UFO Navigator - No 007 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest, dated January 2001 (Issue No. 7, 0007), focuses on a wide array of phenomena, from mass UFO sightings across the globe to scientific advancements in space exploration and astronomy. The publication includes a quote from Thomas Hardy, emphasizing the possibility of the incredible.

Main Topics

The cover highlights "Mass UFO Sightings Worldwide," "Narva: A Candle as a Laser," and "Drop Discs: Was There Paleocontact in China?"

News Section

The news section covers various topics including:

• Meteorites: Reports of a meteorite fall in Australia on December 26, 2000, which caused public alarm and police reports. The event was described with flashes of light and ground tremors. The article also mentions a meteorite falling into the Pacific Ocean near Tahiti on December 30, 2000, and an unusual object falling into a lake in Finland on January 2, 2001, creating a large crater.
• Space Exploration: Updates on new planets outside the Solar System, the "Cassini" and "Galileo" missions to Jupiter, and the "Odyssey" mission to Mars. It also discusses the "Mars Express" project and the potential for a nuclear engine for interplanetary spacecraft.
• UFO Chronicle (American): A chronological list of UFO sightings from December 2000 in the USA, including observations in Virginia, New York, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania.
• New Planets Beyond the Solar System: An overview of discoveries of new exoplanets, including those around CM Draconis and HD 168443, and the Gliese-876 system.
• "Cassini" and "Galileo" at Jupiter: Details on the "Cassini" probe's flyby of Jupiter and the "Galileo" probe's continued research, including its observations of Ganymede.
• New Moons of Jupiter: The discovery of ten new small moons orbiting Jupiter.
• New Century Space Projects: Information on the "Odyssey" mission to Mars, the "Mars Express" project, and the GLAST observatory for studying gamma rays.
• Asteroid Research: A proposal for a new mission, "Hera," to study asteroids and collect samples.
• Nuclear Engine for Interplanetary Craft: Research by Israeli scientists on a nuclear engine using Americium-242.
• Curious Statistics: Results of a poll on belief in UFOs in Russia and the USA, and a ranking of ufological websites.
• Yakutsk Meteorite: Analysis of a meteorite found in Yakutia, Russia, with a high nickel content.
• "Flying Saucers" Seen Everywhere: A compilation of recent UFO sightings from Italy, Chile, Canada, Scotland, and New Zealand.
• Aliens on the Roof: A report on a photograph of alleged aliens on a garage roof.
• Following Up on Publications: Updates on a strange circle found on ice in Canada and a discussion on the theory of relativity and the speed of light.

Detailed Article Summaries

Meteorites in Australia: On December 26, 2000, numerous residents in southeastern Australia reported unusual lights and ground tremors. While authorities suggested a meteorite, some witnesses described falling silver objects and peculiar visual effects, with one describing objects disappearing behind an "invisible wall." The event led to police calls and a minor fire near Monaro Highway.

Meteorite in the Pacific: On December 30, 2000, a large meteorite reportedly fell into the Pacific Ocean near Tahiti, observed by local residents.

Finnish Object: On January 2, 2001, an object reportedly fell into a lake near Bennäs, Finland, creating a large crater and emitting a loud whistling sound. Authorities were investigating, considering it could be a meteorite or satellite debris.

American UFO Chronicle (December 2000):

