UFO Navigator - No 013 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue Date: April 2001
Type: Russian Ufological Digest

Main Cover Story: Light Pillars in Belarus

The issue opens with a prominent cover story detailing reports of mysterious "light pillars" observed in Belarus, particularly near Gomel and Mogilev. The phenomenon began with a letter from Margarita Nosova, who described seeing two immense, stationary light pillars in the night sky, one of which contained a spherical, luminous object. She described the light as constant and non-pulsating, with the pillar's width matching the diameter of the observed object. Another witness, Svetlana Ivanovna N., corroborated the sighting, describing a "solemn spectacle" and noting that the 'ball' within the pillar was perfectly round, with a visible core of light and subtle, non-symmetrical markings.

Further investigation by ufologists yielded numerous letters, though few provided significant new details. The article notes that some members of the "Paramir" research group in Gomel also witnessed these pillars, initially mistaking them for optical phenomena. E. A. Korolev from Gomel sent a letter referencing an article from "Nauka i zhizn" (Science and Life) by B. Asseev, which discussed similar light phenomena observed in the Tyumen region. Asseev's article attributes these lights to industrial flares or rapid temperature changes in the atmosphere. The article cites Dutch astronomer M. Minnaart's book "Light and Color in Nature," which explains such phenomena as the reflection of light from tiny ice crystals suspended in the air. Minnaart attributes these "light swords" to light refraction in small ice crystals or plates formed in cold atmospheric layers. The magazine concludes that these Belarusian "light pillars" are not anomalous but rather a natural play of light during cold weather.

UFO News from Around the World

American UFO Chronicle (March-April 2001)

This section compiles recent UFO sightings from March and April 2001, drawing from the UFO Reporting Center database and ufological reviews.

• March 20, Newington, Connecticut: A woman reported seeing multiple white, shiny objects in the sky, with one larger object later transforming into a triangle. The same day and time, a resident of Hamden witnessed a "bullet-shaped" object that ascended vertically and moved horizontally.
• March 20, Portsmouth, Rhode Island: A V-shaped UFO with six bright, non-blinking lights was observed moving from east-southeast to north-northwest.
• March 22, Taylorville: A triangular UFO with lights and a red glow was seen moving at high speed before hovering and disappearing. The witness described it as the "strangest thing" they had ever seen.
• March 23, Hot Springs, Arkansas: Eight disc-shaped UFOs executed a 90-degree turn at high speed. Six departed rapidly, while two remained for a minute before leaving.
• March 23, Springfield, Virginia: A "giant ship" with bright lights was observed flying low over the ground.
• March 24, Granite Bay, California: A V-shaped UFO was seen, followed by a classic saucer-shaped object.
• March 24, Canton, Ohio: A large, black cigar-shaped object with two dim lights stopped, hovered, and disappeared.
• March 25, Chicago, Illinois: A dense group of V-shaped objects moving north at "incredible speed" were reported.
• March 26, Valentine, Nebraska: A cigar-shaped UFO, estimated to be at least 200 yards long, was observed.
• March 26, Durham, North Carolina: Witnesses observed a triangular UFO with bright lights that appeared and disappeared.

Why Did the Bureau for Flying Saucer Investigations Close?

The news agency LENTA.RU reported on April 24, 2001, that the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSR), which had been active for nearly 50 years, had ceased operations. According to BFSR founder Denis Plunkett, UFO sightings had become increasingly rare. Plunkett suggested that aliens might have completed their study of Earth, which began after World War II following the advent of nuclear weapons. The article notes that the BFSR, founded in 1953 by Denis and his father Edgar, once had 1500 collaborators worldwide. The closure is also reported by Reuters, which mentions that Plunkett, now 70, believes the internet is drawing enthusiasts away from primary sources. The article questions the validity of Plunkett and his bureau, noting that many British ufologists are unaware of them.

UFO Filmed Over Alma-Ata

"UFO Roundup" reported on April 19, 2001, that a UFO was sighted over Almaty, Kazakhstan. Local resident Darkhan Isakov filmed the object and brought the video to the studio of Kazakh Commercial Television. The footage reportedly showed a "glowing spot behind the trees."

