UFO Navigator - No 005 - 2000

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (December 2000, Issue 5) presents a digest of ufological news and research, with a focus on events and investigations primarily in Russia and the former Soviet Union, alongside some international reports. The cover prominently features a quote from the US Air Force textbook "Introductory Space Science" defining UFOs as material, potentially extraterrestrial objects.

Main Topics of the Issue:

XXI Zigelevsky Readings (Continued)

The issue continues its coverage of the XXI Zigelevsky Readings, noting that while some presentations, like that of Inna Evgenievna Bychkova, were deemed unsatisfactory, others, particularly from professional journalists, were more engaging. Viktor Korshunov, host of the TV program "Unexplained" from Primorsko-Akhtarsk, presented on the "UFO Phenomenon in the Sea of Azov Region." His report, illustrated with video footage, detailed local sightings dating back to 1973. He recounted how reports of UFOs became more frequent after the creation of his TV program in 1995, leading to attempts at direct contact with UFOs using flashlights, which reportedly elicited responses like similar signals or the extinguishing of lights.

Valery Burdakov, identified as a Doctor of Technical Sciences and Deputy General Director of the research center "KOSMO," also presented. His background in rocketry and aviation, dating back to the era of Sergey Korolev, was highlighted.

UFO Incidents and Investigations in Russia:

Chronicle of UFOs in Transcarpathia: This section appears to be a heading without immediate content on page 1.

Flight of Mysterious "Bolides": Another heading without immediate content on page 1.

News Briefs:

• XXI Zigelevsky Readings in Moscow (Continued): This section elaborates on Korshunov's presentation and mentions the lack of a specific newspaper article from 1973 that he referenced, suggesting a possible error in his date. It also touches upon the observation of mysterious glowing points over the Sea of Azov, initially suspected to be military activity.
• Two Sensations in "Komsomolskaya Pravda": This section introduces significant articles from the newspaper.
• New Transneptunian "Planetoids": This indicates astronomical discoveries.
• American UFO Chronicle: Reports from the US.
• "Metallic Sphere" over Campinas, Brazil: A specific sighting report.
• Official UFO Research in the USSR and USA: An analysis by G.K. Kolchin.
• Supersonic Speeds: A Reality? A question posed about advanced propulsion.
• Space News: General space-related updates.
• Following Our Publications: A reference to further details.

Analysis of UFO Crash Reports (Vadim Chernobrov):

Vadim Chernobrov's report, "Expeditionary Checks of UFO Crash Rumors in Russia," is presented in detail. He categorizes sources of crash reports into three parts: "contactees," mass media, and other less defined sources. Chernobrov critically examines claims, particularly those from "contactees" like Anton Anfalov, who allegedly reported 25 UFO crashes over the Soviet Union. Chernobrov states that out of six such reports investigated, the findings often contradicted the "contactees'" accounts. He uses the example of alleged UFO crash sites near Zhitkur and Troitsk, which turned out to be abandoned military bases with no evidence of extraterrestrial craft.

He also critiques media reports, especially from regional newspapers seeking to boost circulation. A specific case from September 2000 involving alleged UFO debris falling in Tomsk Oblast was traced back to fragments of a Russian rocket, with the UFO story being a fabrication for the news report. Another case involving a mysterious object hitting a dam near Gaira, Australia, was identified as a meteorite. Reports of explosions in Kursk Oblast were also investigated and found to have terrestrial explanations, though the exact cause remained undetermined.

Chernobrov concludes that while many UFO crash rumors are unsubstantiated, a few cases remain under investigation. He highlights a 1996 incident in Kaluga Oblast involving an object entering the atmosphere and disappearing, which has been the subject of multiple expeditions without definitive results.

UFO Incident near Ulyanovsk:

An article from "Komsomolskaya Pravda" by Anna Veligzhanina and Anastasia Chernova describes a sighting by senior gamekeeper Anatoly Khramov near Ulyanovsk. Khramov reported a strange "black pipe" descending from the sky, causing his car's headlights to fail and his watch to stop. Upon returning to the site, he found a perfectly circular area of flattened grass and damaged trees. Meteorologist Rauli Salakhova suggested the phenomenon might have been a tornado or waterspout, which can generate powerful electrical discharges capable of affecting electronic devices.