• Virginia: Residents of Appalachia reported seeing UFOs over Lynch Mountain, described as egg-shaped and flying from east to west.
• New York: On December 2, witnesses saw a bright green light descend rapidly, followed by helicopters. On December 4, a large black "triangle" hovered over Monticello for a minute.
• Florida: On December 9, two bright "stars" were observed moving in tandem.
• Colorado/New Mexico: On December 13, a large green "fire" was seen on San Antonio Mountain.
• California: On December 17, a UFO flew over Whittier at helicopter altitude and speed.
• Colorado: On December 17, a nun observed a reddish, pen-shaped object. Another sighting involved a "yellow-white fire" over Moffat.
• California: On December 17, Dr. R. Leir observed a "Venus-sized metallic object" over Santa Barbara, which later split into multiple parts.
• Indiana: On December 21, a UFO takeoff was witnessed near Mount Baldy.
• California: On December 22, three "fires" were seen circling and then separating.
• Florida: On December 23, a teacher observed a "saucer" with a dome.
• Washington: On December 23, four witnesses saw a flashing light exhibiting high-speed maneuvers.
• Kansas: On December 24, a large black triangle with lights was seen flying over a power line.
• Arizona: On December 24, an egg-shaped object with multiple lights was observed over Lake Havasu.
• Michigan: On December 25, a cylindrical object was photographed emerging from behind the sun.
• New York: On December 25, a boomerang-shaped "construction" with glowing white dots was seen.
• Pennsylvania: On December 26, four oval golden objects materialized and flew along a highway, emitting a light brown material.
• Vermont: On December 27, a bright green object with an orange trail was seen.

New Planets: The article details the discovery of three planets around the double star CM Draconis, potentially within a habitable zone. It also reports on the discovery of a massive exoplanet orbiting HD 168443, 17 times the mass of Jupiter, and another planet in the Gliese-876 system orbiting closer to its star.

Jupiter Missions: The "Cassini" probe transmitted its first color video of Jupiter's clouds. The "Galileo" probe successfully navigated Jupiter's gravitational field and passed close to Ganymede, despite higher-than-expected radiation levels. The discovery of ten new small moons of Jupiter is also announced.

Space Projects: The "Odyssey" spacecraft was en route to Mars, with a planned launch in April 2001. The "Mars Express" mission, using a Russian "Soyuz" rocket, is scheduled for June 2003. The GLAST observatory, designed to study high-energy gamma rays, is planned for orbit in 2005.

Asteroid Mission "Hera": A proposed mission to study asteroids and collect samples, named "Hera" after the Greek goddess, is detailed. The mission aims to visit three asteroids, with a planned launch in January 2006 and return in November 2010.

Nuclear Engine: Israeli scientists Igal Ronen and Eugene Schwagerus have developed a concept for a nuclear engine using Americium-242, potentially enabling a two-week trip to Mars.

UFO Belief Statistics: A poll conducted by "Russian Ufological Station" (RUFORS) found that 88% of respondents believed in UFOs. An ABCNEWS poll in the USA indicated that 25% of Americans believe in alien visitation, and 47% believe in extraterrestrial intelligent life.

Yakutsk Meteorite: A meteorite found in Yakutia, Russia, was analyzed and found to contain 20% nickel and 80% iron. It exhibits a quasi-crystalline structure, suggesting it may have formed in zero gravity.

Global UFO Sightings: Reports include sightings in Italy (discs changing color, triangle formations), Chile (large rectangular object), Canada (triangular object, discs), Scotland (grey triangle with laser beams), and New Zealand (discs).

"Aliens on the Roof" Photo: A photograph of alleged aliens on a garage roof is presented, though the witness did not see the event directly.

Ice Circle Follow-up: A new circle, similar to one previously reported, was found on the ice of Lake Pelletier in Canada.

Relativity and Speed of Light: British scientists Andreas Albrecht and Joao Magio proposed a hypothesis that the speed of light was higher in the early universe.

Street Cleaner vs. Einstein: A street cleaner in Riga, A. Danshov, filed a criminal complaint against the president of Latvia and supporters of Einstein's theory of relativity, claiming it to be a dogma.

"Triangular UFOs" and Military Technology: A letter suggests that many "triangular UFOs" might be secret military aircraft or stealth dirigibles, possibly related to the TR-3 technology.

Asteroid Impact Threat: Vadim Simonenko discussed the threat of cosmic collisions and the potential for defense against them, noting that while large objects are being identified, the technology to deflect them is still developing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, with scientific inquiry and technological advancements. There's a clear interest in reports from various countries, suggesting a global scope to UFO activity. The editorial stance appears to favor reporting on these phenomena, presenting witness accounts, and discussing scientific theories or potential explanations, while also acknowledging the possibility of advanced human technology being mistaken for extraterrestrial craft. The publication seems to encourage further investigation and discussion within the ufological community.

