RIAP bulletin - Vol 10 No 1 - January-March 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: RIAP BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 10, Number 1
Date: January-March 2006
Publisher: Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP)
Country: Ukraine
Language: English

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin, published by the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), addresses the persistent enigma of the 1908 Tunguska event. The institute, established in 1992 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, by the aerospace company Vertical, focuses on non-traditional energy sources, anomalous atmospheric phenomena, and SETI.

A Note From the Staff of RIAP

The editorial staff apologizes for the significant delay in publishing this issue, citing a difficult period for the institute that threatened its existence. Despite these challenges, RIAP Bulletin is back on track, aiming to fulfill its goal of issuing a complete set of four issues for the year. They express gratitude to subscribers for their patience and understanding, noting the ongoing difficulties in conducting serious anomalistics research in post-Soviet countries. The core mission of disseminating reliable information and well-founded hypotheses about anomalous phenomena remains unwavering.

The staff members listed are: Vladimir Rubtsov, Alexander Beletsky, Valentin Andreev, Svetlana Sobolevskaya, Pyotr Kutniuk, Nikolay Nesterenko, and Yuriy Shanin.

Editorial: The Tunguska Event: Still Highly Enigmatic...

This editorial, along with the subsequent issue, is dedicated to the Tunguska explosion of 1908, which remains as enigmatic as it was a century ago. While progress has been made, the problem persists. Russian Tunguska investigators, including those from the Interdisciplinary Independent Tunguska Expedition (IITE), have found a place in the new socio-economic order, though large-scale expeditions are a thing of the past. The Tungusskiy National Nature Reserve is established, and conferences are organized. However, the research community is divided into "traditionalists" who favor classical meteoritic/cometary hypotheses, and "alternativists" who consider a wider range of unconventional theories. The editorial notes that the "traditionalists" often rely on narrow disciplinary models, while "alternativists" attempt interdisciplinary approaches. The prevailing scientific culture favors a disciplinary approach, which can lead to a lack of understanding for alternative ideas.

The IITE has faced internal problems, including the death of its director, Dr. Nikolay Vasilyev, and a rift between factions. The journal "Tunguska Herald" is no longer published, hindering further studies. The author suggests the conflict stems from a misunderstanding, as alternative conceptions are not necessarily unscientific. The vacillation between cometary and meteoritic models by "conventional astronomers" is contrasted with the more consistent "starship conception," which, despite a theoretical deadlock, has gathered significant anomalous data. Dr. Victor Zhuravlev's interview in the "RB Questions and Answers" section suggests that an intensive search for material remnants is needed to resolve this deadlock.

The approaching 100th anniversary of the Tunguska event is seen as an opportunity for increased understanding, with conferences planned in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Tomsk, and Krasnoyarsk, including a field trip to Vanavara. A "non-meteorite conference" in Moscow will allow discussion of rejected ideas. Several collections of articles are expected.

The 95th anniversary was marked by a conference in Moscow, where "traditional" and "non-traditional" models were discussed. The "traditionalists" claimed the problem was solved, while "alternativists" deemed it premature. The editorial commends the balanced approach to presenting differing conceptions.

Anniversaries are important, but ongoing research is paramount. The paper by the late Drs. Nikolay Vasilyev and Gennadiy Andreev on radioactivity at the Tunguska site is cited as an example of a crucial program that was never completed.

Research on the Tunguska Event

Despite the challenges, the IITE was formed in the late 1950s for objective research. The author argues that scientific objectivity demands investigations like those proposed by Vasilyev and Andreev. An "alternative" approach doesn't always mean a "starship hypothesis." Dr. Zurab Silagadze's paper suggests a richer variety of solar system minor bodies. The author finds Silagadze's paper important because a serious scientist is considering seemingly anomalous phenomena.

Dr. Zhuravlev's paper, "Analysis of the Map of Ash Content at the Area of Tree Leveling of 1908," presents new evidence for a non-uniform structure of the Tunguska space body (TSB), suggesting an "explosive" part and a "shell," akin to an artificial construction. Zhuravlev, a founding father of IITE, developed the "starship idea" into a verifiable hypothesis. He studied the geomagnetic effect of the Tunguska explosion. The "Weber effect," a magnetic anomaly, is also discussed in relation to the event.

