UFO Navigator - No 019 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: Russian Ufological Digest, September 2001, Issue 19 (0019)
Publisher: UFO Navigator
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of "UFO Navigator" presents a critical look at the phenomenon of crop circles, UFO sightings, and other unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes and analyzing evidence.

Main Cover Story: Komsomolskaya Pravda's Crop Circle Hoax

The lead article, "Komsomolka's Mystification: Warning Did Not Help," details how the Russian newspaper "Komsomolskaya Pravda" conducted an experiment to create a fake crop circle in the Shakhovsky District of the Moscow Oblast. Despite prior warnings from ufologists and the magazine itself, the newspaper proceeded with its plan, announcing a year in advance that it would create a 'circle' on a field. The article quotes astrophysicist Sergey Efimov, who points out that similar hoaxes have occurred before in England, where journalists and pranksters created crop circles that were then presented as genuine by ufologists who could not distinguish between real and fake patterns.

"Komsomolskaya Pravda" announced on October 20, 2000, that it would create an artificial circle on a field in the Shakhovsky District, Moscow Oblast, to be revealed a year later. The magazine's attempts to warn the ufological community were ignored. On August 24, 2001, "Komsomolskaya Pravda" published an article titled "UFOs Attack Farmers in the Moscow Region," which hinted at a sensational discovery related to crop circles in the same area. An insider from the newspaper confirmed that 'our guys' created the circle, initially using a мотоблок (walk-behind tractor) and then stomping on it, with the intention of finding 'idiots' who would confirm it as extraterrestrial.

The article criticizes ufologists for being easily deceived and for readily accepting such obvious fakes, suggesting that their eagerness to believe in extraterrestrial explanations blinds them to reality. The journalists involved in the hoax expressed their intention to create more such "actions" in the future.

Chilbolton "Message": An Answer from Space or a Hoax?

This section discusses the mysterious crop formations that appeared in Chilbolton, England, near a radio observatory. Two giant rectangular patterns were observed, one resembling a copy of a 'message' sent to the M13 star cluster in 1974, but with notable differences. The other pattern depicted a face. Some ufologists interpreted these as an extraterrestrial response. "Faintan Dunn, co-editor of PsyOpNews.com," offered a "translation" of the 'message,' suggesting it was a greeting from an alien civilization with similar biology and mathematics, but with minor differences in DNA and larger heads.

However, the article presents a more skeptical view. UFOlogist Linda Moulton-Howe contacted the Chilbolton Observatory and learned that the 'alien face' was first noticed on August 14 but its nature was only understood from aerial photos. The 'message' appeared on August 20. The observatory had no involvement in experiments with 'messages' and primarily studied radio wave propagation. George Filer commented that the creators of these patterns wanted people to believe aliens intercepted their signal and responded with crop art instead of radio signals.

Professional astronomers, in a statement on the SETI website, dismissed the Chilbolton patterns as "someone's good entertainment, an excellent example of graffiti on the ground," and not a message from aliens. They questioned why aliens, if they could intercept signals, would choose such a crude method of communication as crop circles, which contain little useful information compared to radio transmissions.

Other UFO Sightings and Phenomena

Mysterious Circles on Carpets: The article mentions a case where a UFOlogist, John Barron, found seven-inch diameter circular marks on his carpet at home, similar to crop circles, after hearing a loud noise.

The "Eltanin" Photograph: This section details a mysterious photograph taken in 1964 by the American ship "Eltanin" while exploring the Antarctic seabed at a depth of 4.5 kilometers. The photo shows a strange mechanical object resembling a TV antenna with a central mast and four sets of intersecting rods ending in white balls. Marine biologist Dr. Thomas Hopkins stated it was not a plant and could not be a natural formation, but was hesitant to call it man-made due to the depth.

Incredible Video Footage: Heather Rice from Bainbridge, Ohio, reported seeing and filming a UFO on two occasions. She described a "mother ship" surrounded by four objects flying in a triangular formation, with the "mother ship" described as a round object with windows emitting red and green lights, rotating rapidly.

Sir Fred Hoyle's Passing: The issue notes the death of renowned British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle at the age of 86. Hoyle was a specialist in SETI and the author of classic science fiction novels. He is credited with coining the term "Big Bang" and was a proponent of the "stable universe" concept and panspermia.

