UFO Navigator - No 015 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: 15 (0015)
Volume: May 2001
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Original Language: Russian

Main Cover Story: Project 'Disclosure' - Success or Failure?

The cover of the May 2001 issue of "UFO Navigator" prominently features a quote from F. Yu. Zigel stating, "Ufology challenges science. Within the framework of the existing paradigm, the facts it has obtained are inexplicable." The main themes highlighted are the "Disclosure Project" and its success or failure, Italian scientists' claims of proving extraterrestrial life, and historical "around-the-saucer" mystifications.

The lead article delves into the "Disclosure Project," initiated by Steven Greer and his UFO group CSETI. The project generated significant global attention, with many Russian newspapers and internet sites buzzing with rumors of impending UFO revelations. An ORT website report is cited, mentioning American ufologists forming a "Project Discovery" (mistranslated from "Disclosure Project") group that petitioned Congress for UFO hearings. This group included former NASA and Pentagon employees who had been collecting documentary materials confirming UFO existence since 1993. The article notes that wreckage from UFOs in American secret materials was to be shown online.

Dr. Steven Greer is identified as the leader of "Project Discovery," who appealed to the US Congress for hearings. The project claimed to have video testimonies from 100 eyewitnesses, including former NASA pilots and astronauts, detailing encounters with "aliens" and their craft. Greer believed that congressional consideration of UFOs was crucial due to the potential existence of and contact with beings from other worlds. The ufologists planned to show wreckage of an alien spacecraft on a specially organized forum called "Contact 2001" in Oakland, California. An internet broadcast of the UFOlogist congress was scheduled for May 12th, featuring research results from the Roswell UFO crash site and conferences with witnesses and military personnel involved in the investigation. The organizers felt that UFO information was too contradictory for television broadcast, suggesting it would be available online for a fee of $10.

The Roswell incident is recalled as occurring in July 1947, during a period of increased flying saucer activity in the US. It's presumed a craft crashed near Roswell, where alien bodies were allegedly found. Military involvement in the investigation led to the long-term secrecy of the results, described as one of the most famous episodes in world ufology.

Project 'Disclosure' - A Commercial Venture?

The article questions the claim that evidence collection began in 1993, suggesting it was the work of Greer's group. A RIA "Novosti" report is quoted, stating that "Project Discovery" (again, a mistranslation) had been collecting materials since 1993 and possessed testimonies from 100 eyewitnesses, including former NASA pilots and astronauts.

Steven Greer is portrayed as attempting to recoup his expenses through global publicity and the internet. The article criticizes the "obvious commercialization" of the event, noting that Greer's CSETI website explicitly requests donations, with a target of $2 million for "research groups." Access to more detailed information on the CSETI site is restricted to group members, who also have to pay for membership.

A press conference by S. Greer and his associates took place on May 9th. An article from "Novy Peterburg" titled "Aliens are watching us" is referenced. The conference, held at the National Press Club in Washington, featured about 20 experts, mostly former government officials and military personnel, who were convinced of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. They cited personal experiences and access to classified materials as their basis. Dr. Steven Greer asserted that aliens are closely observing Earth and are concerned about the growth of arsenals, particularly nuclear ones, and aim to prevent the militarization of space.

Several testimonies are presented: Robert Seilos, a retired Air Force captain, claimed to have witnessed a flying saucer in Montana in 1967, which disrupted a missile launch system. Donna Haire, a former employee of NASA, stated that American astronauts on the Moon saw an alien ship but were ordered to keep it secret. Major George Filer recounted an incident near McGuire Air Force Base where a UFO landed, an alien emerged, and was killed by a guard.

The "Disclosure Project" participants believe the US government possesses not only eyewitness accounts but also physical evidence of alien presence. They claim that in 1947, wreckage of an alien spacecraft and its occupants were found in the New Mexico desert. Approximately 400 eyewitnesses were reportedly ready to testify before Congress, which the group was demanding. They accused former CIA Director George H.W. Bush of deciding to classify all materials related to aliens. The US Department of Defense consistently denies the existence of credible evidence of alien presence.

The article mentions "Project Blue Book," which operated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from 1947 to 1969, investigating 12,618 UFO reports. Only 701 were deemed "unreliable" (the article corrects this to "unidentified"). In 1997, the Pentagon announced the official closure of the New Mexico wreckage case, stating the debris was from a weather balloon and the bodies were mannequins.