This issue of "Astronomy and Space" (Volume 2001, Issue 2) focuses on the dual nature of space: its potential dangers and its enduring mysteries. The cover headline, "Asteroids: Danger or Source of Wealth?", sets the tone for an exploration of both threats and opportunities beyond Earth. The magazine features contributions from scientists and researchers, including Alexander Viktorovich Bagrov and Lidiya Vasilievna Rykhlova from the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Anatoly Vasilievich Zaitsev, a leading designer from NPO S.A. Lavochkin.

Asteroid Threat and the Lost Planet Phaeton

The issue delves into the scientific understanding of asteroids, with Alexander Bagrov proposing that the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter may be the remnants of a destroyed planet named Phaeton. He suggests that this planet existed billions of years ago and was shattered, possibly by a collision with an asteroid. The composition of the asteroid belt is described as potentially rich in pure metals. Bagrov also touches upon the Earth's own vulnerability to powerful impacts, likening our planet to a liquid ball with a thin crust.

Astronomers are actively monitoring near-Earth objects, with the Institute of Astronomy focusing on meteor and bolide streams rather than the stable asteroid belt. They have identified over twenty large bodies, including a close approach of a two-hundred-meter object in 1996. The challenge lies in accurately predicting the trajectories of smaller, less visible fragments that pose a more immediate threat.

Planetary Defense Systems

Anatoly Zaitsev discusses the development of planetary defense systems, drawing on past Soviet research. He outlines a concept called "Tsitadel" (Citadel), which involves a global space monitoring system, regional interception centers, and the use of nuclear warheads to destroy or deflect dangerous objects. He references the Vega 1 and Vega 2 missions to Halley's Comet in 1985 as an example of operational experience in this field. Zaitsev acknowledges that while humanity can defend itself, extremely large objects may still pose an insurmountable threat, suggesting the need for a "Noah's Ark" on the Moon as a last resort.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from various locations:

• Tallinn, Estonia: On January 5, 2001, hundreds of witnesses reportedly saw a yellow-green UFO hovering over the city's cathedral. A patient named Valdis, who had previously served in a special communications unit, claimed to have observed a UFO from his apartment window.
• Altai Region: A report from the newspaper "Altai Truth" describes a bright white ball, about half the size of the moon, emitting a beam of light towards the ground near Pospelikha on November 22, 2000.
• Penza, Russia: Viktor Yeremeyevich Mikhailov recounts a childhood experience from 1945, during Easter, where he witnessed the sun's rays appearing as colorful, rolling "eggs" that descended towards the ground.
• Naro, Estonia: A UFOlogist named SkyTiger reported an incident where a candle flame produced blue "laser" beams that scanned the room and its occupants, causing a sensation of physical impact and temperature increase.
• Cherkessk: An article from "Leninsky Znamya" in 1991 describes beams of light, described as hot iron, passing through objects and people in a room.
• Kazakhstan: A military serviceman reported observing a yellow, disc-shaped object moving horizontally at an altitude of approximately 150 meters in January 1970.
• Lipetsk Region, Russia: A 1991 article details an encounter where a nine-grader, Olga Shabunina, met her "double" and was subsequently taken aboard a UFO. She described alien beings and a computer displaying Earth landscapes.
• Illinois, USA: A report from ITAR-TASS describes a large, triangular, silent object observed in January 2000, with witnesses including police officers. The object was estimated to be the size of a football field and two stories thick.
• Sarapul: Multiple reports from January 1915 describe dark, elongated objects resembling "Zeppelins" flying over the city, leaving trails of smoke and emitting light.

Ancient Mysteries: The Dropa and the Discs of Bayan-Khara-Ula

The issue explores the intriguing legend of the "Dropa," a race of small beings (around 115 cm tall) who allegedly crashed their UFO in China 12,000 years ago. Excavations in the Bayan-Khara-Ula mountains reportedly uncovered stone discs, similar to gramophone records, inscribed with hieroglyphs. These inscriptions, deciphered by archaeologists, are said to describe the Dropa's arrival and their interactions with the local "Ham" people. The discs themselves are noted for their unusual composition, containing high levels of cobalt and exhibiting a unique vibrational rhythm, suggesting they may have been electrical conductors.

