UFO Navigator - No 009 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NAVIGATOR
Issue: N 9 (0009)
Date: February 2001
Publisher: Russian Ufological Digest

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into a variety of paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and related events from early 2001. The magazine presents a collection of reports, news, and analyses from Russia and around the world, aiming to inform readers about the latest developments in ufology.

UFO Over Barnaul: Details and Prehistory

The lead story details the widely reported UFO incident over Barnaul airport on January 21, 2001. The appearance of an unidentified luminous object near the runway caused significant disruption, with pilots of an Il-76 cargo plane refusing to take off and a flight from Irkutsk diverting to a reserve airfield. The airport was closed for approximately 1.5 hours. The object reportedly moved towards the Novomikhailovskoye cemetery and hovered over a forest at an altitude of about 400 meters before disappearing.

The article includes a satirical piece from the local newspaper "Altayskaya Pravda" by Oleg Mikurov, questioning the nature of the flying object. It also references an INTERFAX-EURASIA report that was widely disseminated by Russian news agencies. The magazine notes that the Barnaul incident received global attention, with inquiries from Western ufologists.

Further investigation by local journalists from "Molodezh Altaya" revealed discrepancies in the reported date of the sighting, with evidence pointing to January 21st rather than January 26th as initially reported by some news outlets. Eyewitness accounts, including that of Sergey Kurennoi, head of air traffic control at Barnaul airport, describe a round, orange-colored object with a distinct color distribution, moving and oscillating over the landscape. Kurennoi, who had previously witnessed similar phenomena in 1984 and 1985, noted the object's speed and lack of any audible engine noise or radar detection.

The article also touches upon the skepticism of some experts, such as Natalia Pavlova from the Barnaul Planetarium, who suggested the object might have been Venus or the Moon. It contrasts this with more radical views from astronomers like Sergey Tolbin, who dismissed UFO sightings as only being seen by housewives and journalists.

Reports from the "Komsomolskaya Pravda na Altae" newspaper are also cited, detailing similar accounts from pilots and residents. The article highlights the fact that official military and space agencies stated that they do not have a special department for analyzing anomalous phenomena, attributing such studies to ufological organizations.

Other UFO Sightings and Related Phenomena

Chile: A 'Hotspot' for UFOs and Chupacabras

The issue reports on numerous sightings of Chupacabras in Chile, a creature known for attacking livestock. Local newspapers indicate that individuals claiming to be from an "agency" are visiting affected farmers, offering money in exchange for silence about the incidents. The Chupacabras are described as hairy, bipedal creatures capable of remarkable agility and speed.

In one incident, four Chupacabras attacked a farm, killing six chickens and a rooster. The owner described their behavior as intelligent, almost human-like. The creatures reportedly escaped with astonishing speed, seemingly disappearing or teleporting. The attack left seven dead birds with characteristic puncture wounds.

Local residents link these creature sightings to UFO observations, suggesting a connection between the two phenomena.

A UFO Symposium in Chile

An international symposium on ufology was held in Serena, Chile, focusing on topics such as UFOs and defense, volcanoes, earthquakes, and UFOs, and Nazis and the UFO phenomenon. Ecuadoran ufologist Sixto Paz highlighted the increasing frequency of UFO visits and advocated for Serena to become a global center for UFO research due to its clear skies.

A Luminous Sphere Over Saratov Oblast

Residents of the village of Krasny Tekstilshchik in Saratov Oblast reported seeing an unidentified object, described as a large, luminous sphere with a bright light emanating from its center. The object, which changed colors and moved across the sky for about an hour, was observed near a military facility. Photographs and video footage were reportedly taken.

UFO Sightings in the USA

The magazine includes a section on American UFO chronicles, detailing several incidents from January 2001:

• South Carolina: A large, white, cigar-shaped object was observed moving slowly.
• Texas: A similar object with glowing lights was seen.
• California: A mysterious trail was observed, possibly from a stealth aircraft.
• Maine: A bright red object, appearing to be on fire, was sighted.
• Illinois: Multiple strange lights performed unusual maneuvers, leading to numerous reports of UFO sightings and electrical interference.
• New Jersey: A bright white light turned red and pulsated before disappearing.
• Virginia: A silvery disc-shaped object was seen moving silently.
• Ohio: A brightly glowing object was observed from an airplane.

An Alien Doll Found?

A report from Brazil describes a fisherman finding a strange artifact in a river near Catamari. The object is described as a small, translucent, human-like robot or "alien toy" that changed colors and had a liquid resembling sweat on its surface. The artifact was reportedly taken by military police for further study.

