UFO Navigator - No 017 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (August 2001, No. 17) presents a diverse range of topics within the field of ufology, with a strong emphasis on debunking and critical analysis alongside reports of unexplained phenomena. The cover highlights key themes: 'Pseudo-UFOs Worldwide - Continuation of the Topic', 'Sensational Discoveries by Valerian Sobolev', and 'Is Ufology Pseudoscience?'. The issue includes a quote from Dr. Frank Halstead suggesting that UFOs might originate from another solar system and use Mars as a base.

Pseudo-UFOs Worldwide - Continuation of the Topic

The magazine details numerous reports of a large, translucent object observed over Russia from June 29 to July 2, 2001. Eyewitnesses from St. Petersburg, Portovoe, and the Priozersky district described it as egg-shaped or like a flattened bag. Video footage from Dubna, Moscow Oblast, captured by Eugene P., showed what appeared to be attachment tethers, suggesting it was a large balloon, possibly a 'Zodiac' type made with French technology. The object had lost its tetrahedral shape in the stratosphere and appeared 'bloated'. Another video was filmed near the '55th kilometer' in the Volkhovsky district, Leningrad Oblast. Air traffic controllers at Pulkovo Airport observed the object but did not consider it a threat as it flew much higher than normal flight paths. Air defense units were reportedly conducting exercises and were not monitoring the sky. The object was also reportedly seen over Ryazan, with thousands of eyewitnesses. Sergey Alpatov described seeing a large, stationary, translucent sphere for about two hours, which then shifted significantly eastwards when obscured by clouds. He noted its reflective surface and internal details. Another report from Ivan mentioned a similar glowing ball seen over Dubna around July 20th, which appeared to be moving in a circular orbit.

The article critically examines the tendency of some ufologists, like B. A. Shurinov, to label such objects as alien spacecraft, arguing that a balloon is a far more plausible explanation.

UFOs: Video Recordings Worldwide

This section compiles recent reports of UFOs captured on video. In Argentina, on June 25, 2001, the newspaper "El Tribuno" reported on a video taken by radio journalist Antonio Zuleta of a 'giant UFO' near Kachi, described as the size of a football field, with red and green lights, moving at high speed before disappearing into space. The sighting occurred on June 23, 2001. In Korea, FilerFiles (No. 24) reported that UFOs have been photographed and filmed there. On May 27, 2001, security cameras at a supermarket in Puente Alto, Chile, captured footage of glowing objects. The head of security, Julio Gatica, described them as fast-moving and hovering. On July 2, 2001, Fox News aired a video of a UFO filmed from a helicopter over Manhattan, New York. Expert Jeff Sainio believed the film was likely authentic. On August 3, 2001, Kenny Young reported that TV journalists from WTVQ-TV in Lexington, Kentucky, filmed a UFO on August 2nd. The object, described as car- or truck-sized with a dome-like protrusion, hovered and moved erratically.

Turkish Air Force Pilots Encounter UFO

On August 9, 2001, the news website "UTRO.RU" reported that the Turkish military confirmed the sighting of an unidentified flying object near Izmir. Two pilots flying from the Chigli airbase observed a glowing pyramid that maneuvered dangerously close to their aircraft for about half an hour. Radar detected an object near the plane, but its nature was unclear. The article notes that 2001 has been a record year for UFO sightings in Turkey, with numerous reports from various provinces. John Cooley of ABCNEWS.com cited the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet" regarding pilot-to-controller communications during the incident. The object was described as cone- or disc-shaped. The Istanbul UFO Center 'Sirius' provided further details, identifying the pilots as Senior Lieutenant Ilker Dinser and Lieutenant Arda Guner. They described a 'pyramid-conical glowing object' approaching at high speed.

However, the article notes a contradiction with an ITAR-TASS report, suggesting potential translation errors or misrepresentations. The Turkish Air Force initially stated the incident was under investigation and would be reported to international organizations and NASA, but later claimed it was a flock of birds or a meteorological balloon. The 'Sirius' UFO center refuted this explanation, arguing that meteorological balloons or birds could not engage in 'cat-and-mouse' games with a jet fighter. They also noted that meteorologists reported no balloon launches in the area and that radar should have detected a balloon.