Anomalous Lights in the Sky:

• Fiery Ball over Vyborg: On August 30, an object described as a fiery ball with changing colors (fiery, white, green, transparent) was observed over Vyborg by numerous residents.
• UFO Invasion in Tyumen Oblast: Local residents reported seeing four yellow balls with intermittent bright flashes and later a large object, about 100 meters long, with two bright spotlights, hovering silently over the Nizhnetavdinsky district.
• Luminous Formations over Altai: Reports and photographs describe unexplained luminous formations in the Altai region, some appearing as large, bright balls or butterfly-shaped phenomena, often appearing over geological fault lines with high electromagnetic activity.
• Mysterious Object over the Urals: A witness in Kazakhstan reported observing a brightly shining object over the Urals that moved at high speed and descended rapidly.

Historical Cases:

• Strange "Balls" (1897): An account from the St. Petersburg newspaper "Novoye Vremya" describes a luminous ball observed over Rybinsk, which rose, decreased in size, and moved slowly towards the northeast.
• UFO Maneuvers over Martinique (1965): French submarines observed a large, luminous object that performed complex aerial maneuvers, including three closed loops and a hover, near the island of Martinique.
• Attempt to Destroy a UFO? (1983): A retired colonel recounts an incident in the Caucasus where military forces were mobilized to intercept unidentified objects moving at near-cosmic speeds at high altitude.
• UFO Transformation over China (1988): A passenger on a flight from Beijing to Urumqi reported seeing a flying object described as basketball-sized, emitting a "searching" beam, which did not respond to a light signal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, particularly when it comes to sensational claims and alleged extraterrestrial messages. The editorial focus is on debunking hoaxes, such as the "Komsomolskaya Pravda" crop circle incident, and on demanding rigorous evidence for any purported alien contact. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the publication emphasizes the need for scientific investigation and discourages gullibility within the ufological community. The recurring theme is the manipulation of public belief and the ease with which some individuals and media outlets can be misled by fabricated evidence.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated March 1999, delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, exploring the possibility of them being a natural occurrence or the result of UFO activity. The cover headline boldly poses this question, setting the stage for an in-depth investigation.

Investigation: Crop Circles - Natural Phenomenon or UFO Pranks?

The article begins by noting the rarity of "questionable" phenomena appearing in scientific journals, but highlights a recent publication in "Physiologia Plantarum" by Danish scientist Dr. Eltyo Hazelhoff. Dr. Hazelhoff's research suggests that genuine crop circles are formed by ball lightning. He demonstrated that the characteristic damage to cereal stalks, such as swelling or rupture of nodes, could be replicated by heating the stalks in a microwave oven, causing the internal liquid to expand. This implies a rapid heating process, possibly combined with microwave radiation, is at play in real crop circles. Hazelhoff's analysis of Danish crop circles indicated a single, compact heat source at the center of each formation. A similar case in the Netherlands, where a crop circle appeared after a fiery ball, resembling ball lightning, hovered over a field, further supports this hypothesis.

However, the "BLT" group of scientists disagrees, proposing that most crop circles are formed not by high-energy plasma like ball lightning, but by low-energy plasma escaping from the upper atmosphere, capable of creating complex patterns. John Burke, a member of this group, published an article in the "MUFON UFO Journal" in October 1998, questioning whether plasma is the cause of crop circles.

Biophysical Analysis of Crop Circles

Biophysicist Dr. William Levengood, in correspondence with Pat Delgado, expressed surprise that no one had conducted biological research on plants from crop circles. After receiving samples, Levengood analyzed them, along with control samples, from five countries. His findings, based on over 300 crop circles, revealed consistent patterns. The force creating the glyphs physically alters plant tissues. Levengood's hypothesis is that plasma is the responsible force. He notes that when crop circles are artificially created, these specific anomalies do not occur. Stalks in crop circles are often bent at 90 degrees without breaking, suggesting a softening effect. Stem nodes swell or stretch due to internal pressure, sometimes exploding and releasing cell sap. Dr. Levengood successfully replicated this effect using microwave (CMW) radiation on plant samples.

The Plasma Hypothesis

The article explores the nature of this plasma. It is suggested that electrically charged air, moving through Earth's magnetic field, can form spirals, which is a characteristic of how crop circle stalks are laid down. This spiraling plasma also emits microwave radiation. The process is compared to how microwave ovens work, where electrons emit CMW radiation that heats food from within by interacting with water. Plant nodes, being rich in water, are particularly affected.