Despite the "Disclosure Project" participants' accounts, Washington journalists doubted legislative interest in holding hearings. The newspaper "Trud-7" added that astronaut Edgar Mitchell was present at the press conference, though he reportedly did not comment on UFOs during his Moon landing.

During the conference, it was mentioned that UFOs visit not only Earth. Former Sergeant Carl Wolff recalled classified photos of the far side of the Moon showing mysterious structures that specialists couldn't explain. Donna Haire also spoke about NASA carefully checking Earth photos from space, retouching those with UFOs, and burning those that couldn't be altered.

Michael Smith, a former military air traffic controller, recounted being warned about a UFO approaching the California coast by NORAD and being told not to record it. He later witnessed several UFOs hovering low over a runway in Michigan, forcing B-52 bombers to maneuver to avoid collision.

John Callaghan, former chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was reportedly sworn to secrecy by the CIA regarding an incident on November 18, 1986, in Alaska involving a Japanese airliner and a UFO. Another former serviceman claimed to have participated in examining a crashed "flying saucer" in Pennsylvania and seeing dying aliens.

The article speculates that the "Disclosure Project" proponents genuinely believe that revealing UFO data could benefit humanity by unlocking the secrets of "flying saucer" energy, referencing the Roswell incident.

Reactions to the Disclosure Project

While the "Washington Times" published a favorable article, other media and ufologists were less positive about the May 9th press conference. Russian ufologist Boris Shurinov described the situation on the official UFOs website, noting the hype surrounding the "Disclosure Project" and a failed internet conference scheduled for May 12th.

Steven Greer's "Disclosure Project" was characterized as a non-profit research project aimed at full disclosure of UFO facts, extraterrestrial civilization, and secret energy technologies. The project's efforts to persuade Congress to hold hearings were noted, but the article suggests that "big work" does not always equate to "good work." Early mistakes were made, including Greer's claims that UFO technology could save humanity with new energy and physical laws, which the article suggests was not well-received by serious audiences. The idea of secret services obtaining information from aliens about cheap, clean energy was also seen as off-putting.

On May 9th, project activists met with senators and presented eyewitnesses. While there was some media coverage (Washington Post, Washington Times, CNN, Fox News, Sky News, BBC), no detailed reports were found in Russian media. The article notes that the Russian media had been preparing the public for a scenario where UFO interest was waning, even mentioning the closure of a Flying Saucer Bureau in England.

According to press attaché Steve Bassett, 235 people attended the press conference (the Washington Post reported around 100). The event was covered by 17 cameras from various news outlets.

Eyewitness accounts were reportedly inconsistent. Among the 99 identified individuals, few were recognized even by ufologists like Gilles Bourdé. Names mentioned include George Filer, Clifford Stone, Larry Warren, Daniel Sheehan, Charles Brown, Graham Batyun, Robert Seilos, Dr. K. Rosin, and Donna Haire. The reaction from English-speaking ufologists was mixed, with some offering support (e.g., D. Garrison, Stephen Kezer) and others expressing strong criticism (e.g., Richard Hall, Don Ecker), particularly regarding the credibility of witnesses like Clifford Stone.

Barnal: Another UFO Sighting

Elena Metelina reports a bright star-like object seen on May 12th at 23:46 in Barnal, which moved slowly north before becoming a glowing point and disappearing. On May 18th, a pale yellow object appeared, moving south, then dimmed and disappeared, only to reappear and continue south. The daily electronic newspaper "UTRO.ru" reported another UFO sighting over Barnal on May 22nd, stating that the object hovered over the old part of the city for about 40 minutes, changing shape multiple times (from a glowing point to a triangle, sphere, and cylinder) without making any sound.

The article recalls previous Barnal sightings: a glowing object on January 21st near the airport that caused pilots to refuse takeoff; an event in the village of Malakhovo in January; and sightings on March 6th, 7th, and 9th of a spherical object over Vlasikha, which changed shape, "exploded" like fireworks, connected and disconnected, and changed colors.