Strange Echoes of a "UFO Crash" Near Shag Harbor

This section discusses the town of Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada, which in 1967 reportedly experienced a UFO crash. The town is now leveraging this event for tourism, planning to use a special postmark featuring a flying saucer. Lori Wikens, a witness from 1967, believes it was a crashed US military plane. Producer Michael MacDonald, who filmed a documentary on the event, described it as well-documented, with numerous police and defense ministry documents available.

"Near-Saucer" Cult Accused of Child Murders

StarMedia.com reported on April 10 that authorities in Brazil and Argentina are investigating the "Lineamiento Universal Superior" cult. The cult is accused of ritualistic child abuse, torture, and murder. Thirteen children in Altamira, Brazil, were allegedly killed during rituals resembling satanic ceremonies. The investigation involves a doctor and the sect leader, Valentina de Andrade, who had previously faced accusations in 1992.

"Second Moon" Over Rostov-on-Don

A letter to the newspaper "Anomaliya" describes a strange phenomenon observed in Rostov-on-Don. A visitor to the "ENIO" research center reported hearing a "y-a-u" sound and seeing a bright yellow sphere in the sky that resembled the moon, despite it being a new moon phase. The incident coincided with television signal loss for several neighbors.

Karelian Anomalies

An excerpt from "Anomaliya" details several unusual atmospheric and celestial observations in Karelia, Russia:

• August 24, 2000: A "curved cloud" was observed.
• December 8, 2000: During a full moon, a "cross-shaped light" from the moon was seen, with semicircular rainbows and what appeared to be aurora borealis.
• January 28, 2001: A blinding blue flash occurred, with two explosions heard later. This event was described as a fiery body flying south to north at an altitude of 10 km, with a fall near the settlement of Loukhi.
• February 3: Semicircular rainbows were observed on either side of the sun.

The article offers explanations for some of these phenomena, attributing the "cross-shaped light" to lunar halos and the semicircular rainbows to parhelia (false suns).

Celestial Mysteries of the Amur Region

A letter to "Anomaliya" from Konstantin Konopatsky describes a phenomenon he observed in the constellation Ursa Major during his childhood, which he has not been able to explain since. He states that 10-15 people witnessed it over several minutes, describing it as a body or apparatus making a transition from one star to another, accompanied by a bright flash and expansion, followed by a luminous point moving in a straight line. The phenomenon involved a halo that dimmed as it moved away and brightened as it approached the destination star.

Follow-up on Our Publications

Vladimir Azhazha's "Patent"

Vladimir Azhazha, known for his "Hymn...", has reportedly "patented" a concept described as "GLOBAL PHENOMENON OF PRESENCE (VISITS) AND INFORMATION-ENERGY IMPACT OF SUPRAHUMAN INTELLIGENCE ON EARTH'S BIOSPHERE, PROVING THAT HUMANITY AS A CARRIER OF INTELLIGENCE IN THE UNIVERSE IS NOT ALONE." The article sarcastically notes this as the "main discovery of the past century."

Ice Circles and Crop Circles

Canadian ufologists reported an "ice circle" in Banff National Park, Canada, appearing on January 2, 2000, but only recognized recently. A photograph is available online. The article also mentions a "regular" crop circle that appeared in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on March 25, 2001.

"MIR" Meteo-Sondes Cause a Stir

The article notes continued public confusion in South America regarding "MIR" meteo-sondes, which were mistaken for UFOs in Chile and Argentina. The Chilean Air Force's Committee for the Study of Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena confirmed the nature of these objects.

Chupacabra Sightings Continue

Reports of chupacabra attacks persist. In Mexico, a farmer found 23 birds and a calf drained of blood. In Chile, a guard dog was found severely injured and drained of blood, with no visible wounds.