Meteorological Balloon Mistaken for a Humanoid

A sensational report from "Komsomolskaya Pravda" on June 7, 2001, titled "Alien Unscrewed a Pelican's Head," described police in Uşak, Turkey, hunting for an alien based on a composite sketch. Three peasants reportedly encountered a 60-70 cm tall being in a glowing suit with a yellow abdomen and red legs. The being allegedly levitated when stones were thrown at it. Other witnesses reported similar encounters. The incident was linked to the discovery of a decapitated pelican. However, the Istanbul UFO Center 'Sirius' investigated and concluded that the witnesses had encountered a partially deflated meteorological balloon with red cargo containers and folds resembling arms. The balloon had apparently been disturbed by the peasants throwing stones, causing it to float away. The article dismisses the idea of a hostile alien, attributing the incident to misidentification.

The Vatican Does Not Claim 'Saucers' Are Real

This section addresses rumors about the Vatican's alleged acknowledgment of UFOs. An article in "FilerFiles" No. 31 (2001) claimed that Vatican theologian Monsignor Corrado Balducci stated that contacts with aliens are real and that the Vatican is investigating them through a special commission. Balducci was described as an expert in exorcism. However, ufologist SkyTiger from Narva conducted an investigation and found discrepancies. While Balducci is a real person who appeared on Italian television, he is not a 'Vatican theologian' and does not work for the Vatican; he is retired. He is not part of any Vatican commission on UFOs. His interests lie in New Age beliefs and new religions, not ufology. He has not provided any documents to the Vatican about UFOs. His personal opinion is that if extraterrestrial beings exist and we make contact, they might be spiritual beings, making contact potentially desirable. He also reportedly did not speak about UFOs on TV as frequently as claimed.

The article traces the origin of the rumor to a website in early April 1998 and a subsequent publication by Whitley Strieber. Eduard Russo, a ufologist from Turin, interviewed Balducci, who clarified that he is just one of thousands of theologians in Italy and not an official Vatican representative. He denied the existence of a commission and stated that Vatican representatives do not collect data on alien contacts. He specializes in demonology and has no involvement with UFO research.

Sensational Discoveries by Valerian Sobolev

This section critically examines the claims made by Valerian Sobolev and his group, who announced revolutionary discoveries in industry and energy, including the creation of 'anti-gravity' flight apparatuses similar to UFOs. According to Sobolev, their research has yielded new materials in a novel state, a new energy source, and a superconductor. These discoveries, if true, could render traditional energy sources obsolete and lead to the development of new materials for aerospace and automotive industries. However, the article highlights a lack of scientific validation: no publications in scientific journals, no patents, and no recognition from the broader scientific community. The press conference announcing these findings was reportedly marred by scandal, with Professor Kapitsa expressing skepticism and accusing the scientists of falsification. Lev Gribov, Deputy Director of the Vernadsky Institute, called the claims 'highly suspicious' and noted that such 'paranormal science' often involves revolutionary, rather than incremental, discoveries. He also questioned the feasibility of obtaining energy 'from nothing', contradicting the law of conservation of energy. Anatoly Dolgolatev, President of the Union for the Development of Science Cities, commented on the eclectic nature of the media reports and the lack of prerequisites for serious discoveries, suggesting that new states of matter like nuclear explosions were discovered long ago.

Despite the lack of evidence, Sobolev's group has reportedly sought government funding. The article mentions that the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAEN) has not fully endorsed Sobolev's claims. The article also notes that the claims are based on experiments conducted partly in America and partly in a university laboratory, with the only 'proof' being a patent issued two years prior in the United States. The article questions the existence of a 'Volgograd Institute of Materials Science' and suggests it might be a simple LLC or TOO. The claims of magnetic monopoles and obtaining energy 'from nothing' are scientifically implausible.

