UFO Navigator - No 022 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," the Russian Ufological Digest, dated October 2001 (N 22), presents a collection of articles on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the headline: "UFO CARRIES AUSTRALIAN WOMAN 800 KILOMETERS." The issue includes a quote from J. Allen Hynek stating that the eventual solution to the UFO mystery will be a "great and completely unexpected leap" in science.

News Briefs

The news section covers several intriguing topics:

• Incredible Abduction in Australia: A case where a victim was allegedly transported nearly 800 kilometers by a UFO.
• Mass UFO Sighting over Suriname: Thousands witnessed a 'flying saucer' over Paramaribo.
• Recognition from a Romanian Scientist: A report on a mysterious phenomenon observed by a Romanian scientist.
• Astronomers Discover Eight New Planets: Expanding the known count of exoplanets.
• 'Mars Odyssey' Enters Orbit: The probe begins its mission.
• Cosmic News: Updates on space-related events.
• Following Up on Our Publications: Updates on previous reports.

Incredible Abduction in Australia

This article details what is claimed to be the first documented case of a UFO abduction where the victim was moved a significant distance. On the night of October 4-5, 2001, near Gundiiah, Queensland, Amy Rylance, 22, fell asleep watching television in her mobile home. Her husband, Keith Rylance, and their business partner, Petra Geller, were also in the vicinity. Petra awoke to a bright light and saw a powerful beam of light entering Amy's room through an open window. Amy was seen floating within the beam, being pulled out through the window. Small objects were also seen floating in the beam where gravity seemed to cease. The beam emanated from a hovering, disc-shaped UFO. After a few minutes, Amy and the UFO disappeared, leaving behind only the small objects. Amy was later found by a gas station attendant in Mackay, 790 kilometers away, in a state of shock and dehydration. She recalled lying on a strange, rectangular room with light coming from the walls and ceiling, and a tall, thin being with a mask. She was told she would be returned nearby because her original location was unsafe. Upon waking in a forest, she found her way to a highway and was assisted by gas station workers. Doctors noted triangular marks on her thigh and strange marks on her heels. Most remarkably, her hair had grown significantly in just a few hours, showing a distinct two-toned color from recent dyeing. She also recalled seeing a large UFO with smaller objects when she was in fifth grade. Later, Keith, Amy, and Petra disappeared again after being followed by a dark brown truck with apparent malicious intent.

Mass UFO Sighting over Suriname

On October 17, thousands of people in Paramaribo, Suriname, witnessed a bright object in the pre-dawn sky, described as a 'flying saucer.' Numerous calls were made to the police, military, and air traffic controllers. Air Force Officer Toni Comvalis confirmed seeing the object, stating it was unlike any known flying object and that no aircraft or weather balloons were in the sky at the time. However, some, like 60-year-old civil servant Søren Herewood, dismissed the sighting as a possible scientific experiment.

Recognition from a Romanian Scientist

A report in the "Journal of Meteorology" details a phenomenon observed by Romanian scientist Attila Kosa-Kiss in 1986. He described a small, glowing 'bubble' that expanded into a giant, silvery-blue dome, which remained stationary for several minutes. The dome had clear edges and stars were visible through it. A thin, arm-like appendage detached from the dome and curved towards it without touching. The dome then faded and disappeared. Kosa-Kiss speculated it might be related to earthquake lights, possibly linked to a small earthquake in the Carpathians on August 31, 1986.

Astronomers Discover Eight New Planets

According to a NASA News release on October 15, scientists from the US, Belgium, Great Britain, and Australia have discovered eight new planets orbiting nearby stars. These planets range from 0.8 to 10 times the mass of Jupiter, bringing the total known extrasolar planets to 74. At least three of the newly discovered planets have nearly circular orbits, similar to those in our solar system. Steve Vogt of Lick Observatory described them as "close relatives" to our solar system's planets. The discovery was made using powerful telescopes, including the Keck telescope in Hawaii, the Lick Observatory in the US, and the Anglo-Australian Telescope in Australia.