Reports from the Field

• "Second Moon" over Rostov-on-Don
• Karelian Anomalies
• Celestial Mysteries of the Amur Region
• Alien "Stealth" over Tyumen
• "Triangle" in the Moscow Sky

"Second Moon" Over Rostov-on-Don

This section details a personal account from Rostov-on-Don, where a visitor to the "ENIO" research center reported hearing a strange sound and seeing a bright yellow sphere in the sky that resembled the moon. This occurred during a new moon phase and was accompanied by television signal loss for several neighbors.

Karelian Anomalies

A letter to "Anomaliya" describes several phenomena observed in Loukhi, Karelia:

• August 24, 2000: A "curved cloud."
• December 8, 2000: During a full moon, a "cross-shaped light" from the moon, semicircular rainbows, and aurora borealis were seen.
• January 28, 2001: A bright blue flash was observed, followed by two explosions. A fiery body was reported flying south to north at an altitude of 10 km, with a fall near Loukhi.
• February 3: Semicircular rainbows appeared on either side of the sun.

The article explains some of these as optical phenomena like halos and parhelia, while the January 28 event is suggested to be a bolide (bright meteor).

Celestial Mysteries of the Amur Region

Konstantin Konopatsky from the Amur region writes about a phenomenon he witnessed in Ursa Major during his childhood. He describes a body or apparatus moving between stars, accompanied by flashes and expanding halos. He seeks an explanation from the magazine, hoping they can provide a qualified answer based on their resources.

The article suggests that Konopatsky's observations might relate to rocket launches, specifically the stages of multi-stage rockets, including the separation of stages and the release of exhaust gases. The timing of his observations predates Yuri Gagarin's flight, and the location is not identifiable as Plesetsk. The possibility of Baikonur launches is considered, given the strategic missile forces' activities at the time. Without precise dates, it's difficult to confirm with NASA or NORAD records.

Alien "Stealth" Over Tyumen

A report from Tyumen describes a "smoothly moving black object" observed in the night sky, with its size, speed, and trajectory noted. The object was seen on April 20, 2001, at 1:30 GMT+5.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena with scientific explanations, witness testimonies, and occasional skepticism. There's a focus on cataloging sightings and investigating potential causes, ranging from natural atmospheric events to more speculative theories involving extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and explanations without definitively endorsing any single theory, while also offering rational explanations for some phenomena. The magazine also highlights the ongoing efforts of ufologists and researchers in gathering and analyzing data.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Volume 1, Issue 1, dated 1991) delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and alleged encounters with non-human entities. The cover headline highlights mysterious objects over Salsk, Rostov region in 1991, and the issue includes a calendar of past UFO events.

Witness Accounts of UFO Sightings

Moscow Sighting (December 1986)

A witness, writing under the pseudonym "Jamaika," describes observing a boomerang-shaped (or "V"-shaped) object, similar to an American "Stealth" aircraft, flying silently at an altitude of approximately 200-300 meters. The object's color changed, mimicking the sky, and it emitted no sound other than the ambient noise of the city. The witness dismisses the possibility of it being a terrestrial aircraft and leans towards an extraterrestrial origin, expressing unease about the experience.

"Triangle" in the Moscow Sky (April 2001)

Alex Persky, who runs a UFO website, relays an account from Elena Viktorovna Krasnovskaya. In December 1986, when she was 12-13 years old, she saw a triangular, cone-shaped object with three red lights arranged at the corners. The object hovered over a field between buildings and then disappeared. She also noted a satellite passing overhead shortly before.

Meteorite (?) over Vladimir Region (1927)

Arkady Vasilievich Andreev recounts an event from April 30, 1927. While hunting with a friend near Zakolpye station, they observed a bright, round object resembling the moon moving across the sky. After a few seconds, it moved south, and minutes later, they heard a distant explosion. Andreev believes it was not a meteorite but something else, and he has been unable to find similar phenomena described in scientific literature. He later learned from a neighbor that she had also witnessed a similar event, describing a large, hot, "porous" meteorite that fell in a field near Melenki.

Contact of the Third Kind in England (1955)

This section details the experience of Frederick S. Briggs, a bricklayer. On April 23, 1955, while cycling, he saw an object hovering over a field. It was described as a giant spinning-top, about 20-30 feet in diameter, with a dull aluminum color and ship-like portholes. A column of light descended from the object, and a humanoid figure emerged, standing on a small platform. Briggs was knocked down by a strange light and felt an invisible force holding him. The object then ascended vertically at incredible speed. Briggs experienced dizziness but no physical injury.