An article from REGIONS.RU on May 22nd noted that "AMI-Center" had sourced its news from the local newspaper "Svobodny Kurs." The origin of digitized photos from Yuri Londarenko's video, which appeared in a French ufological mailing list "Magonia," was a mystery. Londarenko stated he had sent the tape to a friend of his wife in Moscow who was interested in the topic. It turned out the photos were digitized from a broadcast by "Altapress" and posted online, from where they were obtained by the French mailing list.

Rumors about Barnal sightings are growing, even appearing in books. Eduard Gozhin mentioned a book from the Research Institute of Optics of the Atmosphere in Tomsk, titled "Monitoring of the Atmosphere of the Siberian Region," which reportedly features a fifth chapter on the Barnal UFO with photographs. The book allegedly describes the phenomenon as an "electromagnetic clot" or atmospheric formation, linked to ecological imbalance caused by human activity, concluding it is a terrestrial, albeit rare, atmospheric phenomenon, not an alien craft.

American UFO Chronicle

This section presents interesting cases from the first half of May 2001, based on data from the UFO Reporting Center and ufological reviews. "Flying triangles" were frequently observed in the US during May, with their nature (secret US military aircraft or alien craft) remaining unknown.

• May 7th: Bill and Linda Beane saw a rectangular UFO over Baltimore, Maryland, moving slowly with two large white lights and smaller red lights. The object's sides were slanted, wider at the top than the bottom, and it disappeared behind trees.
• May 9th: John and Kim Novak, James Gilligan, and another witness saw a "triangle" over Lake Tsoi, Washington, moving slowly with lights in its corners before disappearing.
• May 10th: Matthew Moriarty in Central Virginia observed a "star formation in the shape of a triangle" that slowly rotated and moved southwest.
• May 12th: Joseph M. near Ionia, Michigan, saw a cigar-shaped object directly across the road. As he approached, the UFO ascended and flew away at approximately 70 mph.
• May 14th: A "triangle" was seen over Santa Barbara, California, by a witness who had been looking for UFOs for nine years.

Humanoid Monsters Terrorize India

A "Trud-7" report from May 24th describes a mysterious "humanoid creature" attacking people in Delhi, India. Residents were reportedly terrified, with over 100 people seeking medical attention for injuries sustained from the creature, described as "man-like-ape-like." Two encounters were fatal. The incident began with a report from a man in Noida who claimed to have been attacked by a "monkey-monster" while on his roof and jumped to escape. Subsequent reports described a powerful, tall, dark creature moving rapidly and throwing people aside.

Despite initial descriptions, the creature was reportedly growing larger and stronger with each new report, though few people had actually seen it clearly. Police suspected a human perpetrator in a monkey mask, possibly part of a group. A doctor examining victims noted that the injuries were typically superficial. The creature's actions were described as lacking any discernible motive, adding to the confusion.

Residents patrolled their neighborhoods armed with sticks and machetes. Police received 42 calls in one night from frightened residents. The panic spread to other districts, with reports of the "man-ape" appearing in western, northwestern, and central areas of Delhi. Delhi legislators requested the use of rapid response forces from the Interior Minister. Special coordination units were established within the police.

Similar reports emerged from Ghaziabad, India. The local police commissioner stated that residents had even thrown stones at passing cars, believing a "man-ape" was driving. In Vijay Nagar, the creature reportedly beat residents who dared to sleep outside. It was also seen in Anand Vihar and Nazirpur.

On May 11th, a Ghaziabad resident fell to his death while fighting off the creature on his roof. On May 15th, Somon from East Delhi was attacked by the creature on her veranda; she fell down the stairs and died from her injuries, as did her unborn child. Police offered a reward for photographic or video evidence of the creature.

The creature's actions were described as widespread. On May 10th, Kinnet Sharma and his family were attacked on their veranda in Chhprole. The "man-ape" then moved to a neighbor's roof and attacked residents there, including a six-month-old infant.

It became clear that there were multiple creatures. On May 11th, two creatures attacked Om Vijay in Kamala-Negru-Nagar, scratching his face. On May 12th, the creatures were reported in several locations, with police receiving 29 reports, about half of which were "confirmed."

On May 15th, police in Ghaziabad received 8 reports of attacks. In New Ashok Nagar, Chander reportedly fought a "monkey-like creature" for ten minutes in front of his wife and neighbor, sustaining injuries that required hospitalization.