UFOs Nesting in Primorye:

Another "Komsomolskaya Pravda" article discusses the well-known UFO incident near Dalnegorsk. It reveals that in the early 1990s, the commander of the Far Eastern Air Defense Forces allegedly shared information with local ufologists. The article includes accounts from military personnel who witnessed UFOs, including a "black head" with glowing eyes and a "white ball" that pulsed and changed shape. Some reports involved objects described as triangular or spherical, with multiple lights.

Military and Scientific Research:

Colonel G.K. Kolchin's report, "Comparative Analysis of the Course and Results of Official UFO Research in the USSR and the USA," provides insights into government-sponsored UFO investigations. In the USSR, research began in 1977 following the Petrozavodsk phenomenon, with programs like "Setka-MO" (for the Ministry of Defense) and "Setka-AN" (for the Academy of Sciences). These programs focused on studying anomalous phenomena and their impact on military equipment and personnel. However, the research was characterized by a lack of specific funding, with participants working solely on their salaries. The Academy of Sciences, under V. Migulin and Yu. Platonov, was reportedly dismissive of UFO sightings, often attributing them to optical illusions or technical experiments, and discouraged field investigations. Publication of UFO-related material was restricted until 1989. The military, through a research institute in Mytishchi led by Colonel A. Abdulin, primarily collected and analyzed sighting reports. A secret research project named "Nit-3" was conducted by military unit 73790.

In contrast, the US had been researching UFOs for over 50 years. Kolchin notes the significance of Colonel Corso's book "The Day After Roswell" and the declassification of Soviet UFO research, such as "Nit-3," in making comparisons possible.

Other Sightings and Reports:

The issue includes numerous brief reports of UFO sightings from various US states in November 2000:

• Wisconsin: A white triangle seen in Medford.
• New Hampshire: Two hovering objects observed near Seabrook.
• Kentucky: A blue-white light from a triangular object near Cold Spring.
• Wisconsin: A large, stationary red or orange object seen in Fountain City.
• Unknown: A crescent-shaped object seen in the southeast.
• Texas: A giant triangular object seen over Houston.
• South Carolina: A large white ball moving slowly near Iseley.
• Florida: A disc-shaped object with lights resembling a "cup turned upside down" seen in North Miami Beach.
• Illinois: Two objects with bright white lights seen near Peoria.
• Arizona: A giant "triangle" with red lights seen near Phoenix.
• Ohio: A child reported a UFO with ultraviolet rays causing a sunburn-like effect.
• Arizona: A bright object, possibly a "flying saucer," recorded on video in Rimrock.
• Tennessee: A bright, bluish object seen near Knoxville.

"Metallic Sphere" over Campinas, Brazil:

Reports from Campinas, Brazil, describe a bright, flashing silver-white sphere seen at night. Local rumors suggested it was a flying saucer or alien invasion. Astronomer Julio Lobo confirmed receiving calls about possible UFO sightings. The event was widely discussed, with taxi drivers reporting a "flying saucer" and witnesses seeing "two headlights emitting powerful beams of light." However, an airport representative stated no unusual sightings were reported.

New Transneptunian "Planetoids":

The magazine reports on the discovery of large celestial bodies beyond Neptune. An Australian newspaper article from October 2000 mentions the discovery of a "small planet" named 2000 EB173, located 58 million kilometers from Earth, with a red surface and a diameter of 600 km. More recently, in November 2000, "Russia-Online" reported that an object designated 2000 WR106 was observed, orbiting the Sun between Neptune and Pluto. This object, estimated to be between 530 and 1200 km in diameter, is considered a candidate for the tenth planet, though some astronomers consider Pluto itself too small to be classified as a planet. Its brightness suggests it is a significant celestial body.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, the critical examination of alleged UFO crash incidents, and the exploration of new astronomical discoveries that might relate to extraterrestrial presence or advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, attempting to debunk unsubstantiated claims while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on Russian and former Soviet Union cases, reflecting the publication's origin, but also a willingness to incorporate international reports and scientific findings. The magazine also touches upon the historical context of official UFO research within the Soviet system, highlighting its limitations and secrecy.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: N 4
Date: November 2000

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including historical research projects, recent sightings, and scientific perspectives. It critically examines Soviet and American approaches to UFO investigations, discusses alleged extraterrestrial technology, and reports on specific UFO encounters.

