UFO Navigator - No 020 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," dated September 2001 (Issue N 20), is a Russian ufological digest that focuses heavily on the events of September 11, 2001, and their perceived connections to UFO phenomena, prophecies, and numerology. The cover headline highlights the "Mystical Aftermath of the American Tragedy," alongside other featured topics like the successful "interception" of Comet Borrelly and a UFO crash five years prior.

The Mystical Aftermath of the American Tragedy

The issue begins by addressing the shocking events of September 11, 2001, in Washington and New York. It notes how, in the wake of such tragedies, people often turn to mysticism. The article points out the eerie coincidence of the cover of a new album by the rap group "The Coup" depicting the World Trade Center towers exploding, a design created months before the attack. Similarly, the album "Live Scenes From New York" by "Dream Theater" featured exploding towers and the Statue of Liberty. The article also discusses the surge in interest in Nostradamus, with many people searching for his prophecies online and in bookstores. A specific quatrain, attributed to Nostradamus but later revealed to be a student's fabrication, is presented and analyzed.

Further analysis debunks claims that Nostradamus predicted the 9/11 attacks, citing that the student's poem was adapted and spread. It also critiques media reports, such as one in "Komsomolskaya Pravda," that sensationalized astrologer Pavel Globa's supposed predictions of the event. Globa's actual predictions, the article argues, were vague and related to natural disasters or asteroid impacts, not terrorism.

The issue also touches upon other alleged 'signs' related to the tragedy, such as the 'face of Satan' appearing in the smoke from the WTC towers, a claim dismissed by the Associated Press as a trick of light and smoke. It also mentions rumors of UFOs observing the attacks, citing a report from "FilerFiles" about a cigar-shaped object seen near the WTC. Another report from "UFO UpDates" discusses a video showing a second object near the towers, which experts later identified as debris from the explosion.

Numerology and the Number 11

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the numerological significance of the number 11 in relation to the 9/11 attacks. The article meticulously lists various connections: the date 11/9 (or 9/11), the 254th day of the year (2+5+4=11), the remaining 111 days in the year, flight numbers (Flight 11), passenger counts (9+2=11), the visual representation of the towers as '11', and historical facts like New York becoming the 11th state. The article also notes the number of letters in 'New York City,' 'Afghanistan,' and 'The Pentagon' being 11. It contrasts this with the traditional numerological view of 11 as a positive, spiritual number representing enlightenment and martyrdom, suggesting that the post-9/11 interpretation is a negative adaptation.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine details several UFO sightings from around the time of the issue:

• Norway: On September 25, 2001, police in Norway investigated reports of a silent, helicopter-like object. Three witnesses described it, believing it might have crashed. Despite police involvement, the Ministry of Defense offered no comment.
• Canada: On September 16, 2001, a farmer discovered a crop circle in the shape of a Star of David near Red Deer, Alberta. The formation was 422 feet in diameter and featured seven circles connected by lines.
• Chile: On September 4, 2001, children in Calama photographed a strange, luminous object described as a 'flying saucer' that emitted red flashes.
• Italy: On September 17, 2001, a UFO described as a 'strange ball' with a metallic cylinder underneath was observed over Porto Nuova. It was not detected by radar.
• Russia (Moscow): On September 28, 2001, a witness reported seeing a bright, hovering object that moved upwards and disappeared.
• Belarus: In mid-August 2001, five luminous objects were seen in a semi-circular formation near Mazyr.
• Historical Cases: The magazine revisits older cases, including a disk sighting over Gudauta in 1969 and the 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' in 1977.