Space News

Pluto's Planetary Status Questioned

Scientists are reconsidering Pluto's classification as a planet, suggesting it may be a large chunk of ice from the Kuiper Belt. While it was considered a planet for 70 years, recent findings indicate its diameter is smaller than the Moon's. A probe, "Pluto-Kuiper Express," is planned to investigate further.

Pioneer-10's Long Journey

The Pioneer-10 probe, launched 28 years ago and now 11 billion kilometers from Earth, has lost contact. The probe carries a golden plaque with information about Earth and humanity, intended for any extraterrestrial civilization that might find it.

Cassini's Observations of Jupiter

The Cassini spacecraft captured images of a gaseous ring around Jupiter, formed by volcanic eruptions from its moon Io. The ring is described as being exceptionally large.

NEAR-Shoemaker Lands on Asteroid Eros

The NEAR-Shoemaker probe successfully landed on asteroid Eros on February 12th. Further details are promised for the next issue.

Mars Global Surveyor Continues Mission

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) has completed its planned mission but continues to transmit high-quality images of Mars, revealing more detailed maps than those of Earth in some aspects.

UFO Navigator: Reader Polls and Follow-ups

Polls on UFO Beliefs

The magazine critiques online polls regarding paranormal phenomena, deeming some to be unprofessional and prone to humorous responses. Examples include a poll on seeing UFOs, where a significant percentage of respondents claimed to have been abducted or visited by aliens, and another on the "Majestic-12" project, where a notable portion of participants expressed belief or humorously claimed to be part of the project.

Follow-up on Previous Publications

There is a brief mention of scientists' skepticism regarding the reported ability to "stop" light, with an explanation that it involves the absorption and re-emission of photons by sodium atoms, rather than true stoppage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Navigator" maintains a consistent focus on UFO sightings, extraterrestrial phenomena, and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and eyewitness accounts while also acknowledging skepticism and scientific explanations. The magazine aims to cover a broad spectrum of paranormal events, from aerial phenomena to alleged encounters with cryptids like the Chupacabra, and connects these to broader themes of space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The inclusion of news from various international sources underscores a global perspective on these subjects.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Issue 19, February 2001) delves into a range of anomalous phenomena, from purported scientific breakthroughs to alleged extraterrestrial encounters and mysterious natural events. The magazine presents a collection of witness accounts, news reports, and historical references, aiming to inform its readers about unexplained occurrences.

Scientific and Astrological Claims

The issue begins by referencing a "Harvard experiment" that reportedly demonstrates the possibility of creating quantum computers significantly more powerful than current ones. It then touches upon the unreliability of astrological predictions, citing an instance where an Indian astrologer's prediction of a major earthquake on February 3-4, 2001, caused widespread panic but did not materialize. The magazine contrasts this with its own reporting, stating that no such earthquake occurred.

UFO Sightings in the UK

The publication continues its coverage of UFO observations in the UK, referencing previous reports from "UFO Navigator." New accounts include a sighting of a large, "triangular" object with "countless pulsating multi-colored lights" by Ann Saunders in Matlock. The "Matlock Mercury" newspaper is cited for an article stating that UFO sightings had reached 19. Specific incidents detailed include a disc-shaped UFO, 30 meters in diameter, observed over Carber Gap on January 6, 2001, which reportedly "dissolved into the air." On January 25, Heather Shuttleworth in Bakewell witnessed maneuvers involving two spheres, one red and one orange. Furthermore, on January 26, three UFOs were sighted over Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Mysterious Sounds and Tremors

The magazine also investigates unexplained "rumbling sounds" in the sky. It recalls a previous report about strange noises and ground tremors in Ashtabula, Ohio, on January 19, 2001, which were recorded by seismographs but could not be explained by scientists. A similar phenomenon occurred in Houston, Texas, on January 26, causing rattling windows and minor panic, though firefighters attributed it to gas self-ignition. Another incident on January 25 near Cape Fear involved a loud rumble that shook houses. The issue draws a parallel to historical accounts, referencing Charles Fort's book "The Book of the Damned" (though the text incorrectly states "New Lands" and the year 1923), which documented similar explosion-like sounds. Three excerpts from Fort's work are provided: one from August 11, 1805, in East Haddam, Connecticut, describing sounds similar to explosions; another from March 20, 1822, in Melide, Adriatic Sea, where explosion-like sounds lasted for days; and a third from March 1825, also in Melide, suggesting a prolonged aerial presence.

