UFO Navigator - No 004 - 2000

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest from December 2000 (Issue 4), features a quote from John F. Kennedy about flying saucers being spaceships from other worlds. The cover highlights key topics: a report from the XXI Zigelevskie Readings, border guards observing a UFO over Dagestan, and an abduction case in the Volgograd region.

Report from the XXI Zigelevskie Readings

Mikhail Gerstein, editor-in-chief of the electronic journal "UFO Navigator," recounts his participation in the XXI Zigelevskie Readings held in Moscow on November 18-19, 2000. He describes the event as an "amazing event" where the usual concepts of space and time seemed to blur. Despite a hall designed for 300 people, it was estimated that a thousand participants attended. Gerstein notes the overwhelming amount of information presented, with 41 planned reports and numerous unplanned ones.

The session was opened by Alexander Semenov, president of the association "Ecology of the Unknown," who is described as a colleague of Sigel. Gerstein chooses not to quote Semenov's speech directly, instead offering a general positive sentiment about ufologists and the UFO phenomenon at the dawn of the new millennium. He also mentions a peculiar ufologist, Alexander Kuzovkin, who in 1996 claimed to have destroyed his UFO archive, citing the danger of engaging in ufology.

UFOs and the Internet

Lyudmila Tselina presented a report on "An Overview of Russian UFO Websites on the Internet." Her methodology involved using the APORT search engine with the keyword "UFO," yielding around 300 sites. She observed that many young internet users start from scratch, unaware of previous work in the field, and are overwhelmed by the material. Tselina noted that the level of information on internet sites is similar to that of ufology twenty years prior. She briefly mentioned three sites: "Kosmopoisk" by Vadim Chernobrov, RUFORS by Nikolai Subbotin, and Rigel's (V. Smoliya) RU.UFO.

Following Tselina's presentation, the article delves deeper into the role of electronic communication in ufology. Vyacheslav Shevtsov, a member of the Ufological Community's Coordination Council, presented on "Ufological Information Space." He outlined the components of this space, including verbal contacts, information transfer channels (mail, telegraph, e-mail), periodicals, non-periodicals (books, brochures), electronic information distribution (chats, electronic conferences, websites), and information repositories (libraries, archives).

Shevtsov emphasizes the growing importance of electronic networks, particularly email and chats. He highlights that email is a cost-effective way to send messages and documents, significantly cheaper than traditional mail. Chats are described as real-time virtual meeting rooms where many people can participate simultaneously. The article notes that while there are many ufological chats, "Smoliya's chat" is highlighted as a regular discussion forum for ufologists, offering news and information.

Electronic conferences are also discussed, including mailing lists, forums, echo conferences, and file echo conferences. Mailing lists are presented as a simple way to distribute messages to a large number of subscribers. The article criticizes the RUFORS mailing list "Krugly Stol" (Round Table), led by Subbotin, Stonehill, and Kutovoy, for allegedly promoting fabrications and false information, citing the example of the debunked story of an alien autopsy in the USSR in 1968.

Echo conferences and file echo conferences are described as cheaper communication methods accessible via the FidoNet network, with internet access. The difference lies in the type of content: echo conferences are text-based, while file echo conferences include non-textual information like photos and documents. RUFO is mentioned as the sole file echo conference, created by the author, focusing on UFO-related information. Four text-based echo conferences are listed: Ru.Ufo, Ru.Ufo.Talks, Ru.Ufo.Theory, and Ru.Ufo.Sceptic. The first three are managed by Vladimir Smoliya, while the last is managed by the author. Ru.Ufo is described as a broad discussion forum, while Ru.Ufo.Talks and Ru.Ufo.Theory aim to separate participants by knowledge level. Ru.Ufo.Theory is noted for publishing articles with tenuous connections to ufology, even including historical texts like Herodotus.