The conjecture about the overground character and non-mundane nature of the Tunguska explosion, proposed by Alexander Kazantsev, is considered to have stood the test of time. Despite Kazantsev's passing in 2002, an interdisciplinary examination of the evidence makes this "fantastic hypothesis" appear more rational than abstract hypothetical schemes.

The issue acknowledges the selfless efforts of Tunguska researchers, including Leonid Kulik. The paper "Questioning Witnesses in 1926 about the Tunguska Catastrophe" by Innokentiy Suslov is highlighted.

The Problem of the Tunguska Meteorite: Tunguska Genetic Anomaly and Electrophonic Meteors – Part 1

Author: Zurab K. Silagadze

1. Introduction

The Tunguska region has been a source of mystery for 98 years, with numerous theories proposed to explain the 1908 event, none of which fully account for all the facts. Systematic research began late, and the revealed facts are perplexing. The public and scientific interest was significantly fueled by Alexander Kazantsev's 1946 hypothesis of an alien spacecraft. The author notes the scientific community's reluctance to discuss UFOs, which overlooks the phenomenon's impact on popular culture and archetypal changes, as suggested by Carl Jung. The "mythic impact" on the native Evenk people is explored, referencing a play by Floyd Favel, "The Sleeping Land," which depicts a clan feud exacerbated by spiritual curses and fearsome "iron birds" resembling the Tunguska event. This myth is compared to the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The author also discusses the story of the lost city of Ubar from the Koran and its connection to a meteorite impact site in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the destructive power of such events, with the Tunguska explosion being thousands of times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Two main hypotheses for the TSB's nature are presented: comet or asteroid. The proponents of these hypotheses have largely ignored each other. The author cites Planck's principle regarding the acceptance of new scientific truths. Despite recent research supporting an asteroidal origin, Bronshten advocates for a cometary hypothesis due to the lack of fragments. However, phenomena in the Tunguska region are hard to reconcile with either hypothesis.

2. Biological consequences of the Tunguska event

This section discusses the ecological and genetic impacts of the Tunguska event. Nikolay Vasilyev's work on accelerated growth of young trees and the quick recovery of the taiga is mentioned. Anomalously large tree ring widths (up to 9 mm) were found in young specimens that germinated after the catastrophe, compared to the pre-catastrophe average of 0.2-1.0 mm. This accelerated growth was also observed in trees that survived the event.

Several explanations for the accelerated growth are considered, including improved environmental conditions due to ash fertilization and decreased competition. However, Vasilyev's analysis suggests that Wilder's Law of initial values might be more relevant, indicating that environmental changes played a role, but other factors are also at play. The effect is maximal in the epicenter area, possibly related to enrichment of soil with volcanic material from an ancient volcano. The younger the trees, the more pronounced the effect towards the TSB trajectory, suggesting a potential mutagenic effect. For older "survivor" trees, the accelerated growth is patchy and often found in areas paralleling the TSB trajectory, sometimes at a distance from the epicenter, suggesting an unknown agent caused remote ecological and genetic effects.

Genetic consequences are discussed as the most controversial aspect. Experiments in the 1960s on pine trees showed an increased occurrence of 3-needle clusters, particularly in the epicentral area. Studies on pea plants (Vicia cracca) also showed higher phenogenetic characteristics in the epicentral area. Fluctuating asymmetry of birch leaves was also studied, with higher asymmetry observed in the epicentral area, especially near Mount Chirvinskii. Studies on ant species (Formica fusca and Formica exsecta) showed some differences in the epicentral area. A rare mutation of the Rh-D gene in an Evenk woman, potentially linked to the Tunguska explosion experienced by her parents, is also mentioned.

These findings indicate peculiar ecological and genetic anomalies, with the TSB trajectory and an unknown agent potentially playing a role.

3. Electrophonic meteors and the Tunguska bolide

This section explores the phenomenon of electrophonic meteors, which are meteoritic events accompanied by unusual sounds. Edmund Halley initially dismissed such accounts as fantasy. However, modern eyewitness accounts are numerous and considered valid. Electrophonic sounds are categorized into short-duration "burster" events (clicks/pops) and longer-duration "rushing" or "crackling" sounds. Similar "clicks" have been reported during nuclear explosions and are attributed to intense bursts of very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic radiation.