Mass Sighting over Beverly (1966)

On April 22, 1966, at 9:00 PM, a mysterious object appeared over Beverly, Massachusetts, and remained visible for 30 minutes. Ten credible witnesses, including two police officers, observed a large, disc-shaped object resembling a "flying saucer" hovering over the school. Witnesses described it as large, stable, and mushroom-shaped, with no audible sound. One officer described seeing three lights: red, green, and white.

Mini-UFO over Petrozavodsk (1978)

On April 23, 1978, a witness named Andrey A. Lipnin observed an oval, disc-shaped object, about 1 meter in diameter and 20 cm thick, hovering near a building. The object was dark blue, with a darker rim, and seemed to be illuminated from within. It moved slowly along the building, then backward, and disappeared. The sighting lasted about 25-30 seconds.

Mysterious Objects over Salsk, Rostov Region (1991)

A local newspaper, "Salskaya Step," reported on April 26, 1991, about a sighting by Igor Zolotov. He observed a bright point in the night sky that changed color (red, green, blue) and was much brighter than stars. The object was described as a sphere that took on a pear-like, then egg-shaped, and finally a traditional saucer shape. It moved towards a furniture factory and disappeared after seven to ten minutes. Other witnesses also reported seeing an object around 8:30 PM on April 3.

Investigation: Sexual Contacts with the Unknown: Reality or Illusion?

This section features an article by Gennady Belimov, a researcher from Volzhsky, who investigates cases of alleged sexual contact with non-human entities. Belimov notes that such reports are increasingly appearing in media, often met with skepticism or cautious reporting. He argues that these cases are not mere fantasies and may involve personal tragedies.

Case of Rimma

Belimov recounts the case of Rimma, a 34-year-old woman from Volzhsky, who claims to have had sexual encounters with a non-human entity since she was 17. She describes a cold sensation, the sound of footsteps, and the impression of someone lying next to her. She feels paralyzed and unable to see the entity, though she once glimpsed a pale, human-like silhouette with beautiful eyes. She describes the entity as a "He" who comes to her at night, and the encounters are more intense than with human partners. She believes these encounters have negatively impacted her personal life and relationships.

Case of Galina

Another account, from Galina Andreevna Borzova of Saint Petersburg, describes an incident in March 1982. While staying with a friend, she experienced a heavy presence and a sexual encounter with a shadowy figure. She felt a sense of bliss and warmth afterward. Her mother had experienced similar events twice in her youth.

Case from Tolyatti

This case involves a woman in her early fifties who experienced an encounter with a humanoid entity. A tunnel of light appeared outside her window, and a humanoid, about 1.5 meters tall with a grey-green complexion and large eyes, entered her apartment. The entity directed a beam of light from its palm to her lower abdomen, and she later discovered she was pregnant. The pregnancy subsequently disappeared. An ultrasound revealed an unexplained glowing spot on her uterine wall.

Scientific and Historical Perspectives

Historical Context of Sexual Encounters with Non-Human Entities

Sergey Ryazantsev, a doctor of medical sciences, is cited as offering a scientific perspective. He references historical accounts of sexual encounters with demons (incubi and succubi) mentioned in medieval texts like "Malleus Maleficarum." Ryazantsev suggests that these phenomena might be related to physiological processes like nocturnal emissions (pollutions) and erotic dreams, especially in individuals experiencing prolonged abstinence. He posits that the cultural interpretations of these experiences, influenced by religious beliefs and societal conditions (like wartime shortages of men), led to the demonization of these encounters.

Psychological Explanations

Ryazantsev suggests that the "demonic" figures and sexual encounters described in historical accounts could be manifestations of psychological phenomena, particularly in women experiencing sexual frustration or loneliness. He draws parallels between these historical accounts and modern UFO contactee reports, suggesting that the underlying psychological mechanisms might be similar.