Ru.Ufo.Sceptic, created in April 2000 by Alex Persky, Vadim Andreev, and the author, focuses on discussing eyewitness accounts, potential misinterpretations, ufological history, and fake cases. It also publishes translations of foreign articles and specially prepared ones. The article notes that despite the potential of electronic conferences, they are underutilized by serious Russian ufologists, possibly due to the cost of computer equipment and a decade-long stagnation in Russian ufology.

UFO Websites

The article criticizes the general state of UFO websites in the Russian Internet, citing characteristics such as duplicated information, forgotten authorship, lack of legends for UFO photos, arbitrary link collections, low information quality, and numerous fake cases. The author attributes this to the ease of creating a website without the effort required to gather and verify information. An example is given of Maxim Golubev's website, which contained many duplicate and known fake photos, and where Golubev allegedly refused to address the issues due to lack of time.

Despite these issues, the article highlights several serious Russian UFO websites: ONITS "Kosmopoisk," the author's site "Archive of UFO Sightings," Alex Persky's "Ufological Database," and the Ufological Community's site. Mikhail Gerstein's "UFO Navigator" is praised as a serious electronic periodical. The "Ufological Database" by Alex Persky is noted for its advanced search capabilities, allowing users to filter UFO reports by various parameters. Vadim Andreev's site is dedicated to UFO photographs, their fakes, and analysis of potential misidentifications.

UFO Sighting Over Dagestan

On November 14, 2000, border guards in Dagestan observed an unidentified flying object (UFO) at approximately 1:45 AM Moscow time. The object was seen for two minutes at an altitude of about 100 meters, moving rapidly from the mountains towards the sea. The witnesses described seeing "three glowing lights" separated by two meters, ruling out it being a shell or rocket from Chechnya. The incident was reported by "Interfax" and "RBC.ru," with officials unable to explain the object. The article mentions that the Russian Federal Border Service stated it was a "Russian spacecraft," but without further details.

Commentary from various sources followed, including "Gazeta.ru" suggesting it was a Russian spacecraft and "Komsomolskaya Pravda" sarcastically questioning Russia's possession of such craft. The Mufti of Dagestan offered a religious interpretation, suggesting it was a sign from Allah, possibly a jinn or angel. The article also references a report from the Spanish agency EFE, which described the event as a "Flying Saucer Jeopardizes Army Near Chechnya."

Several other versions were proposed, including a low-flying meteor or a satellite that had fallen out of orbit. However, these were largely dismissed due to the object's sustained flight, altitude, and visible lights. The possibility of it being a reconnaissance aircraft like the "Pchela" or "Shmel" was considered, given their use in Chechnya and matching dimensions, but the description of lights on the front, rather than exhaust at the rear, made this less likely.

Expert Opinion on UFOs

Alexander Plaksin, a leading scientific expert on UFOs at the Russian Ministry of Defense, was interviewed by "Izvestia." He stated that his laboratory, which has been collecting data on anomalous aerospace phenomena for 15 years, has received thousands of reports, with about a thousand confirmed as credible. He noted that 70 cases were corroborated by instrument data. Plaksin mentioned a 1980 directive from the General Staff that mandated reporting of such phenomena, but this ceased after the collapse of the USSR, leaving current reports largely dependent on personal enthusiasm. He believes that some phenomena are simply unidentified due to lack of data, while others are of unknown origin and require further study, potentially leading to significant discoveries.

UFO Over Crete

On November 13, 2000, a mysterious object was reported appearing regularly in the sky near sunset in Chania, Crete. The object was described as changing color, shape, and size. Greek scientists began studying the phenomenon, which attracted many observers. While most believed it to be a UFO, some speculated it was related to nearby NATO and US military bases.

