UFO Navigator - No 014 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 10, dated October 1992, delves into a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged extraterrestrial encounters from around the world. The cover prominently features the headline "The Mystery of Puerto Rico" and a smaller mention of the "Belgian triangle."

Personal Encounter in Azerbaijan

The issue begins with a personal account from Aleks, who submitted a witness report to RU.UFO. In the summer of 1984, near the Iranian border in Azerbaijan, he observed a small white spot that gradually expanded to cover the entire sky, creating a white expanse while the ground remained in twilight. This phenomenon lasted for about an hour before contracting and disappearing. Remarkably, the exact same event recurred precisely one year later on the same date. Aleks appeals for anyone who has witnessed similar events to share their experiences.

The "Sky Yawning" Phenomenon

An account from Alexandra Sergeevna Lasitsyna, a signalwoman from Reshetnikovo, describes an event on May 20, 1980, near Pokrovka station. While on duty, she witnessed a strong, expanding light flash, described as "welding" in color, followed by the sky appearing to split open, revealing a dark void. All electric lights went out. The phenomenon repeated five minutes later in the southern part of the sky. The lights eventually returned on their own. Local elders referred to this as "the sky yawning."

Mysterious Object over Arizona (1904)

A brief report from the "Arizona Republican" newspaper dated May 3, 1904, details an observation near Phoenix. Several people saw a bright light in the sky, comparable in size to the full moon, moving rapidly northeast. Some witnesses described it as a "ball of hot air." The object appeared to be at a higher altitude than initially thought and eventually diminished to the size of a star, with a pale, flickering color. It moved slowly, appearing to descend towards the horizon, and remained visible for about half an hour.

The "Belgian Triangle" UFOs

The magazine introduces the term "Belgian Triangle" to describe a specific type of UFO that gained attention after mass sightings in Belgium between 1989 and 1991. These objects are typically triangular "platforms" with three powerful projectors at the corners and a red, flickering light in the center. They are described as silent or emitting a quiet hum, moving slowly, capable of hovering, and sudden acceleration. Their size is estimated to be between 15 meters and "two football fields." The article dismisses explanations involving secret military aircraft due to their maneuverability, the inability of current technology to explain their propulsion, and sightings in areas where such advanced aircraft would not typically operate, including the USSR.

The Puerto Rico Mystery (1986-1992)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a series of events in Puerto Rico between 1986 and 1992, investigated by UFOlogist Jorge Martin. The section begins with a report of a powerful explosion and tremors on May 31, 1987, in southwest Puerto Rico, followed by sightings of unusually large UFOs over Laguna Cartagena.

Witnesses like Wilson Souza and Rosa Acosta described seeing two large, bright "stars" or lights descending, connected by a large, metallic, silvery tube with greenish-white balls at each end and a rotating red light underneath. The object was described as enormous and hovered silently over the lake before ascending and disappearing.

Further accounts from the Olivares area describe "strange lights and a very large object with many multi-colored lights" hovering and flying over Sierra Barmeja. Mrs. Dolyn Acosta recounts a terrifying experience where a bright white beam of light from a hovering object allowed her to see her own bones as if through an X-ray. Her sister also witnessed this phenomenon.

Following these events, 38 circular patterns were found in the ground near Sierra Barmeja, with the soil inside fused and hardened. Ufologists suggested these were landing sites for different types of UFOs.

Residents near Mayaguez reported seeing a "fiery red ball" controlled by someone, which descended into the lake before the explosion. Many were awakened by a strong white light and saw a "flying saucer" hovering slowly over the water.

Official explanations for the tremors were inconsistent, initially stating the epicenter was deep under the lake, then moving it to the sea. Blue smoke was reported emanating from cracks in the ground and from Laguna Cartagena. Military personnel and civilians in protective suits were seen collecting samples from the lake.

Military Involvement and Alien Encounters

In August 1988, a dark green helicopter without identification markings dropped a large metallic sphere on a cable into the water near Laguna Cartagena. The sphere resembled an electronic device. Numerous vehicles with small parabolic antennas were seen in the area. Mrs. Zulma Ramirez de Perez reported seeing a light blue smoke rising from the lake and was approached by several Americans in black suits who ordered her to leave her land, claiming they were investigating.

The Ramirez family had a history of seeing disc-shaped UFOs with colored lights, and sometimes "people" or silhouettes visible under a transparent dome.

Milton Velez reported that a green military helicopter landed near his home, and several individuals in protective clothing emerged to examine the ground with instruments resembling metal detectors.

A police officer recounted an incident where he and his partner were approached by individuals in silver suits near the lake. They were told they were in a restricted zone where an experiment was being conducted. The officer and his partner were then disoriented and found themselves on the ground, with the "federal agents" leaving.

