Stalker UFO - No 09 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: СТАЛКЕР UFO (Stalker UFO)
Issue: №9
Date: 1992
Publisher: Commission on Anomalous Phenomena of the USSR Scientific and Engineering Societies Union
Country: USSR
Language: Russian

This issue of "Stalker UFO" magazine focuses on various aspects of anomalous phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFOs. It features a message from the President of the Philippines, an in-depth analysis of the "Perm Anomaly Zone," and a discussion of the controversial "Zone 51" in Nevada. The magazine also includes a critical examination of the theory that UFOs are identical to ball lightning and explores the challenges and progress in UFO research.

Presidential Recognition

The magazine opens with a message from the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos, expressing admiration for the organization's efforts in investigating extraterrestrial flying objects. He believes the publication will contribute to the growing knowledge about UFOs and assist scientists in reaching conclusions about the universe and outer space.

Contents of the Issue

The issue highlights several key topics:

• "Zone 51" - A Polygon in Nevada (Critical Analysis): This section delves into the secretive "Zone 51" military base, discussing claims of extraterrestrial UFO testing and government cover-ups. It references reports from American television and a scientist named Bob Lazar, who allegedly worked at the base and witnessed non-terrestrial craft.
• Perm Anomaly Zone (Critical Analysis): This article critically examines the "Perm Anomaly Zone," a location that gained significant public attention. The author suggests that much of the public's interest was driven by media sensationalism and that concrete evidence of anomalous phenomena is lacking. The article traces the origin of the zone's notoriety to media reports and the subsequent influx of curious individuals.
• UFOs. Facts and Documents: This section introduces a book by G.K. Kolchin, a retired colonel and deputy chairman of the Commission on Anomalous Phenomena of the USSR Geographical Society. The book is presented as the first comprehensive monograph on UFOs in Russian, based on 15 years of the author's research.
• UFOs and Ufology in Poland: Bronislav Zhepetcki, coordinator of the UFO Research Group in Krakow, Poland, provides an overview of the Polish ufological movement. He discusses their efforts in popularizing UFO research through lectures, publications, and the registration of sightings. He notes the challenges faced due to a lack of specialized research equipment and the need for cooperation among ufological organizations.
• Is it Ball Lightning?: This article critically analyzes the hypothesis that UFOs are identical to ball lightning. The author presents arguments against this theory, citing differences in observation duration, time of day, and geometric characteristics between UFOs and ball lightning based on comparative data analysis.

UFOs. Facts and Documents - Introduction

The introduction to "UFOs. Facts and Documents" by G.K. Kolchin highlights that for years, eyewitnesses, aircraft and ship crews, astronomers, and radar operators have observed unusual phenomena in the atmosphere and space, often involving geometrically shaped objects termed "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFOs).

It notes that a significant percentage of these sightings cannot be explained by natural phenomena or known human technology. The article cites statistics from various sources, including US Air Force projects and French studies, indicating that 20-25% of reported UFO sightings remain unexplained. It also mentions that while individual sightings are rare, a substantial portion of the US population believes in UFOs.

The introduction emphasizes that UFOs possess unusual properties not found in natural phenomena or human-made technology, sometimes exhibiting specific effects on the environment, technology, and people, and appearing to act with intelligence.

Perm Anomaly Zone - Critical Analysis

This section details the discovery and subsequent public fascination with the "Perm Anomaly Zone" (PAZ) in the Perm Oblast. The zone's notoriety began in late 1983 with a sighting by hunter Emil Fedorovich Bachurin. However, the author criticizes the lack of scientific investigation by local commissions, describing early expeditions as amateurish gatherings rather than scientific endeavors.

The article points to media reports, particularly from the newspaper "Molodaya Gvardiya" in December 1988, as a catalyst for widespread public interest. This led to numerous lectures and expeditions, often composed of individuals with little to no scientific background in ufology. The author describes chaotic scenes during these expeditions, with participants engaging in what appeared to be mass hysteria and unverified "contacts" with extraterrestrials.

Despite the public fervor, the author states that professional ufologists who visited the zone generally reported null results. Investigations by the author's own group, including the use of scientific instruments like proton magnetometers and radiometers, found no anomalies. Geological analysis suggested unusual geological structures in the area, potentially related to methane and radon emissions, which might influence human perception but do not explain the alleged UFO sightings.

UFOs and Ufology in Poland

Bronislav Zhepetcki describes the Polish ufological movement, which has been active for about 14 years. Their primary focus is on popularizing UFO knowledge and registering sightings. They organize lectures, exhibitions, and publish literature, making the public well-informed about UFO phenomena.

Since 1979, Poland has been systematically registering UFO sightings. However, researchers lack access to specialized equipment for in-depth studies. The registration process involves contacting eyewitnesses, documenting their accounts, and cataloging information. Despite limited resources and a lack of cooperation from official scientific institutions, Polish ufologists have managed to create a "Central Card Index of Anomalous Phenomena in Poland," containing around 500 cases.

Zhepetcki emphasizes the importance of cooperation between Polish and Soviet ufologists, noting coincidental UFO sightings in both countries that warrant joint investigation.

"Zone 51" - A Polygon in Nevada

This section discusses "Zone 51," a secret military base in Nevada, USA. It references claims that the base has been used for decades to test extraterrestrial "flying saucers." The article mentions sensational news reports from Nevada television stations and a program that discussed the base's activities. It highlights that "Zone 51" was involved in the development of advanced aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71, and technologies for stealth aircraft and the "Star Wars" program.

Bob Lazar, a former scientist at "Zone 51," is quoted as having seen nine "saucers" that were not built on Earth. He describes one as a "sports model" that moved without visible propulsion. The article also mentions a "saucer" that appeared to have been hit by a projectile. Lazar expresses frustration with the secrecy surrounding the base, believing that the information could have advanced scientific understanding if shared more widely.

Is it Ball Lightning?

This article critically examines the hypothesis that UFOs are identical to ball lightning. The author, Alexander Petukhov, argues against this theory, stating that while some superficial similarities exist (e.g., spherical shape, colors, silent movement), a deeper analysis reveals significant differences.

Petukhov cites a comparative analysis of 370 ball lightning sightings and 1584 anomalous phenomenon sightings conducted by I.M. Yanyamintov and D.Ya. Tikh, and later by L.M. Gindlis and the author. This analysis showed substantial differences in the temporal distribution of sightings (year, month, time of day) and duration. For instance, UFO sightings peak around 8-9 PM, while ball lightning sightings peak between 12-4 PM. Furthermore, ball lightning observations are typically very short (seconds), whereas UFO sightings can last for minutes or even hours.

The article also points out the vast difference in size, with UFOs potentially measuring tens or hundreds of meters, while ball lightning rarely exceeds 1-3 meters.

Petukhov concludes that UFOs and ball lightning represent different classes of phenomena and that attempts to correlate them based on a few superficial similarities are unfounded. He stresses that no single theory currently explains all aspects of either phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs and anomalous phenomena are real and warrant serious scientific investigation. There is a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, but a clear belief in the existence of unexplained events and potentially extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance favors open research, international cooperation, and a willingness to challenge established scientific paradigms. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical knowledge and ancient wisdom in understanding these phenomena. The publication appears to be a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within the ufology community, particularly in the post-Soviet era.