UFO Navigator - No 003 - 2000

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest from November 2000, focuses on recent UFO sightings and incidents from around the world, with a prominent report on a potential UFO crash in Oklahoma.

Main Cover Story: UFO Crash in Oklahoma

The lead story details an incident on October 13, 2000, in Oklahoma, USA, where UFOlogist Jim Hickman was monitoring police radio when officers reported seeing a UFO and several fighter jets. The object reportedly went down, possibly after being hit, north of Elk City. Numerous witnesses across a wide area, from Shamrock, Texas, to Cheyenne, Oklahoma, reported seeing a strange glowing trail in the sky. Police radio communications from Hammond indicated the object crashed north of the town. Other witnesses described a bright, glowing trail that became brighter as the sky darkened, resembling a beam of light. Richard P. from Jenks, Oklahoma, described seeing a fiery object moving north, resembling two or three lights on a main body, leaving a distinct trail. He observed it for at least thirty seconds before it disappeared behind clouds. The trail remained visible for 10-15 minutes. A KFOR TV report mentioned sightings in several towns and that the object was seen from Texas to Nebraska. Arthur Davis from Valley Center, Kansas, reported seeing five small balls or lights following a larger body.

Official Explanations and Counterarguments

Initial explanations from NORAD and the FAA suggested the object was a large bolide or a meteor. However, a leading meteorologist stated that no meteor showers were expected. NASA later analyzed a video from Wichita and concluded it was the fourth stage of a Russian Proton rocket re-entering the atmosphere. Alan Pickap, a specialist in orbital de-orbiting, supported this, stating the stage would have passed over Texas and Oklahoma. However, Jim Hickman claimed the UFO appeared five minutes before the rocket stage's predicted re-entry. NORAD representatives, including Major Perry Lewis, stated they had no record of such an object at that time, and Sergeant Larry Lincoln insisted that if a stage re-entered, they would know. Despite the official explanations, a Kansas farmer named La-Grosse found crushed rocket debris on his farm, leading to speculation about the incident.

Other UFO Sightings and Incidents

UFO over Cyprus

On October 23, 2000, an unusual glow and beams were observed over northern Nicosia, Cyprus. Witnesses reported several glowing objects emitting bright rays towards the ground. The event coincided with a sudden change in weather, with temperatures dropping significantly.

UFOs in Italy

On October 9, 2000, a woman in Forlì observed a small fiery ball ascending in a spiral. Later that evening, near Turin, another witness saw a large round white light that ascended spirally. On October 12, a couple near Argelato observed a red object rotating elliptically and emitting a mysterious light, tracking it for 15 kilometers.

Mysterious Cattle Deaths near Roswell, USA

On October 19, 2000, 24 cows were found dead under mysterious circumstances on a farm near Roswell, New Mexico. Farmer Marcelo Macias reported the healthy animals died suddenly. The local veterinarian could not determine the cause of death without laboratory tests. The incident is linked to Roswell's notoriety in UFO lore.

UK UFO Chronicle

On September 24, 2000, Simon Adams in Walton-on-Thames observed a small silver object moving like no normal aircraft. His girlfriend also saw a silvery disk-shaped object. On October 10, Lisa Greatrix in Rugeley saw a large orange fiery ball that later split, with something descending from it. On October 17, Ian Hunter near Beverley observed a cigar-shaped UFO with bright lights.

Possible Abduction in Ireland?

On September 14, 2000, 19-year-old Alan Redmond in Stillorgan, Dublin, reported seeing a large greenish object resembling a beer can. He later found himself lying face down in a forest, with his dog unconscious. He believes he may have been abducted.

High-Ranking Astronomer Against UFOs

An interview with Anatoly Cherepashchuk, a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and director of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute, is presented. He dismisses UFOs as "space junk" and states that neither he nor his colleagues have encountered them, attributing sightings to people seeking fame. The article counters this by citing a report from 1952 of a triangular object seen by multiple witnesses, including a GAISH employee. It also mentions GAISH's SETI program and the work of ufologist L. M. Gindilis.