Underground Alien Base

Carlos Manuel Mercado describes an encounter in June 1988 where he was invited into a UFO and taken to an underground base. He saw numerous UFOs of disc and triangular shapes, along with production lines where humanoids were assembling devices. The "captain" of the UFO explained that it was their base for servicing their ships and that they intended to establish a partnership with humanity, not to conquer them.

Military Directive and UFO Activity

Colonel Jose A. M. Nolla, Commander of Civil Defense in Puerto Rico, issued a directive for a secret investigation into UFOs to ensure they posed no threat. This directive was leaked to Jorge Martin. The findings were reportedly sent to the US Department of Defense.

Freddie Cruz, Commander of Civil Defense in Lajas, reported an incident on April 28, 1992, where an F-14 fighter jet pursued a UFO over Lajas. The UFO, described as metallic, silvery, and smooth, played a game of cat-and-mouse with the jet before splitting into two parts and flying off in different directions.

Further Sightings and Theories

Another witness reported seeing bright colored objects, round and oval, flying at low altitudes and making sharp turns, sometimes diving into the lake and disappearing. This witness expressed frustration with those who dismiss sightings.

Glossary

The issue includes a glossary defining "Belgian Triangle" and mentioning "Bender's Riddle" and "Bentwaters/Leighkenhit."

Bender's Riddle

This section briefly mentions the unexpected closure of IFSB (International Flying Saucer Bureau) in 1953, founded by Albert K. Bender. The final issue of their journal, "Space Review," stated that the origin of flying saucers was known but kept secret by order from above.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged alien encounters, often suggesting government secrecy or cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and presentation of witness testimonies, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial presence and advanced technology beyond conventional understanding. The recurring theme of military involvement and the potential for an alien presence in specific locations like Puerto Rico is prominent throughout the issue.

Title: UFO Навигатор
Issue: 2001, N 9
Date: 2001
Publisher: UFO Навигатор
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (2001, N 9) offers a deep dive into various UFO-related phenomena, personal accounts, and critical analyses of paranormal claims.

Albert Bender and the "Men in Black"

The central narrative revolves around Albert Bender, a UFO researcher who claimed to have been visited by "three men in black" in September 1953. These individuals allegedly revealed that the US government had cracked the UFO secret two years prior and that this secret would be disclosed within five months or four years, which did not happen. Bender reported being threatened with prison if he disclosed the information. Gray Barker, Dominic Lucchesi, and August Roberts were instrumental in extracting details from Bender. The "Bender case" is presented as the origin of the "men in black" phenomenon, popularized by Gray Barker.

In 1962, Bender announced his intention to reveal the "mystery," but his book, "Flying Saucers and the Three Men," was met with disappointment, criticized as poor pseudoscientific fantasy. The book's content, as recounted by Ray Stanen, details Bender's alleged experiences: telepathic warnings, a glowing object in his room accompanied by a sulfurous smell, and encounters with figures exhibiting unusual eyes. He described an incident in a cinema where a man's eyes appeared like "tiny light bulbs." Bender also reported a telepathic message on March 15, 1963, during a planned UFO contact attempt by the International Bureau, which caused him severe headache and a sensation of his soul leaving his body. He was warned not to interfere with the aliens' mission.

Bender further recounted visits from two mysterious beings, experiencing pain and discomfort. He described seeing blue lights and feeling an icy cold. He saw three indistinct figures hovering near the floor, their faces obscured by hats, with glowing eyes.

These "visitors" allegedly informed Bender that UFOs visited Earth for a specific purpose and that he should not interfere. They claimed to be in human form for their mission and had established a base on Earth. They also admitted to abducting humans to use their bodies. Bender was given a metallic disk to establish contact by squeezing it and repeating the word "Kazik" three times. The article notes that most serious UFO researchers would consider Bender's account delusional.

Bender also described being taken to a large, circular room with a glass dome, possibly inside a flying saucer. There, he was told that the aliens' goal was to extract a valuable substance from Earth's seas and that they had placed their people in strategic locations, including the Pentagon. He was shown a three-dimensional screen depicting a terrifying monster, which the beings described as their natural form.

He learned about their planet's three sexes (male, female, and middle) and their reproduction method (egg-laying by females). The beings' planet was located light-years away. During another encounter, Bender was shown a base in Antarctica, including flying saucers and a garage. He met a 9-foot-tall, androgynous being with glowing eyes, who stated they had been visiting Earth since 1945 and would remain for another 15 years. They admitted to abducting humans for research and observation.