Space News and Other Items

• Comet Borrelly: The successful fly-by of Comet Borrelly by the "Deep Space 1" probe on September 22, 2001, is reported, highlighting the challenges and eventual success of the mission.
• Mars Odyssey: The upcoming orbital insertion of the "Mars Odyssey" probe around Mars is mentioned.
• Leonids Meteor Shower: The potential threat of the intense Leonid meteor shower in November 2001 to artificial satellites is discussed.
• New UFO Museum: Plans for a new International UFO Museum in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia, to be opened in Istanbul, Turkey, are detailed.
• UFO Poll: A poll on the X-PPAC website indicated that 73% of respondents believe in UFOs and aliens.
• Obituaries: The issue notes the passing of prominent ufologists and scientists, including Fred Hoyle, Yuri Raitorovsky, Gabriel Green, and Antonio Ribera.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive influence of mysticism and conspiracy theories in interpreting major global events, particularly the 9/11 attacks. The magazine seems to adopt a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in its debunking of Nostradamus's prophecies and Pavel Globa's predictions. While reporting on UFO sightings, it often includes skeptical analyses or alternative explanations, such as the identification of alleged UFOs as debris or atmospheric phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, separating factual reporting from speculative interpretations, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1998, delves into several intriguing UFO and alien encounter cases, with a significant focus on the Varginha incident in Brazil. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies, investigative efforts by ufologists, and the challenges of uncovering the truth amidst alleged government cover-ups and conflicting official statements.

Sightings and Incidents

Petrozaovdsk Phenomenon (1977)

The issue begins by referencing the 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' of September 20, 1977. A witness, Eduard Borisovich Galewski, recorded testimony about an object that abruptly changed direction and speed, increasing its velocity and disappearing. However, the reported time of this event (around 1 AM) does not align with the known start time of the Petrozavodsk phenomenon (4 AM), leading to speculation about inaccuracies in the witness's memory or the date itself.

'Bolide' Over the Far East (1990)

A mysterious 'bolide' sighting is detailed from September 27, 1990, reported by the local newspaper 'Amgunskaya Pravda'. A worker at the Osipenkovsky airport, A. Tolkachev, observed a ball-shaped object with a greenish color moving towards the village, which later turned reddish. The object, estimated at 500-600 meters altitude, was also seen by cinema-goers, appearing to change shape to a triangle with wings and emitting reflections from trees as it descended near Glukhovskoye Lake.

UFO Over Tallinn (1992)

An Estonian newspaper, 'Vecherney Kurier', reported on September 22, 1992, an incident on the night of September 20-21, where a UFO was seen over Lasnamäe, Tallinn. Elena Koval described an object resembling a soup plate, low in the sky, with four equally sized parts, each with a spotlight. The object moved slowly towards the TV tower.

The Varginha Incident (1996)

The Crash and the 'Humanoids'

The core of this issue is the Varginha incident, which gained international attention in early 1996. The narrative begins with reports of a UFO crash near Varginha, Brazil, and the alleged capture of 'humanoids'. Ufologists, including John Mack, Stanton Friedman, and Graham Birdsall, were drawn to the scene. Researchers Cynthia Lou and Bob Pratt provided a detailed account in the 'MUFON UFO Journal'.

According to intelligence from a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracking station, several unidentified objects entered the atmosphere over Alaska and headed southwest. NORAD computers determined they were not aircraft or satellites. As the objects descended, NORAD alerted interceptor bases. The objects altered course, passing over Arizona and descending towards central Brazil. NORAD predicted their impact zone to be in southern Brazil, near Varginha.

Eyewitness Accounts

On January 13, 1996, military units near Varginha were alerted. The incident became known as the 'Varginha humanoids' case. Researchers believe that at least two, and possibly up to six, alien beings were captured or killed by the military and transferred to American authorities.

Eyewitnesses described the creatures as 3-4 feet tall, with dark brown, hairless, oily skin, large triangular heads with three short 'horns', large red oval eyes, long thin arms, short thin legs, no visible ears or nose, and a slit-like mouth without lips. They were unclothed, and their sexual organs were not visible. Prominent veins were noted on their necks and limbs.

The Encounter in Yardim Andre

The incident gained public attention on January 20, 1996, when three young women—Liliana da Silva (16), her sister Valkyria (14), and their friend Katya Ksaver—encountered a creature on a vacant lot. They described it as a strange being crouched by a wall, with large red eyes and 'horns'. The creature turned its head towards them, appearing startled, and they fled.