'Mars Odyssey' Enters Orbit

After previous failures with the 'Mars Polar Lander' and 'Mars Climate Orbiter' probes, NASA's 'Mars Odyssey' successfully entered orbit around Mars on October 24, six months after its launch. The $300 million project aims to conduct fundamental research on the biological and chemical composition of Mars. The spacecraft carries a unique high-energy neutron detector developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences to search for liquid water. Four potential landing sites for the 'Mars Exploration Rovers' mission in 2003 have been identified: Elysium (Athabasca Vallis), Melas, Hematite, and Gusev Crater. The 'Mars Odyssey' will gradually transition from an elliptical to a circular orbit, slowing down in the Martian atmosphere to achieve an orbit of approximately 400 km above the surface.

The article also mentions a hypothesis by Hungarian scientists who claim to have found evidence of living organisms on Mars in images from the 'Mars Global Surveyor' probe. They identified thousands of dark spots in the southern polar regions, suggesting organisms beneath the ice that melt it and create conditions for life. These organisms are thought to survive the harsh Martian winters by being protected by ice and reactivating during warmer periods, similar to mechanisms observed in Earth's polar lakes. The European Space Agency is investigating this claim.

Cosmic News

• Meteor Activity: The issue references previous reports of unusual meteor activity in late September and early October, including the explosion of a 10-ton asteroid over Alberta, Canada, on October 14.
• Galileo Mission: The 'Galileo' probe continues its mission around Jupiter, successfully passing over the moon Io and through Jupiter's radiation belts. It has recorded over 70 percent of its scientific data.
• Kuiper Belt Discoveries: The Kuiper Belt continues to yield surprises, with the discovery of a large asteroid (2001KX76) and a 'cosmic potato' shaped object (1998SM165) that rotates every eight hours.

Following Up on Our Publications

• UFOs over Barnaul: Reports of UFO sightings over Barnaul continue, with witnesses describing objects changing shape from a point of light to a triangle, sphere, and cylinder.
• Tyumen Sighting: A previous report of a 'saucer' near Tyumen is compared to a rocket launch from Plesetsk, but the article notes no launches were scheduled for that date. Other launches from Kourou and Kodiak are mentioned.
• Angel Hair in Italy: Reports of 'angel hair' falling from the sky in Subbiaco, Italy, and later near Rome, with samples collected for analysis by environmental agencies.

Local Reports

• UFO over Petersburg: On October 24, an unidentified object was sighted over Petersburg. Witness Irina Kuznetsova described seeing a bright, white point of light that appeared to be a rocket, but it hovered and then moved, splitting into two points. She also reported a similar object the previous night. The object was described as triangular or diamond-shaped, with green and red lights, and was very bright.
• Triangular 'Ghosts' of Kamchatka: On October 7, two unidentified flying objects were sighted over Kamchatka. Witnesses described them as semi-transparent, grayish-brown, triangular objects that gradually dissolved and disappeared.

Our Calendar (Events from the Past)

• Giant Ship near Venus (1740): Astronomer James Short observed an object near Venus that appeared to be in the same phase as Venus, suggesting a spherical, possibly artificial, craft.
• Pseudo-UFOs over Russia (1991): Reports of bright lights and spheres in the sky over Vitegra and Vologda are discussed. The article explains that these sightings were likely caused by ballistic missile launches from the Plesetsk cosmodrome, which create optical effects like "UFO" and atmospheric glow under specific conditions.
• Regular Appearance of 'Balls' in Thailand (1996): Reports of mysterious glowing balls sighted near Bangkok, Thailand, are mentioned.