Glossary and Recurring Themes

Glossary

The issue includes a glossary of terms, such as "Barsa-Kelmes," "Bauru," "Jean-Francois," "incubi," and "succubi."

Barsa-Kelmes Island

Described as one of the two largest islands in the Aral Sea, Barsa-Kelmes is considered a powerful anomalous zone with reports of space-time shifts, disappearances, and alien contacts. Historically, it was a nature reserve.

Bauru, Brazil (1947)

This section details the first registered contact with aliens in South America, involving Jose K. Higgins. He encountered three seven-foot-tall beings emerging from a "flying saucer." The beings wore transparent suits and carried metallic boxes. Higgins observed them for about half an hour as they ran, jumped, and threw stones. He managed to evade being taken aboard by noting their aversion to direct sunlight.

Jean-Francois Bedek

Bedek is credited with introducing the concept of a "preparatory phase" for UFO abductions, suggesting that individuals may exhibit strange behaviors weeks before an encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and seeking scientific or psychological explanations for these events. There is a notable emphasis on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the potential for human-alien interactions, including controversial topics like sexual encounters. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers and witnesses to share their experiences and findings, encouraging further investigation into the unknown.

This issue of the Russian magazine "Аномальные новости" (Anomalous News), issue number 8 from 2001, focuses on the theme of 'Irreversible Abductions' and includes a critical review of other ufological publications. The magazine's rating system is presented at the beginning, ranging from 'completely rubbish' to 'excellent, highly recommended'.

Irreversible Abductions

The issue opens with a case study titled 'Irreversible Abductions,' detailing instances where individuals reportedly abducted by UFOs never returned to Earth. The primary account is from a 54-year-old man from Riga, Ivar K., who recounts an incident in October 1986 in Jurmala. He describes how his wife, Marite, was enveloped in a bright, reddish light while he was walking towards her. He witnessed her seemingly collapse and then disappear amidst flames and sand-like material. Despite his efforts, she was gone, and he was later disbelieved and held in a psychiatric hospital. The article also references other examples of such abductions from the book 'Phenomena of Wonders' by J. Michell and R. Rickard.

Bezopornoye prostranstvo (Unanchored Space)

This section defines 'unanchored space' as an environment without reference points, making it difficult to judge distances and sizes of distant objects. It notes that experienced observers rely on angular measurements, while inexperienced ones can make errors of thousands of times in their estimations.

Gennady Belimov Profile

A profile is provided for Gennady Belimov (born 1946), identified as the head of the Volga Group for the Study of Anomalous Phenomena and a senior lecturer at the Volga Humanitarian Institute. He is also a member of the CIS International Ufological Association and the Union of Journalists of Russia. Belimov, with a background in physics and electronics, became a proponent of paranormal phenomena research after expeditions to the Tunguska meteorite impact site. He introduced ufology and bioenergetic information into university courses and has authored several books on these topics, including 'UFOs over the Volga Region' and 'Ghosts from the Underworld.' He holds a doctorate in philosophy and is a member of the International Academy of Informatization.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section offers a review and assessment of current ufological periodicals and new books.

Review of "Аномальные новости" (Issue 8, 2001)

This review is highly critical of the magazine "Аномальные новости." It states that the editorial board is 'mocking the credulity of their readers in the most cruel way.' A central feature of this issue is an article by Pavel Laptinov, which the reviewer describes as 'sadistic.' The article claims that aliens steal not air, but 'shit,' citing 'documentary cases' of disappearing manure from various domestic animals. The reviewer dismisses these claims as nonsensical and notes the article mentions non-existent settlements and African tribes. The review asserts that by publishing such articles, the magazine has sunk to a level equivalent to the 'substance being stolen' in Laptinov's article.

The review also points out instances of plagiarism, such as an article on page 12 ('Aliens Next Door') which was allegedly stolen from the magazine 'Anomaly' (1998, issue 21). The reviewer notes that even this theft seems minor compared to other issues.