US UFO Chronicle

Several sightings are reported from the US in October 2000:

• October 7: Alan and his wife in Pennsylvania observed three UFOs flying erratically and changing color.
• October 7: UFOs were seen in Howell, Michigan, and between Richmond and Katy. One was described as a "round cluster of about 10 greenish lights."
• October 8: A large boomerang-shaped object was seen near Long Beach, New Jersey, moving at about 5 km altitude.
• October 27: A UFO was seen in Parker Canyon, Arizona, accompanied by jet fighters.
• October 10: Mrs. Terry Haggard in Missouri saw a massive orange oval object hovering over her daughter's house.
• October 11: Near Jones Beach, New York, two large objects were seen. One landed on the beach, and a red beam was directed at a car, immobilizing its occupants.
• October 16: Witnesses in Belleroze, New York, observed a flattened, silvery disk with yellow lights.
• October 22: Robert L. and his family in Unadilla, New York, saw a "red object with four lights" join "many other objects."
• October 26: A group of mysterious white lights in a V-formation was seen over Texas. The lights were mounted on a semi-transparent V-shaped fuselage.

Recipe for Planet Neptune

A NASA press release from October 26, 2000, discusses the composition and temperature of Neptune, suggesting that mixing helium, hydrogen, and methane and allowing it to sit for billions of years could create a similar planet. It notes Neptune's internal heat source.

Arrested for Crop Circle Forgery

On November 4, 2000, ABC reported the arrest of a 29-year-old British man, Matthew Williams, for creating "crop circles." He was photographed in the act, and the article suggests these formations are elaborate hoaxes.

Reports from the Field

• UFO over Mount Paragelman, Crimea: On August 26, 2000, a bright star-like object moved rapidly towards Mount Paragelman. It then reappeared elsewhere and hovered before disappearing. The witness stated this was the second time they had seen such an object.
• "Ring" over Baidar Valley, Crimea: Olga Sukhova reported seeing fifteen glowing balls arranged in a circle over the valley in June 2000. They rotated slowly for about an hour before disappearing. The article discusses possible explanations, including disco lighting, but notes the lack of ground lights and the remote location.
• Two Sightings over Moscow and Moscow Oblast: Rustam M. Khasanov reported two observations. On August 27, 2000, a bright yellow object was seen flying at high speed over Moscow. Another report from the newspaper "Vyborg" mentions revelations from a former military serviceman.

"Ring" over Baidar Valley, Crimea (Continued)

The article further discusses the "ring" phenomenon, suggesting it might be caused by powerful laser installations used to attract real UFOs, citing an incident in Yalta in 1996 where optical phenomena were mistaken for UFOs. The lasers were reportedly powerful enough to be seen from space and may have originated from a military unit.

Moscow and Moscow Oblast Sightings (Continued)

Rustam M. Khasanov's report continues with a second sighting by V. Tretyakov on September 23, 2000, near Khotkovo, Moscow Oblast. He observed a disk-shaped object flying low and silently, described as a "face from the other world," moving in a circle for about 30 minutes.

Revelations from a Former Military Man in "Vyborg" Newspaper

An article from the "Vyborg" newspaper recounts experiences of Arsen Sotnik, a former radio technician. He describes seeing "targets" on radar that moved erratically and disappeared suddenly. He also mentions an incident where six "targets" appeared on radar, moving at speeds up to 16,000 km/h and responding to radar queries with secret codes, suggesting they were not conventional aircraft. The objects then disappeared simultaneously. Another incident described involves a large, low-flying "sun" that emitted rays, followed by a silvery mist or gas.

Calendar of UFO Events

First Attempt to Create a UFO Research Organization in the USSR (1967)

An article from "Moskovsky Komsomolets" on November 18, 1967, announced the formation of a UFO study department within the Committee of Cosmonautics of DOSAAF. The department aimed to collect UFO sightings, create a nationwide registration service, and conduct theoretical analysis. Prominent scientists and engineers were involved. The article references earlier events, including a request from academician B.P. Konstantinov to the Minister of Civil Aviation for UFO materials from pilots, and a publication in "Smena" magazine that sparked interest. An initial meeting of an initiative group (45 people) took place on May 17, 1967, leading to the establishment of the UFO Study Department on October 18, 1967. The department's goal was to gather Soviet UFO observations. However, the department was dissolved in late November 1967 by the Central Committee of DOSAAF, with the reasons reportedly unclear to the scientific staff. Lecturers from the Moscow Planetarium later declared the UFO problem nonexistent.