Mysterious 'Circles' and 'Pits' - New Details

The magazine revisits the phenomenon of 'circles' appearing in fields, first reported in the previous issue. Near Maikop, Republic of Adygea, in July 2001, several 'circles' of varying sizes appeared. A "Komsomolskaya Pravda" article on July 18th provided a diagram showing the arrangement of the circles and connecting lines, revealing a more complex pattern than initially reported. The article describes a large circle with a 15 cm diameter hole in the center, surrounded by undisturbed soil. A large stone near the hole was pressed into the ground. Vyacheslav Parkhomov, an eyewitness, reported seeing a bright, pale-red, satellite-like object that stopped, emitted a bright flash, and then disappeared. The article dismisses local ufologists' hypotheses as naive, referencing a "Trud" newspaper article that linked these phenomena to a 1997 event in the Kuban region and suggested a 'cosmodrome for UFOs' in the North Caucasus. The author argues that crop circles have appeared in the region long before 1997 and that connecting three points to form a triangle is unprofessional. The article also mentions 'pits' found in the Ermishinsky district of Ryazan Oblast. A journalist from "Trud" reported on holes about 1.5 meters deep, with no soil displacement around them. The article quotes Lyudmila Tselina, a senior researcher at the Russian Center for Space Flight Control, who speculated that these might be a variation of 'crop circles' and a unique development in ufology. However, the article points out that similar incidents of soil removal have been reported elsewhere, including Switzerland, and criticizes the unprofessionalism of some UFO researchers.

'Saucer' Sectarians Are Relentless

This section discusses the activities of UFO-related cults. Claude Vorilhon (Rael), the leader of the Raelian sect, known for its focus on cloning, has been less visible recently, with Dr. Brigitte Boisselier, head of the 'Clonaid' program, typically speaking to the press. The article mentions that the US Food and Drug Administration had shut down a secret 'Clonaid' laboratory. Rael has announced intentions to clone not only sect members but also famous historical figures like Adolf Hitler. The article criticizes the sect's practices, including 'sensual meditation' and orgies, and contrasts them with the activities of other cults.

One such cult, 'Strana Anura' (Country of Anura), located in Myski, Kemerovo Oblast, reportedly practices a diet of baking soda to connect with 'cosmic energy' and 'aliens'. Its leaders, Kuzma and Natalya Serebryannikov, prohibit members from eating solid food and encourage meditation. The cult has faced outbreaks of scabies and syphilis. Members are required to sell their property and join a communal fund. The cult's beliefs are a mix of Christianity, Buddhism, ufology, and the teachings of Roerich and Blavatsky. Despite its 'delusional' teachings, the cult's membership is growing.

Another Siberian sect, the Vissarionites, located near Minusinsk, also claims to receive 'messages from another mind'. The article includes a 'message from Orion' purportedly received in Moldova, urging humanity to focus on spiritual growth to save Earth from chaos and destruction. The message praises Vissarion as a divine being whose arrival signifies a new birth for humanity. The Vissarionites believe they are descendants of Venusians who reincarnate on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" include the critical examination of UFO reports, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications (such as meteorological balloons). There is a strong emphasis on scientific skepticism, particularly concerning sensational claims like those of Valerian Sobolev, where the lack of empirical evidence and peer review is highlighted. The magazine also addresses the intersection of ufology with pseudoscience, cults, and fringe beliefs, actively debunking rumors and exposing potentially harmful practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, prioritizing evidence-based analysis and challenging unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries in the sky.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: 10
Volume: 1
Issue Date: July 2001
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

Cover Story: UFOs in Russia

The cover headline announces "UFOs in Russia," suggesting a focus on sightings and phenomena within the country. The main visual element is a stylized depiction of a UFO.

Alien Message from Orion

The issue begins with a purported message from a civilization in the Orion constellation. This message conveys greetings and admiration for Visarion, referred to as a "messenger of God," who is seen as awakening humanity. The extraterrestrial communicators acknowledge that while their own reason surpasses human intellect, they revere the spiritual understanding that humans, particularly those who have recognized Visarion, possess. They express hope that Visarion's mission will lead to humanity's salvation and a new evolutionary stage for Earth. The message emphasizes Visarion's unique role in the universe and the collective observation of his progress by numerous civilizations. It also highlights the transformative effect Visarion has on his followers, who are described as developing new qualities.