Abduction Attempt in Chile

On October 19, 2000, in Chiu-Chiu, northern Chile, a teacher named Joan Rojas Moffett and his colleagues witnessed a bright light in the sky. Later that evening, at around 10 PM, 35 adults and children at a school observed a UFO hovering above the schoolyard. The object was described as white with flashing blue, red, and yellow lights, and emitted a strange sound. Some witnesses reported a "smell of burning." A beam of light descended from the object, illuminating two individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the growing role of the internet and electronic communication in the field of ufology, particularly within Russia. There's a critical stance towards the proliferation of fake cases and unsubstantiated information online, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential of these platforms for serious research and information dissemination. The magazine seems to advocate for rigorous investigation and the preservation of archival data. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, distinguishing between credible reports and fabrications, and emphasizing the need for systematic study of UFO phenomena. The recurring theme is the evolving landscape of ufology in the digital age and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Volume 2000, Issue 11, dated November 2000) is a Russian-language publication focusing on UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and related scientific news. The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and scientific updates from around the world, with a particular emphasis on events from October and November 2000.

Key Articles and Reports

Chile: The Calama Incident

The issue opens with a detailed account of an incident in the El Loa Province, Chile, on October 21, 2000. Fresia Vega, a school janitor, and 8-year-old Valentina Rojas Espinoza reported seeing a large, football-field-sized UFO with lights that emitted a blinding beam. The object hovered and then moved south, disappearing over a cemetery. Both witnesses were found in a state of shock. According to Fresia Vega, the UFO had lights of various colors around its edge, and a hatch from which a light beam emerged, causing a sensation of being pulled in and a tingling feeling. She described a loud metallic clang as the hatch closed. The incident lasted about 24 hours for her, though observers noted only 2-3 seconds. The event was widely reported, with paramedics and residents of nearby towns also witnessing a similar phenomenon.

England: Falling Object in Hartlepool

On October 24, 2000, 18-year-old Jenny Cook witnessed a metallic object, about two meters long, fall from the sky onto the ground near Sunderland in Hartlepool, England. Cook described it as a silver, teardrop-shaped object, similar to a piece of glass but the size of a small car. He noted its rapid descent and that it was glowing red hot at the end. Police investigated but found no trace of the object. The report is attributed to the "Hartlepool Mail."

American UFO Chronicle: October-November 2000 Sightings

This section provides a chronological list of UFO sightings in the USA during October and November 2000, sourced from the UFO Reporting Center and other ufological reviews.

• October 21: A pilot from "United Airlines" reported a giant cylindrical object following his Boeing 737 for about 12 minutes near San Francisco. The object, estimated to be 100 meters long and black, hovered at a distance of one mile, then ascended to 700 meters before disappearing. Air traffic controllers did not detect anything unusual on their radar. Some passengers managed to photograph the object.
• October 27: A white and red flashing UFO reportedly pursued a car in eastern Texas, frightening the occupants. The same object was seen near Corpus Christi the next day.
• November 1: In Saxton, Pennsylvania, residents and police observed a bright white object with visible dimensions of "a quarter dollar." One witness described it as "car-sized" and flying at an altitude of 250-1000 feet.
• November 2: In Kreskille, New Jersey, two witnesses saw a large, disc-shaped object hovering over the town, emitting a flashing white light.
• November 3, 6, 7, 8: Residents of Freeport, Long Island, reported seeing classic triangular UFOs with white lights at the vertices and a blinking red light on the underside. These craft flew silently and slowly over houses, sometimes in formations of seven or eight.
• November 5: In Peoria, Arizona, a motorcyclist observed two yellow or orange lights moving in a circle, joined by a third light from the southwest. The lights then separated and disappeared.
• November 10: In San Rafael, California, a witness observed a large, amber-yellow disc-shaped object with red and white lights moving over the San Francisco Bay for about ten minutes. Several aircraft were seen circling the UFO.
• November 13: An amateur astronomer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, observed a large, black triangular object through a 900mm telescope. The object was moving at an estimated speed of 25,000 mph. A fighter jet was seen pursuing it.
• November 13: Near Atlanta, Georgia, a driver reported seeing an object resembling the top of a lighthouse, made of transparent glass, which then dimmed and disappeared.
• November 14: A bright meteor was seen over Minneapolis, Kansas, crossing half the sky before exploding.
• November 19: In San Pablo, California, a witness observed "many small objects" in the eastern sky, which appeared to be a constellation.