Mini-UFO Flights near Aktobe, 1989

A report from the newspaper "Put' k Kommunizmu" (Path to Communism) in November 1989 describes an incident where A.S. Lomkov observed a glowing object emitting smaller spheres. Another driver, Nikolai Loginov, reported seeing the same object and mini-UFOs. He described a "ball" of cold blue light that pursued him, and later a "comet-like" object. He experienced intense fear during these encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often questioning official explanations and highlighting the persistence of unexplained aerial events. There's a recurring theme of official bodies (NORAD, NASA, Soviet military/scientific institutions) being either unable to explain or dismissive of UFO reports, while eyewitness accounts and independent investigators suggest otherwise. The historical section on Soviet UFO research indicates a pattern of initial interest followed by suppression or dismissal. The editorial stance appears to favor the investigation of UFO phenomena, presenting various cases with a degree of seriousness, even when official explanations are offered.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Issue 1, Volume 1, November 1990) delves into UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on sightings in Romania and the United Kingdom during the early to mid-1990s. The magazine features detailed accounts from witnesses, engineers, and journalists, exploring the characteristics, behaviors, and potential origins of unidentified flying objects.

UFOs Over Romania in October and November 1990

The issue begins with a detailed translation of an article by Romanian engineer Florin Gheorghiță, originally published in "Flying Saucer Review." Gheorghiță, an expert in UFO phenomena with decades of study, is introduced as the author of "OZN: O Problema Moderna." The article highlights sightings in the vicinity of Flaminzi, in the Botoșani province of Moldavia, on the night of October 20, 1990. Residents reported seeing a UFO hovering over the village of Poiana. The event gained attention when journalists from "Botosani Gazeta" and later television reporters investigated.

Virgil Atodirecei, a 23-year-old, described seeing a bright, fuzzy light around 9:30 PM on the main street of Flaminzi, directly above Poiana. He initially dismissed it as unlikely to be a vehicle due to the terrain. Simultaneously, electricity went out in Poiana. Professor Nicolae Bildea, a mathematics professor, went to a neighbor's for a flashlight and observed a glowing light in the sky, resembling a campfire but in the air. This light intensified to the brightness of a sodium lamp before disappearing.

Atodirecei described the object as large, similar to a submarine, flying at an altitude of about 100 meters. Its shape was indistinct, sometimes appearing as a "ball full of light rays." Two conical beams of light emanated from the object, measuring 1-2 meters in diameter at the source and creating a 20-meter diameter circle on the ground. He also noted smaller, symmetrical lights on the object's underside, resembling navigation lights. The object exhibited rapid acceleration, sudden stops, and sharp turns.

Professor Bildea initially likened the object to a "giant turtle." From a better vantage point, he observed small lights spaced evenly around the object's underside. Four beams of light emerged from the bottom: one vertically down, one directly at him and Preda, and two others angled downwards. He also perceived layered, laser-like beams from the rear. At another point, he described it as a rocket-shaped object, 50 meters long and 12 meters high, with transparent sections and internal light.

His wife, Voichița Bildea, and her mother, Maria Trifan, also saw the light but reported only two beams, not four, and described a fuzzy spherical shape. They noted the beams were powerful enough to illuminate scattered beads in a garden.

All witnesses confirmed that the object appeared multiple times, and each appearance coincided with simultaneous power outages in various villages. The lights would return shortly after the object disappeared.

The next day, technicians from the Botoșani power station found no defects in the power lines. However, for two hours that night, the power station staff could not control the electricity flow. The meters continued to show energy consumption even when the electricity was reportedly "off."

Another Remarkable Observation in Cluj

Another significant sighting occurred on the same night in Cluj, Romania. The Cluj newspaper "Truth Liberated" reported a sighting on November 3, 1990. Monica Chet, a correspondent for "Screen," recorded the testimony of Ioan Baghiu, a former railway worker and machinist. Baghiu reported seeing several "stars" around 2:30 AM on October 20-21, which he later identified as a rounded object with 18-20 small yellow flashing lights and a larger, brighter yellow light source at its base emitting a powerful orange beam. He observed this for about two hours.