Soviet UFO Research: The "Nit-3" Project

The magazine scrutinizes the Soviet research project "Nit-3," initiated with a complex title aimed at understanding unconventional propulsion systems. Despite its ambitious goal, the project's 1991 secret report, allegedly obtained by American ufologists, revealed that its content was largely a compilation of existing, publicly available information on UFOs. It discussed unexplained sightings, the history of UFO research in the USSR and USA, the "Majestic-12" operation, and alleged UFO crashes in Roswell (1947) and near the Mexican border (1950). The report also mentioned supposed encounters between Russian and American cosmonauts and UFOs, including detailed descriptions of UFO maneuvers around the Vostok-2 spacecraft. However, the project failed to provide any concrete conclusions on UFO propulsion or technology, leading the author to question its value and the necessity of its "secret" classification. The article points out the contradictory information from the Ministry of Defense regarding UFO data collection, with one official statement denying involvement while earlier guidelines suggested otherwise.

Lack of Physical Evidence and Shifting Priorities

The issue highlights the absence of any physical evidence of crashed UFOs in Russia, despite claims by Ukrainian ufologist A. Anfialov about dozens of recovered craft. Retired Colonel V. Sokolov and A. Kotenkov, head of the Russian State Legal Department, both stated that no such evidence had ever surfaced. The article notes that Soviet UFO research programs, like "Setka" and "Galaktika," were eventually phased out, with only an expert group remaining to analyze incoming reports. Books by Platov and Rubtsov on UFOs and modern science also reportedly omitted any mention of crash investigations.

US Approach: Focus on Technology and Debris

In contrast, the US approach to UFO research is presented as more pragmatic, with a strong emphasis on finding and studying crashed objects and their debris to gain practical technological advantages. The article references the 1947 Roswell crash as a key event. It cites the book "On the Day After Roswell" by retired Colonel F. Corso, who claimed to have access to classified information and was involved in studying UFO debris. According to Corso, the US government used this recovered technology to develop new military equipment, subtly introducing these ideas to major companies like Bell Systems, General Electric, and Lockheed.

Recent UFO Sightings

The magazine presents several recent UFO sightings from November 2000:

• November 22, 2000 (Ballina, Ireland): A metallic, disk-shaped object, approximately 20 meters in diameter, was observed flying silently in an S-shaped trajectory before ascending vertically.
• November 25, 2000 (Edinburgh, UK): Two star-like objects were seen approaching each other at high speed, exhibiting unusual maneuvers before disappearing.
• November 26, 2000 (Hornchurch, UK): An elongated, pinkish object was seen moving slowly, emitting bright flashes and leaving a thin, smoke-like trail.

Scientific Perspectives and Anomalies

The issue touches upon scientific discussions, including a report from the newspaper "Trud" about astronomer Mikhail Lavrenev's claim that we see "phantoms" of stars due to light travel time. The article also mentions experiments by Russian scientists who reportedly detected signals traveling at speeds millions of times faster than light, suggesting a potential scientific breakthrough.