A letter from Nikolay Subbotin, director of the 'Russian Ufological Research Station,' is included. Subbotin accuses the magazine of using materials without proper attribution and replacing real authors with pseudonyms. He cites an article on pages 4-5 of issue 25 (2000) titled 'Anomalous Zones of Alien Bases?' attributed to Anton Pervushin, which was actually written by Vladimir Smoliy in 1997. He also mentions an article by Yuri Gavryuchenkov ('UFOs. Secret KGB Report') in issue 5 (2001) that uses a drawing of a 'golden UFO' created by Subbotin himself, without attribution, and reproduces a KGB document from A. Mosolov's book 'Three Steps to the Mystery of UFOs' without proper citation.

Subbotin also notes the magazine uses many illustrations from the internet without crediting the artists. He suggests that while creating an illustrated magazine quickly is difficult, it is unacceptable to use others' work for free without permission.

Review of "Аномалия" (Issue 8, 2001)

This review criticizes "Аномалия" for excessive advertising, with three out of eight pages filled with ads for dubious 'healers' and occult organizations. It mentions an article by V. G. Azhazha, described as a 'hymn-maker' and 'great discoverer.' The reviewer notes their own article is included, but it's only an introductory text to an excerpt from Charles Fort's book, which will appear in the next issue. The reviewer finds little else of interest in this issue.

Review of "НЛО" (Issues 16 & 17, 2001)

This review states that the magazine suffers from the absence of a good ufologist. The 'female' editorial staff is accused of not knowing 'classic' ufological cases and making factual errors, such as incorrect dates (issue 16, p. 6). The reviewer warns that information from this magazine should be used with extreme caution and only after thorough verification.

Review of "Тайны ХХ века" (Issue 8, 2001)

This review describes the only pseudo-ufological material in this issue, 'Cosmonauts Saved by Aliens' (p. 2), as a long-debunked 'hoax.' The reviewer notes that the newspaper's sensationalist nature has caught up with 'Anomalous News.'

Announcements

• Summer Expedition "Kosmopoisk": The Moscow organization 'Kosmopoisk,' led by V. Chernobrov, plans to study 'anomalous zones' in the Leningrad region during the summer. Those who know of such places or wish to participate are invited to contact them via email.

Miscellaneous

• Religious "Miracle" in Altai: Reports from the museum of history, literature, art, and culture of Altai suggest that icons have begun to 'renew' themselves. Specifically, the colors on the Virgin Mary's headdress and robes of the Fedorovskaya icon have become brighter, and details on the stole of St. Nicholas and the Savior's face have become clearer. The newspaper 'Altayskaya Pravda' attributes these changes to the attention given to Altai by the 'Tsar-martyr.'

• Visitor in the Embassy: A report from the Mexican bulletin "Noticario OVNI" (April 19, 2001) states that an alien of Aryan appearance visited the Ecuadorian embassy in Lima, Peru. Ufologist Jaime Rodriguez claims to have obtained official documents describing the visitor as having 'perfect facial features,' being slightly less than 1.8 meters tall, and emitting a strange odor. The visitor identified himself as 'Commandante Banj' and requested a meeting with the ambassador, stating his spaceship was parked in geostationary orbit. The reviewer suspects this might be an April Fool's joke.

• Whose Bones Were Found in Morocco?: During joint excavations by Moroccan and Italian archaeologists in the Nadore region of Morocco, three intact child skeletons were found. They date back to the third millennium BC and are notable for their height, with the children measuring approximately 190 cm. Eight bone samples have been sent to Rome for DNA analysis. The Moroccan newspaper 'El Ansa' reported this on April 13, 2001, raising questions about legends of giants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Аномальные новости" consistently features a critical stance towards other ufological publications, often accusing them of sensationalism, plagiarism, and lacking scientific rigor. The editorial team appears to prioritize debunking or questioning claims made by others in the field, while also presenting its own controversial theories, such as the 'irreversible abductions' by aliens. The issue highlights a strong skepticism towards the unverified reporting found in many ufological sources, even while engaging with the subject matter itself. The inclusion of a profile on Gennady Belimov, a recognized researcher, suggests an attempt to balance criticism with engagement with more established figures in the field, though the overall tone remains highly critical and investigative.