Later, around 4:00 AM, he witnessed a second phenomenon closer to his building: two lights, blue and violet, emitting powerful cone-shaped beams of light. Shortly after, a large, dark red, silent cylindrical object, over 15 meters long, floated past his balcony. He described its nose section as having a vertical cut with a diameter of about 70 cm, containing six "glass eyes" resembling dark lenses. The cylinder had four dark windows with black frames. It hovered for about two minutes before flying backward and disappearing silently.

He then saw another object of similar size but greenish-white, with four pipes resembling telephoto lenses on its nose section. This second cylinder rotated slowly and hovered at an angle of about 45 degrees. It also flew backward and disappeared. He then saw six lights slowly flying north towards the Bačiu forest at 5:20 AM.

UFO Near Dolchești

In December 1990, about 40 km southeast of Iași, near Dolchești, another nocturnal sighting occurred, also accompanied by a power outage. The newspaper "Opinia" reported that around 4:45 AM, shopkeepers were disturbed by a sudden power outage. They saw a bright light over the Krasnita area. Witnesses described an oval object, 10-12 meters in diameter, emitting a cold light.

Other villagers also reported seeing the object. The streetlights dimmed gradually around 1 PM, as if being turned off, but did not go out completely, relighting 20 minutes later.

Investigation: The Mystery of the Glastonbury Triangle

The magazine then shifts focus to investigations in the UK, specifically concerning the "Glastonbury Triangle." The article references a 1963 case where "bolides" crossed the country, leading a commission to conclude they were "reasonably controlled ships."

British UFOlogists' Investigations

The article highlights the work of "UFO Reality" magazine and its correspondent John Beveridge in investigating the Glastonbury Triangle. Reports describe massive black triangles capable of silent flight, impossible maneuvers, and speeds unattainable by conventional aircraft. Other descriptions include mysterious black spheres with similar characteristics.

Rock Musician: First Witness

An account from July 1989 describes a local rock musician who, with friends, witnessed a black triangular craft hovering silently over trees. The craft emitted pulsating white and red lights, causing witnesses to feel "tired and weak" and collapse. When a flashlight beam was directed at the object, it instantly accelerated and disappeared over the Mendip Hills.

David Deunich's Account

David Deunich, publisher of "UFO Reality," recounts an experience from August 1993. He saw a bright golden light in the sky, which he initially thought was an aircraft. However, its prolonged hovering led him to realize it was something else. He and his friend Cheyne Towers observed a massive black triangle approaching, with three bright lights visible (initially mistaken for one). The triangle flew at an altitude of about 200 feet at a speed of 40-50 mph. Deunich described it as "Boeing-737" sized and silent.

Mike Andrews' Sighting

Mike Andrews, visiting Glastonbury in September 1993, reported seeing a black triangle illuminated by numerous lights, resembling a Christmas tree, flying silently eastward. He described it as large and flying very slowly. Another witness confirmed seeing the object performing maneuvers impossible for conventional aircraft, heading towards the Royal Air Force base at Rudlo-Manor.

A Startled Family

On August 17, 1995, John, his wife, son, and nephew were driving home near Glastonbury when they saw a large object hovering over a field. It was a triangle with pulsating red lights at the corners. John described the craft as moving very slowly, triangular, massive, and silent. He felt a sense of "ominous feelings," and the children were frightened. John suggested the craft was not extraterrestrial but from Earth's future.

Fighter Jets and a Black Ball

Tim Vowles, a physics graduate, reported an incident on October 12, 1995. He observed two fighter jets (a "Harrier" and a "Hawk") maneuvering near a cloud. After a few minutes, they returned and resumed their maneuvers. A large passenger jet then appeared, and the fighter jets approached it, with one performing aggressive maneuvers as if to warn it. The passenger jet changed course. The "Harrier" then showed unusual interest in the cloud, performing a loop. Suddenly, a large black sphere, estimated at 20 feet in diameter, emerged from the cloud and flew silently in a straight line at high speed, disappearing into another cloud.