Investigation and Cover-up Allegations

Ufologist Ubirajara Franco Rodrigues, a lawyer and university professor, began investigating. He learned of rumors that a creature had been captured by military police and taken to a local hospital. Reports suggested the creature had a large belly, made crying sounds, and that military vehicles were present at the hospital.

Despite official denials, the investigation continued. Vitorio Pacaccini, a member of CICOANI (Civil Center for UFO Studies), joined Ubirajara. They gathered information suggesting that at least two creatures were captured on January 20. One was reportedly taken to the ESA military base, and another, seen by the women, was taken to the hospital. The researchers concluded that the authorities had captured or killed at least four other beings.

The Crash Site and Carlos da Souza's Testimony

Carlos da Souza, a truck driver, reported seeing a cigar-shaped object flying low over a highway on January 13, 1996, near Tress Corações. He followed the object, which then crashed. He discovered a crash site with approximately 40 soldiers, medical personnel, and military vehicles collecting debris. He was warned by a man in civilian clothes to remain silent about what he had seen.

Further Sightings and Encounters

On January 20, near Varginha, firefighters pursued and captured a creature in a wooded area. The creature was described as hairy, with large red eyes, and emitted a strong, unpleasant odor. It was handed over to military personnel and transported in a wooden box to the ESA base.

Another sighting occurred on January 20, when four men in black suits approached the da Silva sisters and their mother, attempting to bribe them into retracting their story. The men were described as possibly being from an evangelist sect.

On May 15, biology student Ildo Lucio Gordino reported seeing a dark brown, hairy creature with large red eyes near Tress Corações.

In May 1996, in Passos, Brazil, a hairy creature attacked a young man named Luciano Olímpio do Reis. This creature was described as aggressive and different from the Varginha humanoids.

Official Denials and Speculation

Despite numerous eyewitness accounts, Brazilian authorities and the military officially denied any involvement with alien beings. Colonel Olimpio Wenderly Santos stated that UFO claims were absurd, and Colonel Luis Sezereo da Silveira Leite asserted that no Brazilian military personnel had captured any aliens.

However, numerous reports of military activity around Varginha, including low-flying F-5 jets and soldiers carrying bags, fueled speculation. Some reports suggested that eight humanoids were involved: one dead, two wounded (one later died), and five captured alive. It was rumored that some of the captured beings were transferred to the United States via the Elbrook Air Force Base in Panama.

The Mystery of Mark Cherese

Officer Marco Cherese, who was reportedly involved in the capture of a creature, fell seriously ill shortly after and died on February 15. His death was attributed to an unknown infection, and his family filed a lawsuit against the military police. The autopsy report mentioned a "small amount of toxic substance" in his body.

The Passos Creature

Pacaccini believed the creature encountered in Passos was real but distinct from the Varginha humanoids due to its size, hairiness, and aggression. He suggested that different types of beings were involved in different incidents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the theme of government secrecy and cover-ups surrounding UFO phenomena. The Varginha incident, in particular, is presented as a case where official denials clash with a multitude of eyewitness testimonies and the investigative efforts of ufologists. The editorial stance appears to support the idea that authorities are actively concealing information about UFOs and alien encounters, leaving the public to piece together the truth from fragmented reports and witness accounts. The magazine emphasizes the difficulty in separating fact from rumor in such cases, acknowledging the role of sensationalism and potential misinformation.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue Date: September 30, 2001
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the biographies of prominent figures in ufology. The content is primarily in Russian, with some English names and terms.

Key Articles and Features

The Varginha Incident

The issue highlights the Varginha incident in Brazil, described as an extremely complex case involving the crash of at least one UFO and the capture of two to eight aliens. The details of the capture and the subsequent events are presented as a significant event in ufology.