"Angel Hair" Phenomenon in Italy

On November 1, 2000, residents of Vercelli and Alessandria, Italy, heard a loud rumbling, described as an "earthquake," which shook buildings. Afterward, they observed "long, light white threads" descending from the sky. This material was most prevalent in Vercelli. Italian ufologist Paolo Toselli suggested this was "angel hair" or "Virgin Mary's hair," often associated with UFO phenomena.

Russian Scientists Challenge Robert Lazar

The magazine discusses Robert Lazar's claims about reverse-engineering alien propulsion systems at "Area 51." It contrasts his assertions about elements 114-115 being key to alien technology with recent scientific news. A report from News.Port.ru on November 22, 2000, states that Russian scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna have synthesized new elements (114 and 116) of the Mendeleev table. Unlike Lazar's claims, these elements are described as stable for several tens of seconds, not fractions of a second, and their decay does not involve antimatter or explosions. The article concludes that Lazar's accounts should not be taken seriously.

Space News: Saturn's Moons and Mars Exploration

Astronomers announced on October 26 that they had discovered four new moons of Saturn, bringing the total to 22. These celestial bodies are described as small, comparable in size to asteroids, ranging from 9 to 48 kilometers in diameter. NASA has also outlined a two-decade plan for Mars exploration, including missions like Mars Odyssey Orbiter, Mars Exploration Rovers, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, with plans to return Martian soil samples to Earth in 2014 and 2016.

Life Beyond Earth: A Crucial Proof?

A Gazeta.ru report from November 24, 2000, titled "Aliens Are Already on Earth!" discusses British researchers discovering an unusual microorganism in an atmospheric probe. Some scientists believe this could be evidence of extraterrestrial life. The microorganism was found in a filter from a weather balloon that had been at an altitude of 15-20 kilometers. While some suggest it could be evidence of panspermia (life originating elsewhere), others propose it might be a terrestrial bacterium modified in a new environment. A more conservative interpretation from SPACE.com suggests that life's chemical precursors, found in comet dust, can survive atmospheric entry, rather than actual life forms.

Russian UFO Chronicle: Specific Incidents

• October 31, 2000 (Barnaul): A glowing object appeared, moved slowly northeast, and then disappeared.
• November 3, 1956 (Barnaul): A bright "star" appeared, hovered, then moved slowly towards the horizon. Later, an object moved from southwest to northeast with flashes.
• November 4, 1956 (Barnaul): A yellow, bright object moved slowly north, repeating the characteristics of the November 3 sighting.
• November 5, 1956 (Barnaul): A bright UFO changed colors (red, orange, green, blue, red) at an altitude of about 1 kilometer, then reappeared and flickered.
• November 6, 1956 (Barnaul): A glowing object appeared to the north, moving with brief stops.

Falling Metal in Ukraine

A report from "Zerkalo Nedeli" (Kyiv) on October 14, 2000, describes a piece of molten metal, weighing several hundred kilograms, that fell from the sky near the village of Sadovoe in the Nikolaev region about a year prior. The metal was unusual, and local scrap metal collectors refused it. Astronomers were consulted, and the object was taken to the Nikolaev observatory. Analysis by the Kharkiv Research Institute "Monocrystall" concluded it was an unusual alloy, 98% iron, but with a non-standard composition, possibly an extraterrestrial artifact.

Our Calendar: Past UFO Events

This section briefly lists historical UFO events:

• Triangular UFO over Leningrad, 1967
• Cigar-shaped UFO over Petrozavodsk, 1977
• Military observes UFO near Dorokhov, 1978
• Mysterious lights over Nīcgale, Latvia, 1988
• UFO landing near Vyksa, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, 1989
• Cross-shaped object over Narva, Estonia, 1995

Leningrad, 1967: Witness Account

A letter from an eyewitness to the Pulkovo Observatory describes observing a slow-moving fiery object with three green-blue glowing points connected by fainter lines and a semi-sphere. A second similar object was also seen. The objects became invisible as the sun rose.