Witness Accounts from Ukraine and Russia

The issue features two detailed witness accounts. The first, from Yaroslav <[email protected]>, describes an encounter in the autumn of 1992 near Kherson, Ukraine. While driving at night, his car stalled. He observed a large, black oval object with a triangular light beam and a glowing rim, which descended and enveloped their car. The object then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The second account, from DJ Romankin <[email protected]>, recounts an experience in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 1992, where he saw a glowing object moving horizontally near his apartment building, later confirmed by his father who saw a similar object.

Unusual Aerial Phenomena and Historical Cases

Further reports include an account from Vladimir Vladimirovich Nuzhny of Rubtsovsk, describing a "buzzing sphere" he saw as a 12-year-old. The object was described as a large, fiery yellow sphere moving against the wind. The magazine notes that the movement against the wind might be explained by electrical fields, citing I. P. Stakhanov's work on ball lightning, but questions the characteristic size of the object for a lightning phenomenon.

Historical Sightings and "Calendar" Entries

The "Our Calendar" section highlights historical events: a mysterious "projector" over Karakulin in 1915, UFO filming and alleged alien encounters in 1967, an unpublished TACC report on UFOs over Karelia in 1980, and an object pursuing a woman in 1991.

The Karakulin "Projector" (1915)

A newspaper report from February 6, 1915, describes a "mysterious light" over Karakulin. A beam of light fell from the sky multiple times, described by witnesses as unlike a falling star due to the absence of a tail. The light was bright white and compared to the beam of a naval searchlight.

UFO Filming in Massachusetts (1967)

On February 17, 1967, Stella Lansing in Palmer, Massachusetts, USA, filmed three reddish-orange, then bluish-white, spherical objects. She managed to capture footage of one object hovering approximately 15-16 meters away. Upon viewing the developed film, figures resembling four humanoids were visible within an "window" of the object.

UFOs Over Karelia (1980)

An unpublished TACC report from February 11, 1980, describes four miniature crescent-shaped objects moving in a line over southwestern Karelia, exhibiting colorful light displays. Later that evening, a bright star-like object appeared, varying in size and shape before stabilizing and remaining visible for over an hour.

Object Pursuing a Woman (1991)

An article from the "Volzhskaya Zarya" newspaper on March 13, 1991, details an encounter by Ekaterina Rodionovna Samoshkina, a worker at the Kuybyshev oil refinery. She reported being followed by a greenish, glowing sphere that emitted vertical beams of light. The object mirrored her movements, stopping when she stopped and moving when she moved, before eventually ascending and disappearing.

UFOs and Nuclear Facilities

The issue includes a section on "UFOs Over Baikonur and Atomic Objects (Conclusion)," referencing a 1993 collection titled "Alien Update." It discusses alleged UFO activity and potential threats related to nuclear facilities.

UFOs Over Chernobyl

Nikolai Lebedev's article highlights UFO observations near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. A specific case from August 7, 1990, describes a cylindrical object with pulsating lights and rotating red spots observed near the Ivankov settlement. The object reportedly disappeared when a military aircraft appeared.

UFOs and Nuclear Safety Concerns

The article further explores UFO sightings in Voronezh in September 1989. It recounts the experience of Igor Vadigin, an aviation mechanic, who encountered a 70-centimeter spherical object. He then allegedly saw visions of future disasters at the Voronezh and Novovoronezh nuclear power plants, including explosions and evacuations. The report suggests that this information may have prompted the KGB to investigate and potentially halt construction on the Voronezh Nuclear Power Plant. The magazine also includes a declassified KGB document detailing construction flaws at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, raising questions about safety standards.

August Putsch Vision

During the August 1991 coup attempt in Russia, a significant aerial phenomenon was observed. On August 20, 1991, at approximately 1:35 AM, passengers on an Aeroflot flight (flight 2523) from Voronezh to St. Petersburg witnessed a large, emerald-colored spherical object, estimated to be 400-800 meters in diameter, hovering at an altitude of about 10,000 meters. The object was surrounded by a milky-white hemisphere through which stars were visible. The aircraft altered course to avoid the object, and the sighting lasted about 15 minutes before the phenomenon disappeared. The magazine suggests this might have been a launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. Another witness, A. N. Belyakov, from the village of Bolshoye Malinskoye, also reported seeing an unusual bright object in the sky on the night of August 19-20, 1991, described as a star-like object with a comma-shaped tail, moving rapidly and silently.