However, the magazine critically contrasts this benevolent alien message with the harsh realities of Visarion's sect, detailing alleged practices of malnutrition, denial of medical treatment in favor of 'estotherapy' (spending time in nature), and forced hygiene practices using urine. The article notes that Visarion predicts the end of the world in 2003, with only his followers being saved, and raises concerns that he might incite his followers to mass suicide.

Chupacabra Sightings in Russia

A report from the Kemerovo newspaper "Tom" details a sighting of a chupacabra-like creature in Russia. A resident of the Moscow Oblast, Valery N., described encountering a creature on his property that was covered in fur and scales, with a monstrous head ending in a massive beak and a crest on its back.

Another account, from the Far East ufologist Alexander Rempel, published in "Znamya Truda" in 1991, describes an incident in August 1990 near Kremenchug. A girl named Lena Barkhotina reported seeing a meter-tall, kangaroo-like creature with small forelimbs and a short, triangular tail near the Dnieper River. The creature emitted sounds resembling a crying baby.

Sensational Interview with a Baku Scientist

The National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan is presented as taking "anomalous phenomena" seriously, having established a commission dedicated to them. Elchin Khalilov, co-chairman of this commission, cautiously suggested that some anomalous objects might have artificial, non-terrestrial origins. In a more recent interview with "Nash Vek," Khalilov stated that prominent scientists, including directors of institutes and observatories, are involved and are not skeptical. The article highlights the credentials of several scientists involved, including Telman Aliyev, Arif Mekhtiev, Chingiz Kajjar, and Eyub Guliev.

Elmira Samedova presented a video recording from September 30, 1999, showing a glowing disc transforming into a ball lightning-like substance and then splitting into two identical objects. Another video from the Tovuz District reportedly shows the landing of a classic flying saucer. The magazine notes the high quality of these recordings, comparing them favorably to fictional portrayals.

Professor Vagif Salmanov reportedly captured footage of a large flying object in October 1999. The article quotes Khalilov addressing the potential threat of extraterrestrial civilizations and the secrecy surrounding government research, stating that while no aggression has been observed, this could change. He suggests that governments might be concealing information due to the potential for large-scale conflict.

Ball Lightning in the Altai Krai

Two reports from "Altai Pravda" describe sightings of ball lightning. One account from Lyubov Konstantinova details a glowing, blue-gray sphere, about the size of a football, appearing near a river in the Altai Krai. The object moved slowly and then disappeared into the trees. The article references I. P. Stakhanov's work, suggesting that ball lightning can occur in clear weather and may be related to electrical discharges from underground rock strata.

A second report by Boris Rozhdestvensky describes a fiery ball appearing during a thunderstorm near Ozerki. The object entered a house, causing a fire and an explosion, later identified as a gas cylinder explosion. The article also mentions a case in Estonia where ball lightning killed livestock and damaged infrastructure.

Astronomers Observe Flashes on Mars

The "Sky & Telescope" journal reported on flashes observed on Mars in the Edom Promontorium region. Amateur astronomers Thomas Dobbins and William Sheehan predicted these flashes based on calculations of planetary alignment. During observations in early June 2001, a series of flashes were recorded, lasting several seconds each. The flashes appeared sporadically and seemed to pulsate.

Thomas Dobbins, who had been fascinated by a 1958 Mars flash since childhood, calculated that similar planetary alignments would occur in early June 2001. The findings were published in an IAU circular. While professional astronomers were reportedly baffled, the amateur observations, supported by video evidence, raised questions about previous explanations involving ice crystals. The article notes the close approach of Mars and Earth in late June 2001, a period of intense observation by both amateur and professional astronomers.

Space News: Galileo and Mars Express

The automatic probe "Galileo" continued its mission around Jupiter, flying near the moon Io. The probe captured images and conducted scientific measurements, also observing changes in Jupiter's cloud cover. Despite camera malfunctions due to Jupiter's radiation belts, engineers are working to restore its functionality.