Another UFO Crash in Brazil?

Numerous rumors and testimonies about UFO crashes in Brazil are circulating. A recent report from the ufological review "FilerFiles" dated May 15, 2001, details an alleged incident on January 12, 1995. Investigator Donald Ware received a report from Emanuel Pardos and Alberto Romero describing the crash of a small "saucer" with two different alien beings. The report included nine drawings by Beto Lima, depicting the events. Lima reportedly saw the "saucer" fall into a lake, a hatch open, and two beings emerge. One was about a meter tall with a large bald head and big eyes; the other was slightly taller and covered in fur, except for its hands and face. Lima helped the beings ashore with a stick and took them home.

An anonymous soldier from the 35th Infantry Battalion claimed to be part of a team that retrieved the beings from a farm. He described the furry creature as an "animal from another world." Military intelligence officers reportedly took over the case, and the "saucer," being very light, was loaded onto a truck. A helicopter then airlifted the two aliens. The soldiers were ordered to remain silent about the incident. Another soldier reportedly confirmed the account after hearing it on the radio.

Italian Scientists Prove Life Beyond Earth

While ufologists were focused on the "Disclosure Project," Italian scientists announced a significant discovery: proof of life beyond Earth in forms vastly different from known life. The newspaper "Izvestia" reported on May 12, 2001, that geologists Bruno D'Argenio and Giuseppe Geraci presented findings on "crystalline microbes," a previously unknown form of life. They claimed life was brought to Earth from the universe and can exist wherever minimal conditions, primarily water, are present.

Previous reports of bacteria found in meteorites or Antarctic ice had been inconclusive due to the possibility of atmospheric contamination. The Italian researchers focused on unique microorganisms found in 50 different samples of cosmic and terrestrial origin. These "crystalline microbes" (crims) were found in a dormant state within meteorites, sedimentary rocks, and volcanic glass. Their age ranged from a few thousand to 2.3 billion years. The microbes varied in size, with older samples being smaller. The researchers stated that these samples, even the oldest ones, showed genetic differences from known Earth microorganisms but were still somewhat similar to modern bacteria.

UFOs: The Position of Saratov Skeptics

A 2000 interview with Saratov scientist-skeptic Yuri Sklyarov, titled "UFOs Do Not Exist, Believes Saratov Astronomy," is presented. Sklyarov, a Doctor of Technical Sciences and professor at SGU, acknowledges the widespread belief in UFOs but dismisses them, attributing them to misinterpretations of known phenomena.

Sklyarov explains that the term "flying saucers" originated in June 1947 with Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine saucer-shaped objects. A commission later concluded that Arnold had witnessed a mirage caused by temperature inversion.

He suggests that eyewitnesses and skeptics in Saratov mistake natural or artificial objects for UFOs. These include aircraft, fragments of space objects burning up in the atmosphere, and rocket launches. He cites an instance where a "flying saucer" over Saratov for two days was actually a rocket launched from Kapustin Yar, observed as atmospheric sounding results. Another phenomenon, a "foggy spot" from an artificial comet launched near Volgograd, was also mistaken for a UFO.

Sklyarov mentions that secret weapons testing generates rumors. He participated in launching high-altitude aerostats for scientific research related to solar radiation. These balloons, launched from the Volsk aerostat testing center, would travel long distances and return, sometimes appearing over Saratov. The effect of sunlight on these balloons at high altitudes could create illusions resembling UFOs.

He also discusses ball lightning, astronomical objects like Venus (which can appear as a bright, zig-zagging object due to road conditions), and bolides (meteors) that can reach temperatures over 3000 degrees Celsius and have tails of vapor and gas. He mentions a bolide over Saratov in 1918 that produced meteorites now housed in the SGU mineralogical museum.

Unusual cloud formations can also be mistaken for UFOs. Sklyarov recounts observing clouds on a mountain that appeared to "breathe" due to strong winds. Mirages, especially in deserts, can take on various forms and appear to move.

Sklyarov clarifies that skepticism towards UFOs does not equate to disbelief in extraterrestrials. He states that the search for intelligent life in the universe is a separate scientific and philosophical problem. Methods for estimating the number of civilizations and attempts to find them are ongoing, with projects like the 300-meter radio telescope in Puerto Rico transmitting signals into space since 1974.