Meteorologist Terence Meaden initially suspected plasma's involvement, proposing a descending vortex formed under specific weather conditions. However, the appearance of crop circles is not weather-dependent, and his model doesn't explain non-circular formations.

The article dismisses lightning as the source, as it is too high-energy and would cause charring, which is absent in crop circles. Instead, the ionosphere, a layer of low-energy plasma at altitudes of 40-80 miles, is considered a more likely source. This plasma is electrified by solar wind and cosmic rays. When this plasma gains enough energy, it can glow, creating auroras. Recent observations by airline pilots, confirmed by scientists, have documented electrical discharges between storm clouds and the ionosphere, some of which are called "elves." This suggests a constant exchange of electrical charges between the ionosphere and storm clouds, covering most of the path to the Earth's surface.

The authors propose that this energy exchange can sometimes reach the ground. During the night, plasma often descends but is usually reflected by the ionosphere. However, during predawn hours, when the ionosphere's reflective layers weaken, plasma can penetrate closer to Earth. The ability of plasma to descend is proportional to its rotation speed; faster rotation leads to closer proximity to Earth. "Magnetic compression" causes the plasma to shrink and increase its rotation speed, similar to a figure skater pulling in their arms.

Solar activity plays a role; the number of free electrons in the ionosphere increases significantly during solar maximums. Crop circle frequency, particularly in England, correlates with sunspot activity, with a peak in 1988-89 coinciding with the most powerful solar maximum in 170 years. The article notes a subsequent decline in crop circles, anticipating another peak around the turn of the millennium due to the 11-year solar cycle.

Evidence from Meteoric Dust and Geological Factors

A significant piece of evidence for the ionospheric plasma theory comes from the discovery of microscopic meteoric dust particles in two-thirds of analyzed crop circles. The highest concentration was found in an English crop circle from 1993, appearing during a major meteor shower. These iron oxide (magnetite) particles, less than a millimeter in size, were identical to those formed by burning meteors. The presence of this material in crop circles across multiple states and countries suggests an extraterrestrial origin, ruling out low-lying plasma sources.

The article then addresses the challenge of explaining the complex shapes of crop circles. It is suggested that plasma, in laboratory conditions, tends to self-organize into spirals, a common crop circle formation. Other observed shapes include rotating discs with concentric rings, often called "targets" or "bull's-eyes." The formation of straight lines and right-angle turns remains difficult to explain, though plasma's behavior is compared to an "electromagnetic fluid" (magnetohydrodynamics). The article references experiments where sound waves excited liquids, causing them to form geometric patterns. Crop circles are hypothesized to be two-dimensional imprints of three-dimensional plasmoids.

"Deterministic chaos" is introduced as a scientific concept that explains how systems in excited or turbulent states can spontaneously form geometric shapes. Ilya Prigogine's Nobel Prize-winning work on this phenomenon is mentioned.

Geological factors are also implicated. In Southern England, where crop circles are frequent, chalk deposits are common. Chalk's porous nature and interaction with water create electrical currents and magnetic fields. The article posits that these fields attract plasma. The frequency of crop circles is linked to the water table; lower water tables in dry years lead to more crop circles. The formation of large, complex patterns is associated with the end of summer when the water table is lowest.

The "BLT" Group's Findings

Nancy Talbott, a member of the "BLT" group, has investigated the link between crop circles, UFO landings, and cattle mutilations. Her research, along with John Burke and William Levengood, has systematically studied plants and soil from crop circles in the US, Canada, and England since 1989. They found that many anomalies in crop circles are also present in traces associated with UFOs and animal deaths. In a case from Kansas in 1994, Dr. Levengood examined wheat from a cattle mutilation site and found numerous ruptures in the stem nodes, similar to those in crop circles, suggesting rapid heating, possibly from microwave radiation.

Further studies on plants from cattle mutilation sites revealed damage to mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, which are irreversibly altered by increasing levels of radiation, including CMW. This damage was consistently found in plants from these sites. Experiments with CMW radiation on control samples yielded similar results, indicating CMW or analogous energy was involved.