More attention is focused on Mars, with both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) discussing the need for large-scale research. ESA's "Mars Express" probe, scheduled for launch in late 2003, will orbit Mars and study its moons, Phobos and Deimos. The "Mars Express" camera will create a global map of Phobos, and its spectrometer will analyze its chemical composition. The probe is expected to investigate the origin of Phobos's parallel grooves.

Potential Martian Life

Biologist Joseph Miller claims that evidence of Martian life was found 25 years prior but was dismissed as a natural process. Experiments conducted by Viking landers in 1976 aimed to detect microorganisms by measuring carbon release. While initial results indicated gas release, scientists attributed it to peroxides and superoxides in the soil. Miller's re-examination of the data, specifically the cyclical nature of carbon release, suggests it was indeed biological. He faced difficulties accessing the original magnetic tape data but found printouts that, even partially analyzed, led him to conclude that the gas was produced by Martian microbes, not chemical reactions. The cyclical pattern of gas release closely matched the Martian day-night cycle, and the temperature difference within the Viking lander was too small to explain the reaction. The article suggests that heating the sample to 160 degrees Celsius caused the gas release to drop sharply, implying that the Martian 'life' was killed by the heat.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine addresses a dispute involving B. A. Shurinov, who allegedly labeled the author an "enemy of Russian ufology." The author criticizes Shurinov's methods of selectively quoting and misrepresenting information. Detailed responses to Shurinov's provocations have been sent to leading Russian ufologists and posted online.

A "ufological" story concerning a UFO sighting over Barnaul Airport on January 21, 2001, is revisited. Initially reported as a UFO that caused a plane to delay takeoff, the Barnaul Planetarium officially confirmed that the object was Venus. The sighting was observed from 20:20 to 21:40, with the object appearing as a bright, orange, pulsating light, 5-7 times smaller than the visible moon.

UFO Reports from Various Locations

Minsk: A triangular UFO was observed on July 19, 2001, by ufologist Mikhail Goldenkov and a student. They described it as having three or two bright, flickering lights, moving in unusual, sharp turns, and scanning the ground. The object was silent and appeared to be at a considerable altitude.

Orsha: Vyacheslav Nikiforov reported a large, triangular UFO, approximately the size of a football field, with rounded corners and a central glowing sphere, observed on August 23, 2000. A similar account from Mark Sir describes a triangular object, dark gray or black, with a visible circle in the center resembling a "window" or "door," and white corners emitting a stream of light. The object reportedly interacted with his wife, who claimed to have communicated with extraterrestrials who stated they created Earth and are at war with other alien factions.

Gus-Khrustalny: The newspaper "Prizyv" reported on a strange, glowing cubic object observed over gardens. Witnesses initially thought it was intruders but later saw two figures inside the object. Maria Buryachkova reported that the object descended when a flashlight was shone on it and later disappeared after a woman shouted at it to leave. She also mentioned her deceased husband's past encounters with "visitors."

Calendar of Events

• August 1978: A telegram from the ship "Yargora" reported observing a spherical, flattened object of white, pearlescent color with three antenna-like structures moving east to west over the Mediterranean Sea.
• August 24, 1985: Kerim Aliyev reported seeing 17 glowing objects flying at high altitude over Pskov Oblast. One object descended and hovered over a mast-like structure, emitting a light beam.
• August 20, 1992: A report from the newspaper "Vpered" described a bright star-like object in Mikhailovka, Primorsky Krai, from which a light beam extended, forming a ring of light before disappearing.
• August 1972: A horizontal beam of white-blue light, with no discernible cone shape, was observed over Pushkin, Leningrad Oblast. The beam split in half and the ends rapidly diverged before the phenomenon disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" include UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial contact, anomalous phenomena, and the investigation of potential extraterrestrial life. The magazine appears to present a wide range of accounts, from purported alien messages to eyewitness testimonies of unexplained aerial objects and creatures. While some articles lean towards sensationalism, others attempt to provide scientific context or debunk claims. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, while also maintaining a critical perspective, particularly regarding the claims of cult leaders and the interpretation of evidence. The magazine also highlights the ongoing debate and research within the ufology community, both in Russia and internationally.