Keay proposed a mechanism where the geomagnetic field becomes trapped and twisted in the turbulent wake of a meteoroid, releasing energy as VLF radiation. Bronshten elaborated on this, showing that VLF energy on the order of 1 megawatt can be generated by energetic bolides. Other mechanisms for generating ELF/VLF fields include explosive disruption and electrostatic perturbations. Beech and Foschini developed a space charge model for electrophonic bursters.

A transducer is needed to convert VLF energy into audible sound, explaining why not all observers hear the sounds. Experiments by Keay and Ostwald showed that electric fields can be detected by common objects acting as transducers.

Instrumentally recorded electrophonic meteor data are scarce. In 1993, VLF transients were detected during the Perseid meteor shower, but no electrophonic sounds were reported. VLF signals have also been detected in association with the Leonid meteor shower. A notable observation during the reentry of the Russian satellite Molniya 1-67 involved an electrophonic sound and a distinct ELF magnetic pulse, though higher frequency electromagnetic radiation could not be confirmed.

Sparse experimental data are insufficient for definitive conclusions, and theoretical models are too simplified. A breakthrough occurred in 1998 with the instrumental detection of electrophonic sounds during the Leonid meteor shower. Two clear signals were recorded, preceding the meteors' light maximum. No ELF/VLF signal was detected, but the receiver was insensitive to frequencies below 500 Hz. The observed sound intensities imply unusually high ELF/VLF radiation power, suggesting existing theories are incomplete and the electrophonic meteor mystery remains unresolved.

Zgrablic et al. suggested that Leonids might acquire a large enough space charge to trigger a geophysical phenomenon generating powerful EM radiation. Keay-Bronshten's mechanism is expected to work for slow, bright bolides like the Tunguska meteorite, suggesting its flight may have been accompanied by powerful ELF/VLF radiation.

Eyewitness accounts from 1949 by Krinov noted sounds preceding the bolide's appearance, similar to other electrophonic meteor reports. However, Krinov attributed these to psychological factors, suggesting observers unconsciously unified the temporal sequence of light and sound. A specific account from K. A. Kokorin describes loud sounds resembling a cannonade heard simultaneously with a flying red sphere with rainbow stripes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event, the scientific and public interest it garners, and the ongoing debate between traditional and alternative explanations. The issue highlights the challenges of conducting research in anomalistics, particularly in post-Soviet countries. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of open-mindedness towards "alternative" hypotheses, provided they are supported by evidence and rigorous scientific methodology, as exemplified by the discussion of Dr. Silagadze's paper and the acknowledgment of Kazantsev's enduring conjecture. The publication also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to complex phenomena like the Tunguska event. The issue demonstrates a commitment to presenting a balanced view, even when discussing controversial topics like genetic mutations and the potential for unknown agents or phenomena associated with large-scale cosmic impacts.

Title: RIAP Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 10, No. 1
Date: 2006
Publisher: RIAP
Country: Ukraine
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the RIAP Bulletin focuses on the Tunguska event of 1908, featuring an in-depth analysis of the ash content in peat layers and a discussion on electrophonic sounds. It also includes an interview with Dr. Victor K. Zhuravlev, a prominent researcher of the Tunguska phenomenon.

Analysis of the Map of Ash Content at the Area of Tree Leveling of 1908

This article, authored by Victor K. Zhuravlev, presents an investigation into the peat layer from 1908 in the Tunguska catastrophe area. The research, guided by Dr. Nikolay V. Vasilyev and Dr. Yuriy A. Lvov, led to the composition of a map showing the territorial distribution of peat cores enriched with a mineral fraction. The authors note the complicated structure of this ash content distribution, which had not been thoroughly interpreted in published research until this paper. Zhuravlev proposes a model that interprets the ash content fields as traces of isobars from a blast wave generated by a hollow explosion source at an altitude of about 10 km. This model is compared with computer simulations of blast waves from a 2 MT nuclear charge, revealing similarities in the geometric parameters of the pressure fields (isobars) and the ash content distribution.