He concludes that the UFO question is relatively clear, but the issue of "contact with aliens" remains complex, given the numerous reported cases in the press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, presenting both accounts of sightings and alleged evidence, as well as skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations. There's a clear interest in government secrecy surrounding UFOs, as highlighted by the "Disclosure Project." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives without definitively endorsing any single one, though the skepticism of scientists like Yuri Sklyarov is given significant space. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate between belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence versus rational explanations and potential cover-ups.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Volume 2, Issue 1, May 2001) explores the complex world of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and widespread misinformation and hoaxes. The magazine critically examines alleged encounters and sightings, often attributing them to psychological factors, misinterpretations, or deliberate fabrications, while also providing updates on significant space exploration missions.

The Nature of UFO Phenomena: Hoaxes and Misinformation

The issue begins by categorizing UFO sightings, suggesting that many can be explained as "psychopathic epidemics" reflecting the spirit of the era, or as deliberate hoaxes and mystifications. The article notes how modern UFO narratives incorporate contemporary technological advancements, similar to how folklore adapted to previous eras. Examples of hoaxes include a US hairdresser who staged a UFO landing to gain publicity and the phenomenon of crop circles, which are presented as the work of pranksters. The author emphasizes that the Russian Academy of Sciences has found no factual evidence to support claims of alien encounters or landings, questioning the origin of such "information" circulating in private collections.

Cosmic News: Space Exploration Updates

The magazine then shifts to scientific advancements in space exploration. It reports on the "Galileo" spacecraft's close approach to Jupiter on May 23, 2001, and its subsequent journey towards Jupiter's moon, Callisto. Despite concerns about radiation exposure affecting the probe's instruments, the mission proceeded successfully, with the camera functioning normally during a flyby of Callisto at an altitude of 138 kilometers. The data collected is being transmitted to Earth, albeit slowly due to antenna issues.

Meanwhile, the "Cassini" probe is en route to Saturn. Observations of Titan, Saturn's moon, have revealed an unusually bright spot in its western hemisphere. Scientists hypothesize this could be a large continent surrounded by a hydrocarbon ocean, suggesting the presence of organic compounds and potentially even mountains of frozen organic matter, similar to early Earth.

Mars Exploration and Future Missions

Updates are provided on NASA's "Mars Odyssey" mission, described as a step towards manned missions to Mars. NASA aims to send humans to Mars within 20 years, with a potential mission launch in 2007 to return Martian samples by 2009-2011. NASA head Daniel Goldin expressed a vision for humanity to become a multi-planetary species.

The "Deep Impact" mission, scheduled for January 2004, will involve a probe impacting comet Temple 1 to study its nucleus. The impact is expected to create a crater the size of a football field, with observations planned for July 4, 2005.

The SETI@home program, which utilizes home computers to search for extraterrestrial signals, has garnered over three million participants worldwide.

Debunking UFO Myths: The "Sphinx" on Mars and Other Cases

The issue revisits the "face on Mars" phenomenon, presenting new images from the "Mars Global Surveyor" that confirm it is a natural rock formation, a trick of light and shadow. It also touches upon the alleged DNA evidence for the existence of the "snow man" (Yeti), noting how local names for the creature have been distorted.

Reports from the Field: Sightings and Anomalies

The magazine includes several eyewitness accounts of alleged UFO sightings:

• Ring over Leningrad Oblast: In May 2001, a witness reported seeing a large brown ring in the sky that appeared to shrink and dissipate, accompanied by a burning smell. Military exercises were suggested as a possible explanation.
• Voronezh UFO Incident (1981): Two witnesses reported observing a fiery, ball-shaped object moving across the sky, followed by a MIG-25 fighter jet. Calculations suggest the object was large and moving at high speed.
• Cassiopeia Object (1983): A Moscow resident reported seeing a bright, round object near the Cassiopeia constellation that exhibited irregular oscillations and periodically emitted a small 'spark' that descended towards the horizon.
• "Seashell" over the Volga (1990): A student reported seeing an orange, shell-shaped object over the Volga River, which later separated into a second object and then disappeared.
• Mysterious Pit in Kemerovo Oblast (1993): A farmer discovered a deep pit in a field. While some reports mentioned a beam of light in the area prior, official explanations for the pit were lacking, though some speculated about a UFO landing.
• Leningrad Ring (1968): Witnesses observed a white-gray, ring-shaped object hovering in the sky over Leningrad, which later vanished.
• Impact of Unknown Force (1975): A Moscow resident recounted an incident where an orange light appeared across a reservoir, followed by a beam of light and an air blast. A flashlight held by one of the witnesses was found melted.