Helicopters Study a Triangle

In early summer 1994, John Higgins and Marina Hann saw a bright light in the sky near Glastonbury, which turned out to be a triangular craft with bright lights. It hovered silently a few hundred feet above them, emitting a low humming sound. They described it as "Boeing-737" sized and unlike anything they had seen before. Two helicopters were observed circling the object, leading them to believe it was a "secret terrestrial technical novelty" rather than an alien spacecraft.

Bristol Tremors?

On June 15, 1995, Terry McDonagh observed a large, dark gray or black triangular craft with three bright white lights at each corner. It hovered silently at an altitude of 400-500 feet above his house. Strange "suction" sounds, like a giant vacuum cleaner, emanated from the craft, waking his girlfriend. The object then flew northeast at high speed. A newspaper article from "Bristol Evening Post" reported mysterious sounds that woke residents, described as a "damaged jet engine."

European "Zone 51"

The article connects the sounds reported by Terry and Ellison to "skyquakes" reported in California and Italy. The Italian "skyquakes" are linked to the Aviano Air Base in Italy, known as "European Zone 51." A similar incident in 1977 involved a "shining disc" hovering over a base, causing a power outage.

Military Flights

In May 1994, the Royal Air Force announced training flights of "Hercules" transport planes at low altitudes over Somerset. The article questions whether these announcements were a cover for other activities, given the concurrent UFO sightings.

Kevin Oliver reported seeing a bright light on June 5, 1994, which grew brighter and resembled a Christmas tree. He and his cousin initially thought it might be Venus or a "Hercules" but concluded it was neither due to its silence and slow movement. The object, a large black triangle, flew overhead and then northeast.

A UFOlogist, Sue Hembury-Kellow, stated that the area around Glastonbury might become a "UFO capital of Southwest England" due to numerous reports. An anonymous witness claimed to have seen a UFO landing on July 7, 1994, describing it as a "huge" object about 200 feet high with four squares and three or four colored lights.

Mark Malcolm and Linda Smith reported seeing a gray, circular craft with lights around its "equator" on August 1994, flying slowly towards the Yeovilton Naval Air Station. The object disappeared abruptly.

Unique Photograph

A "Bridgwater Mercury" article from September 27, 1994, "UFO Photo Test," reported that Sean De-Pledge had captured a UFO on Polaroid film. The photograph allegedly showed a "pulsating yellow trail" emitted by the object. Government officials reportedly attempted to confiscate the photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the prevalence of triangular UFOs, their silent flight capabilities, and their ability to hover and perform extreme maneuvers. Several reports suggest that these objects might be advanced terrestrial military technology rather than extraterrestrial craft, with mentions of secret bases and experimental aircraft like the "LoFlyte." The magazine also highlights the common occurrence of power outages coinciding with UFO sightings and the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining information from official sources, particularly the military. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and expert analysis while acknowledging the possibility of advanced human technology being responsible for some sightings.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue Date: November 2000
Volume: 2000
Issue: 20

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into a variety of ufological topics, featuring historical accounts, analysis of current publications, and information about upcoming events. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance towards paranormal phenomena, often debunking hoaxes while presenting intriguing cases.

Cover Story and Editorial Stance

The cover headline is not visible in the provided scan. However, the magazine's general approach is evident throughout its articles. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ufological news and research, critically examining claims and offering a rating system for periodicals.

Key Articles and Features

The 'LoFlyte' and Secret Aircraft Theories

The issue begins by discussing the British Royal Air Force's (RAF) 'LoFlyte' program and its potential connection to UFO sightings. The author questions whether 'LoFlyte' or the 'Stealth' aircraft, which appeared later, could explain the numerous sightings of triangular UFOs in Britain, Belgium, Mexico, and other countries. The article argues that secret aircraft are not typically tested in civilian airspace and do not hover over populated areas, suggesting these theories are insufficient explanations.