Petrozavodsk, 1977: Crescent UFO

A resident of Petrozavodsk described seeing a crescent-shaped object in the sky, which moved slowly and then disappeared. The object was described as having a thin, transparent arc.

Dorokhov, 1978: Military Observation

Near Dorokhov, military personnel observed a bright, star-like object moving west. Other witnesses in the area saw streams of objects moving south and then east, which were slower than pursuing aircraft but capable of sudden vertical maneuvers and even splitting into two.

Nitsgale, Latvia, 1988: Mysterious Lights

A resident of Nitsgale reported seeing red and green lights in the sky that moved like helicopters and then disappeared.

Vyksa, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, 1989: UFO Landing

Two school children in Vyksa witnessed a large, dark blue, disc-shaped object land on a sports field. A smaller, spherical object emerged, and a figure descended via a ladder. The figure left glowing footprints. Researchers later found indentations from the object's supports and ladder.

Narva, Estonia, 1995: Cross-Shaped Object

An eyewitness reported seeing five glowing lights forming a cross shape, with a larger one in the center. The lights moved unusually fast before disappearing.

Investigation: The "Bolides" of 1963

The magazine mentions an ongoing investigation into the mysterious "bolides" over the Soviet Union in 1963, noting difficulties in accessing primary sources.

Abduction in Volgograd Oblast

This section introduces an investigation into an alleged alien experiment involving two residents of Volgograd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" include a wide range of UFO sightings across different geographical locations, the investigation of physical evidence and trace phenomena, and the intersection of UFO reports with scientific advancements and skepticism. The magazine appears to present a broad spectrum of UFO-related information, from detailed eyewitness accounts to scientific analysis and debunking of certain claims. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also critically evaluating evidence and scientific explanations. There is a clear effort to document and archive these events, providing a chronological record and cross-referencing with previous reports and publications.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2000 (Volume 1, Issue 12), delves into a variety of topics related to the paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and fringe science. The cover features the magazine's title along with several smaller headlines hinting at the diverse content within, including UFOs, anomalous zones, and even a mention of the US Air Force potentially hunting UFOs in space.

Open Letter to Astrologer Charlatans

The issue begins with an open letter that critiques the use of astrology, particularly in military contexts. It references an article in 'Izvestia' from October 5, 2000, titled "Special Purpose Magicians," which suggested that the Ministry of Defense not only works with torsion technologies and psychics but also receives quarterly astrological forecasts for potential future incidents. The letter, written by Leonid Rikenlaz, questions why the General Staff would not act on such predictions if they were real, or why they would employ 'charlatans in uniform' if the predictions were false. Rikenlaz draws a parallel to Heinrich Himmler's belief in astrologers, which ultimately proved fruitless. He proposes a public experiment, similar to one conducted by the Bochum Observatory in Germany, where astrologers and psychics would submit their predictions for a year, with a reward for accuracy. He is confident that few would participate, suggesting a lack of genuine predictive ability.

Profiting from Predictions

Following the critique of astrological predictions, the magazine presents an advertisement from the newspaper "24 Hours" (November 16 issue) that exemplifies how such predictions can be a source of profit. The ad targets psychics, clairvoyants, magicians, and astrologers, inviting them to submit their predictions for the year 2001, particularly concerning interesting events, catastrophes, and cataclysms. The submission requires a fee of 300 rubles per prediction, with the promise of a tenfold reward if the prediction comes true. The article points out that this is a financially sound venture for the advertisers, as only about 2% of predictions are accurate, and the payout for those would be covered by the fees from many inaccurate ones, leaving a substantial profit.

Anatoly Kashpirovsky Protests in Ukraine

The magazine reports on events in Ukraine, specifically concerning psychotherapist Anatoly Kashpirovsky. On October 31, 2000, the newspaper "Smena" (citing NTV.ru) published a story about religious leaders in Lutsk protesting Kashpirovsky's public appearances. Leaders from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches united in demanding that the city and Volyn Oblast authorities ban his performances. Their protest was motivated by the belief that Kashpirovsky is associated with 'evil dark forces.' The article notes that the city's mayor and regional administration were taken aback by the church's protest, as Kashpirovsky also holds significant authority in the region, with tickets to his upcoming sessions already sold out.