The History of "Near-Saucer" Mystifications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to historical hoaxes and misrepresentations related to UFOs. It argues that "near-saucer" mystifications are detrimental, blurring the lines between truth and falsehood and potentially misleading even experienced ufologists.

The article traces the origins of such fabrications back to the 19th century, citing the sensationalized reports in the "New York Sun" in 1835 about astronomer Herschel's supposed discovery of life on the Moon through a powerful telescope. This story, later revealed to be a fabrication by journalist R. A. Locke, created a lasting myth of lunar inhabitants.

Other historical examples include claims of finding alien spacecraft and mummified bodies, and sensationalized reports in German and Argentinian newspapers. The magazine also discusses a 1960 "Neue Berliner Illustrierte" article claiming a UFO was found inside Mecca's Black Stone, which was later retracted.

19th Century "Airships" and Early UFO Narratives

The issue delves into the 1897 "airship" wave, where numerous sightings of mysterious flying objects were reported across the United States. One account, attributed to ex-Senator Harris, describes an encounter with a crew claiming to have a secret terrestrial invention for controlling gravity. This narrative, detailed in the "Modern News" newspaper, involved a flying craft and advanced weaponry, and was later linked by John Keel to UFO phenomena.

The "Captured Alien" Hoax of 1950

A particularly persistent hoax detailed is the 1950 "Wiesbadener Tagblatt" photograph allegedly showing a captured alien pilot. This image circulated for over thirty years as proof of alien visitation. However, in 1981, Klaus Webner uncovered evidence that it was an April Fools' Day prank orchestrated by the newspaper's editor and photographer, with a child used as the "alien."

Soviet-Era UFO Mystifications

The magazine also critiques Soviet-era media for similar fabrications. An article in "Molodezh Moldavii" (December 1989) described an encounter with a "cosmic guest" that abducted a young woman. The story was presented as a scientific investigation by a commission led by a fictional astronomer, M. M. Shveiderman. The publication later admitted it was a hoax, but the story was still reprinted elsewhere.

Modern Hoaxes and the Pursuit of Truth

Journalists from "Moskovsky Komsomolets" are noted for staging a UFO photo hoax in 1990, which garnered numerous "eyewitness" accounts, demonstrating how easily the public can be misled. The article concludes by lamenting the prevalence of such hoaxes, particularly those driven by financial motives, and the challenges they pose to genuine UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes scientific evidence and critical analysis, actively debunking sensationalized claims and historical hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be that while unexplained phenomena may exist, many reported sightings are attributable to psychological factors, misidentifications, or deliberate deception. The publication also champions space exploration as a legitimate and scientifically grounded pursuit, contrasting it with the often unfounded claims surrounding UFOs. The recurring theme is the importance of distinguishing between credible research and fabricated narratives in the study of anomalous aerial phenomena.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: N 10
Volume: 2001
Date: May 2001
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into various aspects of ufology and paranormal phenomena, with a critical eye towards sensationalism and disinformation. The magazine features a mix of case studies, reviews of other publications, and discussions on related topics.

Disinformation in UFO Journalism

The lead article critically examines how some publications fabricate UFO stories, often using "hooks" or disguised disclaimers to avoid direct accusations. The author highlights examples of sensationalist reporting, such as the story about a Russian trawler crew turned into monkeys and lemurs by aliens, which was allegedly translated from a magazine for fools. The article warns readers to be wary of unsubstantiated claims and vague sources, suggesting that many "sensational" stories are pure fiction.

Case Studies

Alfred Burtoo Abduction

The case of Alfred Burtoo, a 78-year-old man from Aldershot, England, who claimed to be abducted by aliens on August 12, 1983, is presented. Burtoo described being taken aboard a 15-meter "saucer" by two short, green-suited humanoids. He reported no ill effects from the experience, and doctors noted only a temporary loss of appetite and strength. Burtoo recounted his story numerous times before his death two years later.