Soil samples from cattle mutilation sites and crop circles also showed a significant increase in magnetic material. In a 1997 Colorado case, micron-sized magnetic dust particles were found in quantities 284.3 mg per gram of soil, compared to the usual 0.4 mg/g, suggesting a localized magnetic field.

The "BLT" group has also analyzed samples from UFO incidents in Israel, including a dark red, granular substance with a low melting point, and a white substance identified as pure silicon from an Israeli crop circle. These findings, along with others, are building a scientific database that points to physically real, though unconventional, phenomena.

Debunking Man-Made Explanations

The article addresses the common explanation that humans create crop circles using planks or rollers. The "BLT" group conducted independent research to test this theory. Their findings were conclusive: manually created crop circles lacked the characteristic anomalies found in genuine ones, such as stem node ruptures, unusual stalk bending, or cellular damage. Similarly, experiments with over-fertilization did not produce the observed effects.

"Fallen" Plants and Plasma Interaction

The article distinguishes between genuine crop circles and "fallen" plants (chaotically flattened crops). It suggests that the same energy responsible for crop circles also affects these fallen areas, sometimes to an even greater extent. Even standing plants within and around crop circles show cellular damage and anomalies in seed germination, indicating a widespread energetic influence.

A linear correlation was observed between the increase in stem node length and the distance from the center of the event, consistent with Beer-Lambert's law of electromagnetic energy absorption. This correlation was found in both fallen and standing plants.

UFOs and Magnetic Material

In some cases, such as a 1997 crop circle in New York, a significant linear correlation was found between the amount of magnetic material in the soil and the distance from the crop circle's center. This particular case involved UFO sightings over the field where the crop circle later appeared. The distribution of magnetic particles suggests they were suspended in rotating plasma.

The "Vaddo" Incident

The article recounts the Vaddo incident of November 11, 1956, where two witnesses, Steve Ekberg and Harry Sjeberg, observed a bright, flattened-sphere-shaped object. The object hovered near their location, causing their truck's engine to stall and headlights to fail. It emitted intense light and an ozone-like smell. After the object departed, a hot, heavy "stone" was found at the site. Analysis by "Saab" and other laboratories identified it as tungsten carbide and cobalt, consistent with industrial production.

The Frederick Valentich Disappearance

Frederick Valentich, a 22-year-old Australian pilot, disappeared on October 21, 1978, along with his single-engine Cessna-182 aircraft, over Bass Strait. Before vanishing, Valentich reported being pursued by a UFO. His last radio transmissions described a strange, elongated object with a metallic sheen, emitting green light. The aircraft's engine stalled, and the object hovered near it. The transmission ended with metallic scraping sounds. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage or oil slicks were found. The Australian Ministry of Defence and Air Force acknowledged the possibility of UFO involvement. There were also reports of divers finding Valentich's plane later, with the pilot missing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) with scientific inquiry. It champions the idea that many phenomena, including crop circles and cattle mutilations, have a physical basis, often linked to plasma, electromagnetic forces, and potentially extraterrestrial technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking scientific explanations for anomalous events while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the resistance from mainstream science. The recurring theme is the search for evidence-based explanations for phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms.

This issue of UFO Quarterly, dated September 2001, focuses heavily on the renowned ufologist Jacques Vallee and provides a critical assessment of the current state of ufological publications. The magazine also covers several intriguing phenomena and events from around the world.

Jacques Vallee: A Pioneer in Ufology

The issue dedicates significant attention to Jacques Vallee, describing him as a prominent American researcher, mathematician, astronomer, and software specialist. Originally from France, he moved to the US in 1962 and collaborated with NASA, contributing to the Mariner interplanetary missions. In 1967, he earned a doctorate in artificial intelligence. Vallee's interest in UFOs began in the early 1960s after observing 'saucers' over Paris. In the US, he partnered with Allen Hynek, developing the 'OVNIBase' computer program for automated UFO report analysis and a unique classification system. He is recognized as a leading global authority in ufology and served as the inspiration for Dr. Lacombe in Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Vallee is the author of numerous books on UFOs, including "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" (1965), "Challenge to Science" (1966, co-authored with his wife Janine Vallee), "Passport to Magonia" (1969), "The Invisible College" (1975), "Messengers of Deception" (1979), "Dimensions" (1988), "Confrontations" (1990), "Revelations" (1991), "UFO Chronicles of the Soviet Union: A Cosmic Samizdat" (1992), "Forbidden Science" (1996), and "Fastwalker" (1996, with Tracy Thorne). His works marked with an asterisk were translated into Russian during the 'samizdat' era and in recent times.