Other Reports and Investigations

• Jupiter's Moon: The discovery of a faint object near Jupiter, later identified as a moon, is reported. It was initially discovered in 1975 but lost and then re-observed.
• Galactic "Sharon": This galaxy, previously thought to be 12.5 billion light-years away, has been re-evaluated to be closer, approximately 10 billion light-years away.
• Galileo Mission: The Galileo spacecraft continues its mission around Jupiter, exceeding its planned operational lifespan.
• Atmospheric Bacteria: A previous report about a mysterious bacteria in the upper atmosphere is confirmed.
• Triangular UFOs: Doubts are raised about the extraterrestrial origin of some "triangular UFO" sightings, with suggestions that advanced terrestrial aircraft might be responsible.
• Mysterious Hole in Lithuania: A report from the Lithuanian newspaper "Lietuvos Rytas" describes a perfectly oval hole, 17 cm in diameter and 3.25 meters deep, found on a field. Geologists were unable to explain its origin, ruling out mechanical drilling and lightning strikes.
• Contact in Mari El Republic: An account of a UFO sighting in Yurino, Mari El Republic, involving a hovering, pulsating, and shape-shifting object, is detailed. The event was accompanied by electrical anomalies.
• Zakarpattia UFO Chronicle: A compilation of UFO sightings in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine from 1989 onwards is presented, noting a high incidence of sightings on Saturdays and specific time patterns.
• Kazan UFO Case (1967): An article from "Komsomolets Tatarii" discusses the phenomenon of UFOs over Kazan, with astronomers from the Engelhardt Observatory sharing their observations of unusual aerial objects, including a crescent-shaped object and pulsating spheres.

Scientific Opinions on UFOs

Interviews with scientists provide cautious perspectives. M.I. Lavrov, deputy director of an observatory, emphasizes the need for extreme caution when investigating UFOs, noting that many phenomena, like ball lightning, are not fully understood. He states that his work focuses on celestial bodies, not UFOs. N.P. Rizanov, head of the lunar department, asserts that there is no scientific basis for UFOs and that astronomical observations can be misinterpreted. He suggests that while facts should be gathered, building hypotheses on shaky ground is not advisable. Z. Kadikov, an observatory employee, recounts his personal sighting of a crescent-shaped object in 1967 and discusses various explanations, including plasma phenomena and extraterrestrial civilizations, while ruling out optical effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of UFOs, the contrast between Soviet and American research methodologies, the potential for extraterrestrial technology, and the reporting of specific sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions while maintaining a degree of skepticism, particularly regarding unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous scientific investigation and a concern over the perceived lack of progress and transparency in official UFO research, especially in Russia after the collapse of the USSR.

This issue of "Zvezda Priirtyshya" (Star of Irtysh) from December 8, 1990, focuses on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and anomalous phenomena. The magazine includes eyewitness accounts, expert commentary, and analysis of various sightings that occurred in different regions, primarily in the former Soviet Union.

Eyewitness Accounts and Reports

Petrozaovdsk Sightings (1977)

The issue details two incidents from Petrozavodsk. On December 19, 1977, at 7:40 AM, technician-meteorologist Ekaterina Karpina observed two "false suns" connected by a bright band, which she described as a "dumbbell-shaped UFO." F. Yu. Zigel commented that this phenomenon did not align with known optical atmospheric phenomena. Another report from Petrozavodsk describes a sighting by Sergey Petrovich Sorokin on December 19, 1977, at 7:20 AM, of a silvery, spherical object with volume, emitting light from within, hovering near a chimney.

Gorky Flash (1982)

On December 16, 1982, a mysterious light phenomenon was observed over Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). The local newspaper "Gorkovskaya Pravda" reported a bright flash that illuminated the sky, accompanied by a low hum, and caused electric lights to flicker. V. S. Troitsky, a Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, confirmed observing the flash and the accompanying hum. The event also affected power systems, causing temporary outages at transformer substations.

Kazakhstan Sighting (1990)

On December 3, 1990, a bus driver and passengers in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan reported seeing a crimson-red, parallelepiped-shaped object with glowing horns. The object hovered for five minutes before disappearing. Further investigation involved interviews with other witnesses, including a turner and a foreman, who provided slightly different descriptions of the object's color and shape.

Pavlodar UFOs in Pairs (1990)

On December 20, 1990, two flying objects were observed hovering and then flying at high speed over Pavlodar. The objects followed each other, with the second being brighter and larger than the first.