Investigation: Return of UFOlogist-Terrorists

This section details criminal activities by individuals who identified themselves as ufologists. In America, John Ford, director of LIUFON, was arrested for attempting to poison a senator. He had also made numerous threatening calls and sent anonymous letters. The article suggests Ford's actions were fueled by his belief in a government conspiracy to hide UFO information. In Russia, the article describes a campaign of terror against ufologists, including arson, vandalism, and threats, allegedly by a group called "ENIO" led by Pavel Drozdov and Anna Kilareva-Drozdova. They reportedly viewed other ufologists as "false ufologists" and "agents of the devil." The article recounts specific incidents of attempted arson and vandalism targeting ufologists and their families, including Vladimir Azhazha, who was physically attacked by Anna Kilareva.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the mysterious nature of UFO phenomena, from alleged abductions and sightings to scientific discoveries in space. There's a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial possibilities. The magazine also addresses the darker side of ufology, exposing criminal activities by individuals who misuse the subject for personal gain or ideological extremism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs while also being critical of those who engage in harmful or deceptive practices under the guise of ufology. The recurring theme is the ongoing search for answers to profound questions about our universe and humanity's place within it, often juxtaposed with the challenges and controversies surrounding the investigation of these phenomena.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: 1
Volume: 3
Year: 1995

This issue of "UFO Navigator" delves into a complex and disturbing series of events involving alleged harassment, disinformation, and legal battles within the ufology community. The central figure is Vladimir Georgievich Azhazha, a prominent ufologist who claims to be the target of a coordinated campaign to silence his research.

Personal Attacks and Harassment

The narrative begins with Azhazha detailing a series of escalating threats and attacks against him and his family starting in March 1994. These incidents included anonymous phone calls, the distribution of defamatory leaflets accusing him of various crimes, and even a physical assault with a stun gun. The primary perpetrators identified are Anna Kilareva and her husband, Pavel Drozdov. Kilareva, after being apprehended, allegedly confessed to organizing these acts, attempting to shield her husband.

The article highlights Kilareva's documented history of mental instability, raising questions about her culpability and the possibility of her being used as a pawn by others. The investigation into the incidents is criticized for not being thorough, with many relevant materials allegedly overlooked.

The Drozdov-Anfalov Nexus

Following Kilareva's arrest, Pavel Drozdov continued his alleged campaign of harassment. The issue details threats made against Azhazha's wife and brother, as well as acts of vandalism like broken windows. Drozdov's actions are described as continuing terror, including leaving a threatening audio cassette for a TV journalist.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Anton Anfalov, another figure in the ufology community. Azhazha and the magazine accuse Anfalov of fabricating stories about UFO crashes, spreading false information, and engaging in personal attacks against other ufologists. Anfalov's claims about numerous UFO crashes in Russia are presented as baseless and sensationalized.

Disinformation and Fabricated Cases

The magazine meticulously dissects Anfalov's claims, particularly those concerning a supposed UFO crash near Mineralnye Vody. Anfalov's account, which involves military involvement and the discovery of alien bodies, is exposed as a fabrication based on a prop from a Polish film. The article traces the origin of this misinformation back to a prop spaceship used in a 1977-1978 film, which was later presented as a real UFO.

Further investigation into Anfalov's sources reveals a pattern of deception. His claims about military documents and secret archives are scrutinized, with the magazine suggesting they are either invented or misinterpreted. The article points out inconsistencies in Anfalov's stories and his reliance on anonymous or questionable sources, including a supposed hacker named Evgeny Ivanov.

The 'Great Blackout' and Other Incidents

The issue also touches upon the "Great Blackout" incident of November 9, 1965, where a large area of the northeastern United States and Canada experienced a widespread power outage. While the cause remains officially unexplained, the article implies that such events are often sensationalized or misrepresented within the ufology community.

Legal and Psychiatric Aspects

The article discusses the legal ramifications for those involved, including Anna Kilareva's placement in a psychiatric hospital for compulsory treatment. The case of Pavel Drozdov is presented as ongoing, with him remaining at large. The magazine questions the objectivity of the legal proceedings and the handling of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Navigator" strongly advocates for critical thinking and rigorous investigation within the field of ufology. It exposes what it perceives as deliberate disinformation, sensationalism, and personal vendettas masquerading as research. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind alleged UFO phenomena and the activities of individuals within the community. The magazine emphasizes the importance of verifying sources and distinguishing between factual reporting and fabricated narratives. The recurring theme is the manipulation of information and the exploitation of public interest in UFOs for personal gain or to discredit genuine research.