This issue of the magazine, titled "What is Ufology: Science or Pseudoscience?" and dated June 20, 2001, delves into the contentious debate surrounding the legitimacy of ufology as a scientific field. Published by Tomskiy Vestnik, the magazine explores the differing attitudes towards UFO phenomena within the scientific community and the challenges faced by ufologists in Russia.

The Ufology Debate: Science or Pseudoscience?

The central theme of the issue is the classification of ufology. The article highlights that in Russia, ufology is not officially recognized as a scientific discipline by the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK), meaning no scientific degrees can be obtained in this field. This is contrasted with claims made by some, such as V. G. Azhazha, that ufology has been recognized by certain academies. However, the article cites academician E. Kruglyakov, chairman of the Commission for Combating Pseudoscience, who refutes these claims, stating that VAK has not included ufology in its classification of scientific specialties.

The article further illustrates the difficulties faced by researchers in this area. Scientists who attempt to study UFOs or anomalous phenomena often encounter strong opposition from conservative academics. The case of the "Natural-Technogenic Electromagnetic Systems" laboratory at Tomsk University is presented, where a doctoral dissertation on anomalous phenomena was delayed and had to be significantly altered to remove controversial elements.

Expert Opinions and Criticisms

Academician E. Kruglyakov is a prominent figure in the critique of ufology presented in the magazine. He is quoted extensively, expressing skepticism and labeling ufology as pseudoscience. He criticizes the claims made by ufologists, such as the alleged crash of an alien spaceship in the USA in 1947 and the story of contactee George Adamski (mistakenly referred to as Tolansky in one instance). Kruglyakov dismisses many ufological claims as "tall tales" and expresses concern about the spread of pseudoscience in general, suggesting that it undermines genuine scientific inquiry.

However, the article also presents a more nuanced view, acknowledging that the UFO phenomenon is complex and may require interdisciplinary approaches involving various specialists. It suggests that while some individuals and organizations may employ pseudoscientific methods, this does not invalidate the study of UFOs as a whole.

Notable Case Studies

The magazine presents several detailed accounts of alleged UFO encounters and contacts:

The Antonio Villas Boas Encounter (1957)

This case describes the experience of Brazilian farmer Antonio Villas Boas, who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with a female alien after his tractor stalled. The account details his abduction onto a UFO, medical examinations, and the alleged sexual act. The article notes that Villas Boas later became a respected lawyer but never recanted his story.

The Vladimir Bogachev Contact (1980)

Vladimir Pavlovich Bogachev, a Moscow resident, reported an encounter near Mozhaisk where he allegedly met a tall humanoid and witnessed a panoramic display of three women. He was then taken aboard a craft where he experienced a communication session and was shown a map of three stars, which he understood to be the home of the beings.

Bulgarian Tetrahedrons (1967)

This section discusses sightings of unusual objects over Bulgaria, described as tetrahedral balloons or "Zodiac" type aerial devices. These objects were observed and photographed, with some accounts noting strange "outgrowths" not typical of weather balloons. The sightings, particularly over Ruse, were accompanied by radio interference, leading to speculation about their nature.

The Borok Incident (1981)

This case involves two witnesses, Alexander Ivanovich Kozhenkov and his friend, who reported an encounter with a UFO and two beings in Borok, Yaroslavl Oblast. Kozhenkov described the object as loaf-shaped and the beings as communicating through a form of music. The encounter reportedly lasted about 8-10 minutes, and the object was later seen ascending into the sky. The article notes that the case is still debated among ufologists.

The Nature of Pseudoscience

The article dedicates a significant portion to defining and critiquing pseudoscience. It outlines several key characteristics, including:

• Vast Scope: Claims to solve all problems or revolutionize science.
• Wordiness: Use of meaningless jargon or old terms in new, nonsensical ways.
• Appealing to Authority: Bypassing standard scientific publication and appealing directly to higher authorities or the public.
• Seeking Secrecy: Hiding research under the guise of state secrets to avoid scrutiny.
• Exploiting Public Needs: Capitalizing on people's desires and fears.
• Avoiding Scrutiny: Refusing simple tests or explanations.
• Persistence: Continuing to promote debunked claims.