The article discusses two possible mechanisms for the 'recording' of the blast wave by the moss cover: either the shock wave pressure front maintained contact with the explosion products, or the moss layer was crumpled and compressed by the shock wave, increasing its ash content due to greater peat density. The comparison between empirical ash fields and standard blast wave fields suggests that the Tunguska event was not a near-ground contact explosion, as no crater or typical shock wave imprints were found. The hypothesis of a hollow, spheroidal shell explosion at high altitude is put forward.

Quantitative estimations are made, suggesting that the ratio S/h in the ash content map is twice that of the isobar scheme, potentially indicating the motion of the Tunguska space body (TSB) before its explosion. This leads to an estimated velocity of the TSB in its final moments before explosion, ranging from 1.5 to 0.15 km/s. The thickness of the shell of the charge is estimated to be between 1 to 10 meters.

The article also notes the presence of two smaller zones of contaminated peat west of the 'epifast,' which are symmetrically located relative to the TSB trajectory and the axis of symmetry of the arcs. The angle of these zones from the center of zone E (approximately 30°) coincides with values obtained by D. V. Dyomin related to the 'beam' structure of the leveled forest.

Electrophonic Sounds and Other Bolide Observations

On page 11, the discussion continues regarding electrophonic sounds, which are noises heard before, during, or after a bolide flight. Eyewitness accounts from the Tunguska event suggest these sounds preceded the visible object and were like thunder. Similar descriptions are found in reports from other bolide events, including one in British Guyana in 1935 and the Vitim meteorite fall in Siberia in 2002. The Vitim event is noted for inducing strong alternating electromagnetic fields and St. Elmo's fires. The article posits that the Tunguska bolide might have been accompanied by strong alternating electromagnetic fields, raising the question of whether these fields could have led to the observed ecological and genetic consequences.

RB Questions and Answers: Dr. Victor K. Zhuravlev

This section features an interview with Dr. Victor K. Zhuravlev, who discusses the Tunguska phenomenon. He clarifies that while 'Tunguska meteorite fall' is a common term, it's likely not a meteorite in the traditional sense due to the lack of fragments and the nature of the traces left. He suggests 'Tunguska phenomenon' or 'Tunguska catastrophe' as more appropriate terms.

Dr. Zhuravlev outlines the history of research, crediting early astronomers who observed atmospheric anomalies, Leonid Kulik for his expeditions and discovery of the epicenter, and Alexander Kazantsev for proposing the extraterrestrial spaceship hypothesis.

He refutes the iron meteorite hypothesis due to the absence of fragments. The cometary hypothesis, favored by many astronomers, is discussed, but Zhuravlev notes that it faces difficulties in explaining all the empirical material. Kazantsev's spaceship hypothesis, initially considered pseudo-scientific, is revisited in light of later discoveries, such as the geomagnetic effect observed after the Tunguska explosion, which resembled disturbances from high-altitude thermonuclear explosions.

Zhuravlev identifies four serious models for the Tunguska event: comet, stony asteroid, solar 'plasmoid,' and extraterrestrial spaceship. He believes the former two face significant challenges, while the latter two remain open for discussion.

Regarding proof for the spaceship hypothesis, Zhuravlev states that the discovery of material remnants of the supposed Tunguska starship would be the only definitive proof. He notes that current indirect evidence cannot definitively distinguish between natural and artificial models.

He expresses his conviction that the Tunguska problem could be solved within the next 10-12 years, with two possible outcomes: proving the TSB was the core of a comet, or ascertaining that the phenomenon was generated by an extraterrestrial civilization. Zhuravlev considers the latter variant more probable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Tunguska event of 1908, exploring scientific interpretations of its physical traces, atmospheric effects, and potential origins. The bulletin consistently engages with both conventional scientific explanations (like cometary impacts) and more speculative hypotheses (such as extraterrestrial intelligence). The editorial stance, as represented by the publication of Dr. Zhuravlev's detailed analysis and interview, appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous scientific investigation into anomalous phenomena and considering a wide range of possibilities, even those that challenge established paradigms. The emphasis is on empirical evidence and the development of scientific models to explain complex events, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.