Valentin Akkuratov's UFO Encounters

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the experiences of Valentin Akkuratov, a famous polar pilot and USSR honored navigator. His reports of observing UFOs four times are presented, including a detailed account of a disc-like object seen over the Kolyma region in August 1950. This object, described as moon-colored and smaller than the moon, appeared for three days. Akkuratov also recounts an encounter in 1956 near Cape Giuseppe, Greenland, where he observed a large, pearl-colored, lenticular object with pulsating edges that moved parallel to his aircraft before ascending rapidly.

Other Notable Sightings and Cases

• Greenland Encounter (1956): During a flight from Cape Giuseppe, Greenland, Akkuratov observed a large, pearl-colored, lenticular object with pulsating edges. It moved parallel to his aircraft at high speed before ascending rapidly and disappearing.
• Tiksi Sighting (1967): An IL-18 crew reported seeing a pearl-colored disc, smaller than the moon, overtaking their aircraft near Tiksi.
• Aktash Landing (1989): In the village of Aktash, Bashkiria, a UFO reportedly landed, leaving a 5-6 meter diameter circle of flattened grass and bluish liquid, described as being like 'autol'. The object was described as silvery with flashing lights and about 18 meters in diameter.
• Felix Aladino and Contactees: The issue profiles Felix Aladino, a Brazilian contactee who gained fame in 1958 with his book "Meu Contacto Com Os Discus Voadores." He claimed to have encountered UFOs and their occupants. Later, Aladino was implicated in terrorist acts. The article also touches upon other contactees and their claims, including Daniel Fry and his alleged contact with an alien named A-Lan.
• Alencon Incident (1790): This section discusses a famous hoax involving a French police report about a spherical object landing near Alencon, France. The object emitted heat, and a strange being emerged before it exploded. The case is attributed to Italian hoaxer Alberto Fengolio.

Review of Ufological Periodicals

The magazine provides reviews and ratings for several ufological publications from 2000:

• "Encyclopedia of Mysterious Places on Earth" by Vadim Chernobrov: Rated [++++], it is described as a useful guide with specific addresses, though it contains repetitions from previous works.
• "Anomalous News" (St. Petersburg, 2000, No. 23): Rated [++], this publication is criticized for sensationalist reporting, particularly an article claiming the "Kursk" submarine was attacked by UFOs. The article highlights the dubious nature of some "witness testimonies."
• "Anomalnaya" (St. Petersburg, 2000, No. 20): Rated [+++], this issue contains a continuation of an article by Vadim Chernobrov but lacks other ufological material.
• "UFO" (St. Petersburg, 2000, Nos. 43, 44, 45): Rated [+++], these issues are described as containing a mix of old and new articles, with many being reprints from older magazines. The quality is deemed inconsistent.
• "Mysteries of the 20th Century" (St. Petersburg, 2000, No. 21): Rated [++++], this publication is praised for having fewer 'hoaxes' than usual and several good articles, including one on UFOs and nuclear reactors.

21st Ziegel Readings Conference

The issue announces the program for the 21st Ziegel Readings, a scientific and practical conference on ufology and the unknown, held on November 18-19, 2000, in Moscow. The program includes presentations by scientists, researchers, and UFO enthusiasts on various topics, including UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and historical mysteries. The first day was free, while the second day had a ticket price of 35 rubles.

Miscellaneous Reports

• Giant Luminous Squid: A report from LENTA.RU describes the capture of a giant, luminous squid in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Zombifying Birds: A "Moskovsky Komsomolets" article suggests that parliamentary television, showing nature scenes, might be used to 'zombify' deputies.
• Yeti in Vyatka: A "Trud" newspaper report claims the existence of a 'snow man' near Vyatka, based on sightings and tracks reported by a pensioner.

Corrections

The magazine includes a correction regarding the attribution of websites in a previous issue, clarifying which site belonged to Alex Perovsky and which to V. E. Shevtsov.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Navigator" continues its tradition of critically examining UFO phenomena. It balances reports of alleged sightings and encounters with skeptical analysis, debunking hoaxes, and questioning sensationalist claims. The magazine emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and provides a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings. Recurring themes include the analysis of historical UFO cases, the role of secret aircraft in modern sightings, and the critical review of ufological literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking to separate genuine mysteries from misinformation.