Bender's adventures continued upon returning home. He encountered an invisible entity, later manifesting as a 10-foot-tall green monster with a red face and glowing eyes, causing him to lose consciousness. However, these encounters also had a compensatory aspect. Three women in white suits allegedly performed a procedure on him, rubbing him with a liquid, which they claimed would grant him excellent health. He was also subjected to radiation, creating impulses in his body that could be detected by their instruments. They warned him that if he ever revealed their secrets, his body could be destroyed instantly.

Fearing for his life, Bender decided to disband his organization. He was told to keep the strange disk hidden, and its disappearance would signify the aliens completing their mission. Bender claimed they disappeared in 1960. Upon checking his safe, he found the disk gone, and everything stored in the safe had turned to dust.

Despite knowing that few would believe him, Bender decided to write about his experiences. He stated that after the disk disappeared and the "cosmic visitors" left, reports of flying saucers decreased. The article suggests that the "men in black" phenomenon was likely a provocation by intelligence agencies to disrupt UFO research, and Bender's book was either a product of a disturbed psyche, a prank, or a commercial venture.

Bentwaters/Lakenheat Sighting (1956)

On the night of August 13-14, 1956, radar operators at RAF Bentwaters and Lakenheat in East Anglia detected and visually observed mysterious objects. The objects, described as "saucers," exhibited rapid movements, reaching speeds of 600 mph, with intervals of 3-6 minutes between flights. Two "Venom" fighter jets were dispatched, but the UFO evaded one and flew close behind it. The UFO then hovered near the base before disappearing. The incident was tracked by five radar systems and observed from the ground as a glowing light source.

The Condon Commission concluded that the sighting suggested the presence of a mechanical device of unknown origin.

Lloyd Berkner

Lloyd Berkner (1905-1967) is introduced as a renowned geophysicist and a key figure in the US space program, involved in Project Ozma (search for extraterrestrial radio signals). He was reportedly a member of a secret council of 12 individuals determining US policy on UFOs (Majestic-12).

Bermuda Triangle

The article discusses the Bermuda Triangle, a region in the Atlantic Ocean where numerous ships and aircraft have allegedly disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The term was coined by E. Y. Johnson in 1950. The article debunks many sensational claims, stating that 90% of disappearances are not mysterious and that the number of genuinely unexplained cases is no higher than elsewhere. The increased number of sightings is attributed to heavy traffic in the area. Of the 40 hypotheses proposed, the most plausible one suggests that underwater gas hydrates, when released, create a gas-water mixture that causes ships to sink and planes to explode or stall.

Book Reviews and Critiques

The magazine provides a rating system for UFO publications: [+] discard immediately; [++] pure nonsense; [+++] so-so, readable; [++++] good; [+++++] excellent, highly recommended.

• "Anomalous News" (St. Petersburg), 2001, N 9: Rated [+++]. Criticized for its poor quality and the use of a pseudonymous author, E. Banko. The review points out instances of plagiarism from other publications.
• "Anomaly" (St. Petersburg), 2001, N 9: Rated [+]. Described as having little of interest, with the exception of a translated article by Charles Fort.
• "UFO" (St. Petersburg), 2001, N 18 & 19: Rated [+++]. The article "Enlonauts in Israel" by Vadim Ilyin is noted as interesting but lacks source citation. Other topics include the 'dogon mystery'.
• "Mysteries of the 20th Century" (St. Petersburg), 2001, N 9: Rated [+++]. Features a credible article about Polish farmer Jan Volsky's encounter with a UFO in May 1978. However, it also includes an unsubstantiated claim about Admiral Karl Dönitz seeing the "Flying Dutchman."

Announcements

• "Hunt for UFOs" by CTC Television: An invitation for people to submit photos or objects related to UFOs for a chance to appear on television.

Miscellaneous

• Ghost Hunt in England: A report on a scientific expedition in Edinburgh Castle led by Professor Richard Wiseman to investigate paranormal activity using scientific equipment.
• Search for Brontosaurs in Cameroon: An account of businessman David Wutzel's expedition to find surviving brontosaurs in Cameroon, based on information from missionaries. The local Baka tribe recognized drawings of the creature as "likela-bembe."
• DNA Analysis Confirms Existence of Yeti: British scientists found black hairs in Bhutan, whose DNA is unlike any human or known animal. Footprints measuring 19 cm were also discovered. Professor Brian Sykes stated that the DNA's origin is unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and other paranormal phenomena. There is a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the book reviews and the debunking of certain Bermuda Triangle myths. The editorial team appears to be interested in presenting both firsthand accounts and analytical perspectives, while also highlighting potential hoaxes and misinterpretations within the UFO community. The publication also seems to engage with broader paranormal topics, such as cryptids and ghosts, often linking them to UFO phenomena or extraterrestrial activity.