Armando Valdes: A Case of Time Distortion

A detailed account is given of an incident on April 25, 1977, involving Corporal Armando Valdes and six other members of a Chilean military patrol. While investigating two bright purple objects that landed, Valdes disappeared for approximately 15 minutes. Upon his return, his wristwatch had stopped at 4:30 AM, his calendar showed five days had passed, and he had grown a beard, suggesting a distortion of time within the UFOs. Valdes reported feeling "very strange" and could not recall the events, only stating, "You do not know who we are and where we came from, but we will return soon."

George Van Tassel: The Contactee

This section profiles George Van Tassel (1910-1978), an influential American contactee known for his "around-the-saucer" mythology. Van Tassel claimed to receive telepathic messages from various spacecraft commanders, including one named "Latbann" from "Sceir." He described Sceir as a vast base of "saucers" located in deep space. Van Tassel also detailed his physical encounters with extraterrestrials from Venus, who allegedly landed near his cave and allowed him considerable freedom. He founded the "Giant Rock Intrplanetary Spacecraft Convention" in 1954 and established the "Institute of Universal Common Sense." His most ambitious project was the "Integratron," a machine designed for rejuvenation, which he claimed could add 50-80 years to a person's life. The dome of the Integratron still stands near Giant Rock, but the machine was never completed due to the loss of its design details.

Hoyt Vandenberg: A General's Role in UFO Secrecy?

The issue touches upon General Hoyt Vandenberg (1899-1954), a prominent American military leader. In ufological circles, he is known for allegedly rejecting the "Project Sign" report, which posited that UFOs were alien spacecraft, and ordering its destruction. Later claims suggest that Vandenberg, as a member of the secret "MJ-12" group, acted to conceal the truth about "saucers" from the public and military.

R. Varlamov: Ufologist and Critic

This section introduces R. Varlamov (1924-2001), described as a well-known ufologist and colleague of F. Yu. Zigel. Varlamov, a radio engineer by training, specialized in the study of UFO landing traces and observed the "Varlamov effect," which relates to changes in the passage of time at landing sites. He held leadership positions in UFOS but left after a dispute. Towards the end of his life, Varlamov reportedly developed Christian views, considering UFO phenomena to be manifestations of demonic forces, and instructed that his UFO archives be destroyed.

Book Review: Craig Glenday's "UFO"

A critical review of Craig Glenday's book "UFO" is presented. The reviewer finds the book to be an example of "making a mountain out of a molehill," criticizing its large format, font size, and extensive use of empty space and photographs that add little value. While acknowledging that Glenday provides a useful guide to field research and witness interviews for novice ufologists, the reviewer suggests that more cost-effective and informative resources are available from the "Soyuzufotsentr."

Correction: "Triangular UFO in the Night Sky Over Minsk"

A correction is issued regarding a previous article in issue 17. The article mistakenly identified ufologist Mikhail Goldenkov as a staff member of the newspaper "Secret Investigations." The correction clarifies that Goldenkov is actually a correspondent for the "Analytical Newspaper 'Secret Investigations,'" and that a publication using the "Secret Investigations" logo is a counterfeit that consists entirely of unauthorized reprints. Legal action is anticipated.

Animal Mutilations in Texas

A mysterious phenomenon in Austin, Texas, is reported, where animals, primarily cats and deer, are found cut in half with clean incisions and without significant blood loss. The police have offered a reward for information. Ufologist Linda Howe met with a veterinarian who reported a significant increase in such incidents since March 2001.

Japanese Scientists Control Cockroaches

Researchers at Tokyo University are developing a method to remotely control cockroaches. By implanting microprocessors in their heads, scientists can send signals to electrodes in the cockroaches' brains, allowing them to be directed via a remote control. The technology is being explored for espionage and search and rescue operations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Navigator" revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, alleged alien encounters, and the individuals involved in investigating and reporting these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and incidents within the field of ufology, often with a critical eye towards sensationalism or questionable claims, as seen in the book review. There is a clear interest in documenting historical cases, personal testimonies, and the broader mythology surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial contact.