Space Resource Utilization and Future Prospects

The magazine touches upon the growing interest in utilizing space resources, posing questions about who will control and exploit these vast deposits in the future. It also briefly mentions the problem of space debris and the need for monitoring the near-Earth environment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dual nature of space—its potential for both danger (asteroids, UFOs) and discovery (resources, ancient mysteries)—and humanity's efforts to understand and mitigate these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, reporting on both established astronomical observations and more speculative theories, such as ancient astronaut encounters. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of continued research, monitoring, and the development of defense strategies against cosmic threats, while also acknowledging the profound questions raised by unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (2001, Issues 1-2) delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, focusing on ancient mysteries, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and paranormal events. The magazine presents a mix of investigative journalism, critical reviews, and speculative theories.

Ancient Mysteries and Extraterrestrial Claims

The issue opens with a discussion of ancient artifacts that suggest contact with extraterrestrial beings. It highlights the work of Erich von Däniken and his interpretation of ancient Japanese figurines resembling astronauts. These figurines, found on Honshu Island, are described as wearing suits with helmets and large goggles, leading to speculation about their origin and purpose.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the mysterious "stone disks" allegedly found in the Bayannur Mountains in China by archaeologist Shi Pu-Tai in 1938. These disks, along with small skeletons with unusually large skulls, are presented as evidence of an ancient, non-human civilization. The text details the disks' characteristics: a central hole, spiral grooves, and an unknown script. The article notes the skepticism surrounding these findings, particularly from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which reportedly denied knowledge of Professor Tsum Um-Nui and the disks.

Further investigation into the stone disks is presented through the account of Austrian journalist Peter Krassa and engineer Ernst Wegerer. Wegerer claims to have seen and photographed similar disks in the Banpo Museum in Xi'an, China, in 1974. However, a later visit by Krassa and Hartwig Hausdorf in 1994 failed to locate these artifacts in the museum, and museum staff had no recollection of them.

The magazine also touches upon the controversial claims of Anton Anfalov, a self-proclaimed UFO contactee and researcher from Simferopol. Anfalov is criticized for spreading unverified information and rumors about UFO crashes, often with fabricated details and inconsistent accounts. His activities, including alleged harassment of other researchers, are highlighted.

Scientific and Paranormal Phenomena

The issue includes a glossary of terms related to UFOlogy and anomalous phenomena. "Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena" (AAP) is defined as a term used to mask the true nature of unidentified aerial objects, distinguishing them from conventional atmospheric events. "Anomalous Zones" (AZ) are described as areas with recurring unexplained phenomena, classified into natural and artificial types.

"Antigravity" is discussed as a potential propulsion method for UFOs, with reference to experiments and theories suggesting its feasibility. "Antimatter" is also briefly explained as a substance with opposite charge to ordinary matter, capable of annihilation upon contact.

Critiques of UFO Publications and Reports

The magazine provides critical reviews of UFO-related publications. The collection "Great Mysteries of the XX Century" (2001) is described as a chaotic compilation of material, largely based on older skeptical works. The journal "UFO" (St. Petersburg, 2001, Issues 1-2) is heavily criticized for containing "nonsense, fakes, and sincere delusions," including articles on alleged UFO crashes and Nazi flying saucers.

Specific reports are examined, such as the alleged crash of a silver disk near Saratov in 1977 and a UFO sighting in the Orenburg region in 1953. The magazine also discusses the phenomenon of poltergeists, citing a case in Lithuania involving a poltergeist terrorizing a couple.

Other Anomalies and Projects

The issue briefly mentions other unexplained phenomena, including a report of a rainbow with an unusual horseshoe shape observed over Perm, Russia, and ongoing expeditions to find the Loch Ness Monster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the possibility of ancient extraterrestrial contact, and the critical examination of claims within the UFOlogy community. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while maintaining a skeptical approach towards sensationalized or unsubstantiated reports. The magazine aims to inform readers about ongoing research, controversial theories, and critical analyses of UFO-related evidence and publications.