Truman Bethurum's Encounters

Truman Bethurum, a prominent contactee from the 1950s, is featured for his book "Aboard a Flying Saucer." Bethurum claimed to have met aliens, including a beautiful "Captain Aura Rains," who came from a planet called Clarion beyond the Moon. He described encounters where aliens invited him aboard a large, disc-shaped craft and discussed the need for peace on Earth.

The Betz Sphere

The article details the discovery of a mysterious metal sphere by Terry Betz in Florida in 1974. The sphere, weighing 9.67 kg and measuring 20.22 cm in diameter, was made of stainless steel and exhibited unusual magnetic properties, including multiple magnetic poles and a pulsating field. It also reacted to sound with vibration and moved erratically. Scientific analysis suggested the sphere contained elements far heavier than any known to modern science, leading to speculation about its extraterrestrial origin. The sphere's current whereabouts are unknown.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

A section discusses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. It explains that these are small, radio-controlled or pre-programmed aircraft used for military and reconnaissance tasks. The article notes that some UAVs have unusual shapes that can disorient observers, leading them to report UFO sightings. It mentions the development of UAVs by the US and Israel, as well as Soviet/Russian programs like the "Yastreb" (Tu-123) and others.

Review of Ufological Periodicals

The magazine provides a critical review of recent publications in the ufology field, using a rating system from [+] (to be thrown in the trash) to [+++++] (highly recommended).

• "Anomalnye Novosti" (St. Petersburg, 2001, N 10): This publication is heavily criticized for its sensationalism and fabricated stories, including references to a "Major General of the Aerospace Forces Anton Vtorushin" and a "Special Universal Cosmic Army." The review rates it as [+].
• "Anomaliya" (St. Petersburg, 2001, N 10): This issue is noted for containing a translation from "Fort-George" about a UFO encounter, but the review is brief.
• "NLO" (St. Petersburg, 2001, N 20, 21, 22): This publication is generally praised for avoiding "obvious hoaxes," with one exception: an article about pilot Frederick Valentich. The reviewer points out significant factual inaccuracies and plagiarism in this article, attributing it to ufologist Valentin Psałomshchikov and referencing a previous article in "Komsomolskaya Pravda." The article disputes the date of Valentich's disappearance, the type of aircraft, and other details, suggesting the story is fabricated.
• "Tayny XX veka" (St. Petersburg, 2001, N 10): This "reformed" issue is noted for its mix of sensationalism and questionable accuracy. It includes a fake photograph of a UFO and mentions dubious entities. The review rates it as [+++].

United Center of Ufologists

An announcement introduces the "United Center of Ufologists" (OCU), an organization that claims to have a network of over 258 observers collecting UFO-related information. The OCU offers to provide information on UFOs and poltergeists for free within 4-6 days of a request.

In Memoriam: Alexander Sergeevich Kuzovkin

The issue notes the passing of Alexander Sergeevich Kuzovkin, a close associate of F. Yu. Zigel and a significant figure in Soviet ufology. Kuzovkin was involved in statistical analysis of UFO types, field work, and photo analysis. He reportedly burned a large portion of his photo archive before his death.

Miscellaneous

• Brief mentions of other topics include:
• Ghost hunting in England.
• The "Piatras" poltergeist case in Lithuania.
• "Spirits" in Thailand.
• American plans to clone Dracula.

Poltergeist Case "Piatras"

A report from Lithuania describes a poltergeist case attributed to an entity nicknamed "Piatras." The phenomena included objects moving, strange noises, and the death of puppies. A parapsychologist, Vladimir Azanov, suggested the house was haunted by a "dead soul."

Thailand's Fight Against Ghosts

The Thai government has reportedly banned teachers from discussing ghosts and spirits with children to combat mass psychoses among students who claim to see apparitions.

Dracula Cloning Project

American businessmen plan to clone Count Dracula in Romania to study vampirism. The project is linked to reports suggesting vampirism is a real condition. The article also touches on the scientific discovery of porphyria, a metabolic disorder that may have contributed to vampire myths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It actively seeks to debunk hoaxes and disinformation while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and evidence-based reporting, as demonstrated by the detailed critiques of other ufological publications. There is a recurring theme of questioning the reliability of sources and the sensationalist nature of much UFO reporting.