The author uses examples like Valerian Sobolev, who claimed to have discovered new energy sources, to illustrate these points.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards ufology. While strongly condemning pseudoscience and the fraudulent claims made by some individuals and organizations, it does not entirely dismiss the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be that ufology, as a field of study, is in its nascent stages, akin to early geography or oceanography, and has the potential to develop into a legitimate science if it can overcome its current challenges and shed its pseudoscientific elements. The article emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and a scientific approach, while acknowledging the complexity and multifaceted nature of UFO sightings.

'UFO Observer' (UFO Наблюдатель), Issue 31, Volume 4, published in 2001, is a Russian-language magazine dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. This issue features an overview and assessment of current UFO periodicals and new books, alongside reports on specific incidents and historical cases.

Borok Incident Investigation

The magazine details an investigation into a reported UFO incident in the settlement of Borok, involving witnesses A. I. Kozhenkov and V. Zapevalov. The investigative group identified several serious discrepancies in their accounts, including conflicting dates for the event (July 1981 vs. March 1981, or April 1980) and differing descriptions of Zapevalov's state after the encounter. Kozhenkov's accounts to different investigators also varied regarding the circumstances of photographing the event and the object itself. Biolocation detected four active zones near a monument, but magnetometric measurements of these zones did not show significant anomalies. The investigative group concluded that due to the single primary source of information and the delayed reporting by the second witness, the incident could not be considered reliably documented. However, a later inquiry by ufologist K. K. Khazanovich in 1999 suggested the contact might be a real case rather than a deliberate hoax or unintentional mystification.

Book Reviews

Two books are reviewed: 'Esoteric Dictionary' by Alexey Vuyl (2001), which is praised for its detailed and popular explanations of UFO terminology, making it suitable for beginner ufologists. The second review covers the collection 'What They Want to Save Us From' (2001), prepared by the Russian Orthodox Church. The reviewer notes the traditional religious perspective that UFOs are demonic, but finds it curious that the collection includes contributions from former ufologists, including A. A. Dobrosotskikh and Matvey (Rem) Varlamov, who now share this view. The review mentions Varlamov's article titled 'Why Orthodox Christians Don't See UFOs?' and notes his dying wish that no ufologists be allowed at his funeral.

Reports on Anomalous Events

The magazine reports on several unusual events. From the United States, there are ongoing reports of mysterious animal deaths. A 'Las Vegas Sun' article from August 7, 2001, describes the strange killing of four cows near Konrad, Montana, where body parts were surgically removed. Sheriff Dan Campbell expressed skepticism about alien involvement. Another report from 'FilerFiles' (2001, No. 29) details an incident in Hartsville, Tennessee, where 'fried birds' fell from the sky after a powerful energetic discharge disabled a radio station. The incident also involved power line outages and damaged equipment. Witnesses reported seeing triangle-shaped UFOs and silent black helicopters. The article suggests the HAARP project or government bases as potential causes.

Historical Cases and Other Items

The issue also touches upon the historical witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Descendants of women executed as witches are demanding that the names of their ancestors be cleared. The article notes that while some accused were exonerated in a 1957 review, not all were, and the accusations are now believed to have stemmed from personal animosity. The magazine also announces an upcoming film titled 'UFO: Life Behind Barbed Wire,' described as a documentary based on materials from the Russian Ministry of Defense, featuring testimonies from Russian scientists and military officials. The film was to be aired on REN TV starting August 11, 2001, with the first episode covering the sinking of the Kursk submarine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'UFO Observer' demonstrates a continued interest in investigating UFO sightings, analyzing witness testimonies, and exploring various interpretations of anomalous phenomena, including religious and scientific perspectives. The magazine appears to maintain a critical stance, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of discrepancies in the Borok incident and the cautious conclusion drawn by the investigative group. The inclusion of book reviews and reports on historical cases suggests a broad approach to the study of the unexplained. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events, as suggested by Khazanovich's assessment of the Borok case.