"Bolides" Over Ukraine (1963)

A significant event occurred on October 30, 1963, when thousands of people in Ukraine and southern Russia witnessed a group of mysterious, silvery-white glowing bodies moving slowly across the sky. Amateur astronomer Yuri Dubrovsky recorded observations of these "bolides," noting their size and the presence of red light behind them. The event was widely reported, and the USSR Academy of Sciences requested eyewitness accounts. An archive of approximately 150 reports was processed, indicating widespread observations across various regions.

UFOs Over Kiev (1963)

The October 30, 1963 event also included numerous sightings in Kiev and its surroundings. Newspapers reported the phenomenon, and the director of the Main Astronomical Observatory, V. P. Konopleva, suggested it might be a meteoritic body that disintegrated in the upper atmosphere. However, the widespread nature and specific characteristics of the sightings led to further investigation.

Analysis of the October 30, 1963 Event

Analysis of the 1963 sightings suggested that the UFOs were flying at an altitude of approximately 470-480 meters and at speeds comparable to commercial aircraft. The objects were described as silent, with some witnesses reporting faint rustling or crackling sounds. The event was characterized by mass observations in different locations simultaneously, with objects exhibiting unusual shapes and characteristics.

"Anomaly" and Ufological Publications

The issue also includes a section on ufological publications and terms. It defines "anomaly" and lists several magazines and newspapers dedicated to UFO research, including "Anomaly" (St. Petersburg), "NLO" (St. Petersburg), and "Nebo i Zemlya" (St. Petersburg). The review of these publications provides a rating based on their content and relevance to UFO research.

Glossary of Ufological Terms

A glossary provides definitions for various terms related to ufology, including "Anomalists," "Angar-18," and specific cases like "Anders's case" and "Andreasson, Betty." It also touches upon the concept of "enonauts" (alien beings) and their classification into humanoid and non-humanoid types.

Angar-18

The article mentions "Angar-18," a building at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, which is rumored to house crashed UFOs, debris, and alien bodies. Access to this facility is highly restricted, even for high-ranking officials.

Anders's Case

This section describes the case of a Swedish individual named Anders who reported being abducted by aliens in 1974. Under hypnosis, he recalled being taken aboard a UFO and undergoing medical examinations.

Orfeo Angelucci

Orfeo Angelucci, an Italian-American author, is mentioned for his book "The Secret of Saucers." His claims of contact with extraterrestrials are presented, along with skepticism from some researchers.

Betty Andreasson

Betty Andreasson's case is highlighted as one of the most well-researched alien contact and abduction cases, investigated through regressive hypnosis. Her experiences are described as involving symbolic and supernatural elements, blurring the lines between reality and subjective experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, eyewitness testimonies, and the scientific and journalistic efforts to understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging the inherent mysteries and challenges in researching UFOs. There is a clear effort to document and analyze these phenomena, drawing from a range of sources including newspapers, eyewitness reports, and ufological research.

This document is a review of the Russian magazine "НЛО" (UFO), specifically issues N 48, 49, and 50 from 2000. The magazine is published by "Калейдоскоп" and is noted for its frequent publication schedule, which the reviewer suggests may impact quality. The review criticizes the magazine for its increasing number of blank pages, advertisements, and a decline in the quality of its articles.

Article Reviews

"НЛО" (СПб), 2000, N 48, 49 and 50

The reviewer expresses weariness with the frequent appearance of these magazines, likening them to weekly pastries. The rushed publication schedule is blamed for a decrease in article quality, with more space dedicated to advertisements and images than content. A specific point of contention is issue number 50, which features an article titled "Strategic Weaponry under UFO Control" attributed to Vladimir Azhazha. However, the reviewer asserts that the entire text was written by German Kolchin. Azhazha allegedly used Kolchin's material for his book "Иная жизнь" (Another Life) without proper attribution, and the "НЛО" magazine then reprinted this text under Azhazha's name, despite the fact that G. P. Lisov, the editor of "НЛО", knew Kolchin and that Kolchin's article had previously appeared in the magazine "Терминатор" (Terminator).

