleo-SETI to avoid speculative interpretations and gain scientific recognition. It notes that SAS fosters free discussion, even featuring a disagreement between a contributor and the Chief Editor.

Morozov suggests that for paleo-SETI to be accepted by 'big science,' it needs to develop critical self-assessment. He points out that while the journal is in English, its content is largely in German, creating a language barrier for many researchers. He recommends supplementing papers with English abstracts.

References

The issue lists two references: "Physico-Chemical Properties of Elements. A Handbook" (1965) and a 1986 article from 'Chem. Geol.' on the determination of rare-earth elements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific analysis of geological samples related to anomalous events like the Tunguska explosion, and a critical review of the emerging field of paleo-SETI. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review of 'Scientific Ancient Skies,' favors rigorous scientific methodology, critical self-assessment within the field, and the importance of empirical evidence over speculative interpretations. There is an emphasis on the challenges of establishing paleo-SETI as a legitimate scientific discipline and the need to overcome subjective biases and language barriers.