The Horned Man of Ulan-Ude

Another section details a report from the website "Versty" (under the "Unknown News" rubric) by Galina Rovkina of Interfax and ITAR-TASS from Ulan-Ude. It describes a man named Andrey who possesses literal horns on his head. Andrey states that these growths have been present since childhood and that he has them surgically removed each year, only for them to regrow. The latest operation was in the spring, and the growths have already returned, measuring about 5 cm in height and resembling familiar bumps but with scars. He finds the situation distressing due to public ridicule. Valentina Tsyrenova, head of the medical genetics laboratory, explains that such genetic deviations are often caused by unfavorable environmental conditions and heredity. She notes that annually, up to 150 cases of congenital genetic abnormalities are registered in newborns in Buryatia, including extra fingers, elongated coccyxes (tails), and increased hairiness. She emphasizes that such mutations, or atavisms, are not uncommon.

A Vision in an Anomalous Zone

This section presents another anecdote related to 'horn-bearing' (a metaphorical interpretation of the previous story's theme) from the digest "Novaya Strashnaya Gazeta" (2000, N 10, p. 8). Two doctor friends from Piatigorsk decided to test the effects of an 'energetic field' frequented by Russian psychics. After standing in a circle formed by pilgrims for a minute, one of the doctors, Vitaliy Sh., suddenly accused his friend Alexey I. of sleeping with his wife. Alexey confirmed he had, and the article implies that Vitaliy either had a 'vision' or already knew about the affair.

The Snow Man in the Czech Republic

The magazine reports on the search for the legendary 'snow man' (yeti) in the Czech Republic. German scientist Fred Schling, along with his wife Alena, has been searching for the creature for seven years. Schling claims to have discovered traces of the being in a dense forest on the eastern slope of the Rudne Hory mountains. The discovered footprints, which were measured and photographed, reportedly match descriptions of yeti tracks found in Northern and Eastern Europe. Schling estimates the creature's height to be around 3.2 meters and its weight approximately 150 kg. He declared, "The snow man is a reality, which we have proven," and intends to publish a detailed report in Czech and German scientific journals. This information was reported by the newspaper "Vesti" (St. Petersburg) on November 21, 2000.

Will the US Air Force Hunt UFOs in Space?

Finally, the issue touches upon a report from the website Netoscope.ru (and later on the RUFORS news feed) dated November 22, 2000, titled "US Air Force Buys Supercomputer to Hunt UFOs." According to Reuters, IBM sold a supercomputer to the US Air Force, intended for tracking unidentified flying objects. The computer, based in Hawaii, will be used by the Air Force's space surveillance division to monitor old satellites, foreign spacecraft, and other unidentified objects orbiting Earth. The article notes that over 9,000 unidentified objects currently orbit the Earth. The IBM supercomputer performs 480 billion operations per second, significantly faster than the 'Deep Blue' computer that beat Garry Kasparov in chess. Its primary function is to enhance the clarity of telescope images, as raw images lack the necessary detail for object identification. This supercomputer is part of a $10 million modernization strategy for the Air Force. However, the article concludes by suggesting that the 'unidentified flying objects' in this context likely refer to space debris – discarded spacecraft parts, tools, and waste – rather than genuine UFOs, which would presumably require different technology for tracking and identification.

The issue concludes with a note that it was completed at 9 PM on December 1, 2000, compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gerstein of St. Petersburg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the paranormal, and the critical examination of claims made by psychics, astrologers, and alleged witnesses to unusual phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving astrology and fortune-telling, as evidenced by the open letter questioning their validity and the highlighting of commercial exploitation of such beliefs. However, the magazine also presents purported evidence of phenomena like the yeti and UFOs, albeit with a critical eye on the latter, suggesting it might be misidentified space debris. There's a clear interest in anomalies and unexplained events, balanced with a desire to debunk or find rational explanations where possible.