"Перекресток кентавра" (Rostov-on-Don), 2000, N 8

This newspaper is praised for its high quality and professional articles, offering new material that even experienced ufologists would find interesting. A notable article mentioned is "Earth: A Vivarium for Aliens" by S. Anina, which discusses the phenomenon of livestock mutilation by 'enlonauts'. The reviewer also mentions their own translation of Linda Moulton Howe's article on 'chupacabras'. The newspaper is recommended for reading in both print and online formats.

Announcements and Events

Museum of Ufology and Parapsychology Opens in Moscow

The "Moskovsky Komsomolets" newspaper reported on October 14, 2000, about the opening of a museum of parapsychology and ufology in Moscow. The museum is located at the "Center for Psychoanalysis and Relaxation of the School of Success "777"" at Maloye Gnezdnikovsky Lane, building 9/8, structure Za, third floor. It is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 PM to 8 PM. The director is Andrey Gendinovich Li, a researcher of parapsychology, and the museum's representative from the association "Ecology of the Unknown" is Alexey Klemshov.

Meetings of the Millennium's End at the Geographical Society

Two significant meetings were scheduled for December 20, 2000, at the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg. The first was a round table on "Energy-Information Interactions and the Noosphere" by the Planetology Department's Commission on Energy-Information Problems, featuring speakers like V. I. Dragunov and A. N. Oleynikov. The second was by the Ufology Commission, focusing on "Petersburg Ufology at the Turn of the Century," with speakers including S. P. Kuzionov, G. P. Lisov (editor of "НЛО"), and Yu. M. Raytorovsky.

Miscellaneous News

Religious "Miracle" in Kalinin

On November 24, 2000, the newspaper "Trud" published a report by correspondent Alexander Karelin about a miraculous event in a church in Kalinin. An icon of the Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord reportedly began to exude myrrh. The priest, Father Vasily, described finding seven drops of a matte, unusual color on the icon, which was enclosed in glass. He interpreted this phenomenon as a sign of God's grace. The icon was a gift from parishioners from Saratov.

The Mystery of the Dead Sharks

A digest from "24 Chasa" (2000, N 48), referencing a report in the Lisbon newspaper "Publiku," detailed the discovery of over 100 dead sharks off the coast of Florida. Ichthyologist Eric Cortez from Florida State University's biology department noted that the sharks, mostly about a meter long, showed no signs of external damage that would indicate entanglement in fishing nets. Toxic algae were also ruled out as a cause, as other marine life would have been affected. The reason for their mass death remains a mystery.

Specific Case: The "Cosmopoisk" Search Operation

On December 3, 2000, the Moscow center "Cosmopoisk" announced the successful conclusion of an operation to find a missing physicist, Kulinin, in the Sasovo anomalous zone. The announcement, posted on their website (http://kosmopoisk.null.ru), conveyed "all clear" for those who had responded to their call for help. Kulinin and his mother expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted, whether through information or by offering to travel to the search site. The reason for Kulinin's temporary disappearance was stated to be unrelated to the anomalous nature of the zone. He promised to share his findings, which were described as new and interesting, at a future "Cosmopoisk" meeting.

Additionally, on December 4, 2000, "Cosmopoisk" planned a debriefing session titled "How to Avoid Emergencies in Expeditions and Facilitate the Work of Search Groups." This session aimed to improve procedures for future search operations, recalling "Cosmopoisk's" past successful searches for missing persons in 1997, 1998, and 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "НЛО" appears to cover a range of anomalous phenomena, including UFOs, parapsychology, and unexplained events. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviewer's commentary, is critical of the magazine's own publication practices, suggesting a decline in quality due to a focus on quantity. Despite this criticism, the magazine does highlight specific cases and events of interest to the ufology and paranormal community, such as the Sasovo search operation and the religious anomaly in Kalinin. The publication also engages with other media, reviewing articles from different newspapers and magazines, and promoting online resources.