Beyond his ufological work, Jacques Vallee is also known in literary circles as a popular science fiction writer under the pseudonym Jerome Seriale. His novel "Alintel" (1986), which explores ufological issues, gained considerable recognition.

Valdemgolts: A Mysterious Planet

The magazine mentions 'Valdemgolts,' a planet purportedly in telepathic contact with Vyacheslav Sergel, the first Soviet contactee, from 1943 to 1961. Sergel's manuscript, "Transcosmic Communication" (L., 1961), reportedly contains no descriptions of the planet itself but includes a detailed schematic of the 'Valdemgolts television,' a device for telepathic communication.

Critique and Bibliography: The State of UFO Press

This section offers a review and evaluation of current ufological periodicals and new books. The magazine employs a rating system from (+) 'throw in the trash immediately' to (++++) 'excellent' and (++++) 'highly recommend reading'.

Editorial Explanation to Readers

The editorial team explains their decision to cease reviewing the 'ufological' press. They cite the extreme lack of quality, prevalence of misinformation, plagiarism, and unoriginal content in nearly all publications encountered over the past year. The editorial states that many newspapers openly admit to fabricating stories for their readers, and others are filled with uninteresting articles or lack substantive content despite good printing quality. The cost of regularly purchasing these publications (approximately 90-100 rubles monthly) was deemed too high for the minimal value received. Consequently, the funds will now be redirected towards purchasing ufological literature instead.

The editorial expresses hope that the next issue will feature reviews of new ufological literature available in St. Petersburg bookstores.

Announcements

Condolences

The magazine extends its sincere condolences to the American people following a "unprecedented terrorist attack," describing it as a "unprecedented tragedy" that has changed the world. They also express sorrow for the family and friends of Yuri Mefodievich Raitorovsky, a noted ufologist and chairman of the UFO Commission of the Russian Geographical Society, who passed away on August 27th at the age of 66 after a long illness. Raitorovsky is remembered for his dedication to his calling as a ufologist and his service as a naval officer and researcher.

Miscellaneous

The Mystery of Al-Jira Cave

The "roaring cave" in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has reportedly caused 50 families to leave their homes due to strange sounds emanating from it each evening after prayer. These sounds include animalistic roars, children's cries, hissing, and inhuman groans. While local authorities initially suspected Arabian leopards and conducted investigations, no evidence was found. A European speleology group also explored the cave but found only empty Pepsi cans. Despite these findings, the strange noises persist, with locals attributing them to "evil spirits."

Strange Hum in Germany

Hundreds of residents in southwestern Germany have complained about a strange humming sound and strong vibrations occurring at night. German authorities have formed a commission to investigate. Suspicions have ranged from the American military project HAARP to other unknown sources. A specialist involved in the investigation noted that similar complaints have been received from the regions of Rhine-Westphalia and Saar.

Cosmic Funerals

On September 21st, a commercial rocket, "Earthview 04," launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This mission carried capsules containing the ashes of 50 individuals who opted for space burials. The service is provided by the Houston-based company "Celestis." The capsules are intended to orbit Earth at an altitude of 800 km for 14 months before their orbit decays and they burn up in the atmosphere. The cost for this service is approximately $5,300, with options to send ashes to the Moon or deep space for $12,500.

Buy Your Own UFO!

On August 24, 2001, the news site Ananova reported that a toy based on US Air Force technology would be available in British stores in September. The toy, named "The Blackhawk Vectron," is a radio-controlled flying saucer with three rotating blades, priced at 120 pounds. The toy features a small screen capable of displaying messages remotely. The article humorously suggests that ufologists might be targeted by these toys with messages like "Haha, you didn't catch me."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of UFO phenomena, the critical evaluation of ufological research and media, and the reporting of unusual unexplained events. The editorial stance is clearly critical of the sensationalist and often unsubstantiated nature of much ufological reporting, advocating for a more rigorous and evidence-based approach. The magazine also touches upon the commercialization of aspects related to space and the paranormal, as seen in the 'cosmic funerals' and the UFO toy.

*Issue concluded at 1 AM on September 14, 2001.
Compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gerstein (Saint Petersburg).