UFO Over Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (1991)

An account from July 1991 details a UFO sighting over the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (LNPP) in Sosnovy Bor. According to a newspaper report and corroborated by aviation dispatcher Sergey Kotochigov, an object was detected by radar on March 2, 1991. The radar complex "Skala," with a range of 200 km and altitude of 22 km, tracked an object with unusual speed and trajectory near the LNPP. The object was also visually observed from the Pultkovo Airport control tower. At 8:33 PM, the object's radar signature disappeared. The magazine notes that "Anomaliya" also reported on this case, adding that the object split into three parts before disappearing. Official confirmation was reportedly obtained from Captain A. P. Alekseev, who stated that the object's true form was obscured by its bright glow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" include the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the unreliability of official explanations for such events, and the potential connection between UFOs and sensitive locations like nuclear power plants. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting witness testimonies and historical data while encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The magazine also highlights the challenges in obtaining official confirmation and the skepticism often faced by witnesses.

This issue of UFO Navigator, Volume 10, Issue 10, dated October 1991, delves into numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena primarily within Russia and the former Soviet Union during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The magazine features detailed accounts of radar detections, visual observations, and alleged military encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Radar Detections

The issue highlights several significant UFO incidents. One account details a meeting with Sergey Kotochigov, who revealed that the Leningrad Air Defense Command and the KGB were aware of UFO activity. The radar complex 'Skala' reportedly detected an unknown object on October 10, 1991, near Ustinskaya Mys, which displayed erratic movements and extreme speed maneuvers, exceeding the capabilities of known aircraft.

Earlier, on March 17, 1991, an unknown object was observed on radar screens for 20 minutes, hovering directly over a nuclear research reactor near Gatchina. Kotochigov stated that the UFO departed at a speed of approximately 2243 km/h. The magazine also references earlier sightings, including one on March 2, 1991, by military pilots in Safonovo, Murmansk Oblast, and a report from March 5, 1990, of an orange-red ball-like object seen near Lipovo.

Turkmenistan Incident: Fact or Myth?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the alleged Turkmenistan incident. According to a report, on May 25, 1990, a giant disc-shaped object, approximately 300 meters in diameter, appeared over the city of Mary. Colonel Anatoly Kurkchi of the 12th Air Defense Army ordered three surface-to-air missiles to be fired at the object. The UFO reportedly destroyed the missiles with three beams from its left side. Subsequently, two twin-seat interceptors were launched, but they crashed about a kilometer from the UFO, killing the pilots. The article suggests that Colonel Kurkchi was dismissed and faced criminal charges, but the investigation was later classified. The magazine notes discrepancies in official records regarding the incident and the fate of Colonel Kurkchi.

Chelyabinsk and Other Sightings

The issue also covers a sighting in Chelyabinsk on April 12, 1992, where a bright star-like object was seen descending and then hovering over the city, appearing triangular with lights. A report from ITAR-TASS is cited, describing a similar event observed by Kadyr Abdzhalilov. The magazine also mentions a sighting near St. Petersburg on November 17, 1991, by Anna Gromova, who observed a triangular object.

Asbest Explosion and UFOs

On November 1, 1990, a catastrophic explosion occurred at a chemical plant in Asbest, Sverdlovsk Oblast. While the official investigation pointed to an explosion of specialized emulsion, rumors and witness accounts suggested the presence of a UFO with a green beam directed at the site of the blast. Some reports also described a glowing ball moving towards the area, emitting light and beams. The magazine explores the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement, questioning whether aliens might be observing or even interfering with Earth's nuclear facilities.

UFOlogy Terminology and Reviews

The issue includes a glossary of UFO-related terms, such as 'Astrology', 'Astral Projection', 'Astral Exit', and 'Astrolevitating Objects' (ALO). It also provides reviews of contemporary UFO publications, including 'Anomalnye Novosti' and 'NLO', offering critical assessments of their content and credibility. The magazine rates 'Anomalnye Novosti' as '+++' (fairly readable) and 'NLO' as '+++' (fairly readable), noting a decline in quality after the departure of their UFOlogist editor.

Book Announcement

An announcement is made regarding the online availability of Mikhail Gershtein's book "Lost in Time" (originally titled "UFO: In Search of Truth"), which was published in 1999 with a limited print run. The book is now accessible in its full version on the UFOS website.

Scientific and Religious Phenomena

The magazine touches upon scientific and religious phenomena, including a study on the 'center of faith' in the human brain and reports of miraculous icons in Russia. It also discusses the potential threat of asteroids and the hypothesis of a destroyed planet named Phaeton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the potential for government cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena, the connection between UFOs and nuclear facilities, and the debate between materialistic and occult interpretations of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach to UFOlogy, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while scrutinizing sensationalist claims and demanding evidence-based explanations. The magazine expresses skepticism towards unsubstantiated reports and highlights discrepancies in official accounts.