Title: UFO Navigator
Issue: 28
Date: October 2001
Country: Russia
Language: Russian

This issue of UFO Navigator focuses on the massive power outage that affected the northeastern United States and Canada in 2001, exploring potential links to UFO activity, alongside articles on historical anomalous phenomena and critiques of pseudoscience.

The Great Blackout: UFOs and the New York Power Failure

The lead article details the catastrophic power failure that occurred on August 14, 2001, affecting eight US states and parts of Canada. The blackout began at 4:16 PM when a duty engineer at a powerful Niagara Falls hydroelectric station noticed a signal indicating the disconnection of one of five 230 kV transmission lines to Canada. This disconnection was triggered by a relay protection system responding to an overload. Despite automatic re-engagement attempts, the line remained offline. Consequently, the entire station's output was rerouted through the remaining four lines, which quickly became overloaded and were also shut down by their protective systems. This surge of power into the main system, the Niagara-New York line, caused severe frequency and voltage fluctuations. The situation rapidly escalated, leading to widespread generator and line disconnections across the American part of the system. Attempts to restore power through automatic reserve activation and frequency regulation failed. By 5:21 PM, Boston went dark, and the New York system separated from New England. At 5:23 PM, the Central Hudson system disconnected, followed by the Long Island system at 5:24 PM, which included the shutdown of a 1 million kW generator at Ravenswood, New York—one of the largest in the US. In Vermont, which relied on the grid for over half its power, all power plants shut down, and the New York-Connecticut line lost power. At 5:28 PM, New York City, except for a small area on Staten Island, went dark. The blackout lasted for several hours. The affected states included New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The consequences were severe, with generators totaling approximately 2 million kW failing. The article notes that oil pump electric motors stopped, and bearings on a 1 million kW generator melted. Several high-capacity circuit breakers also failed. The estimated financial losses from this event reached $100 million, with a significant psychological impact, including several reported suicides that night.

The report from the federal energy commission suggested the accident could have been avoided if the relay protection at Niagara Falls had been set according to the increased load. Furthermore, the duty personnel might have prevented the collapse of the integrated power system if they had managed to disconnect some consumers in time. Intriguingly, many people reported seeing UFOs over important facilities of the CANUSE power system that night, particularly near the Clay substation, which is part of the Niagara cascade system. Other unidentified objects were also observed in the sky over the darkened cities. The extent of UFO involvement in these events remains unknown.

Visions and Visual Anomalies

The magazine introduces the concept of "Visions" as immaterial images induced by an unknown external force, distinguishing them from hallucinations (internal psychological processes) and projections (technologically generated images). A key characteristic of visions is when a group of people independently report the same perception of something inaccessible to others present. The example given is the appearance of "The Virgin Mary" in Medjugorje.

It also discusses the term "Visually Observed Anomaly (VOA)" as an alternative to "UFO," intended to avoid the implication of a technological craft. However, the article notes that this term has not gained widespread acceptance.

Vadim Vilinbakhov: A Pioneer in Russian Ufology

This section profiles Vadim Vilinbakhov (1924-1982), the first chairman of the Commission on Anomalous Phenomena of the Russian Geographical Society. A candidate of historical sciences, Vilinbakhov authored numerous works on UFO history and ufology, including manuscripts like "Signs in the Sky of Ancient Rus" and "Testimonies of UFOs Before 1947." He also developed conceptual works summarizing his research, such as "Essays on the Unknown" and "UFOs in Our Sky."

Vilinbakhov is credited with drawing attention to the "rejection effect," a phenomenon where science and society tend to dismiss shocking information about alien intelligence. He presented his findings on this topic at the XVII Tsiolkovsky Readings in Kaluga. His work was published in the limited-run "Proceedings of the XVII Tsiolkovsky Readings" (Moscow, 1983).

Vilinbakhov died on October 4, 1982, following a scandal the previous day during a "round table" filming on UFOs for Central Television. He was reportedly prevented from participating at the last moment by V. V. Migulin. Hours later, he suffered a fatal heart attack.

Vimanas: Ancient Flying Machines

The article explores "Vimanas," flying apparatuses mentioned in ancient Indian Vedic literature. These are categorized into human-made machines resembling aircraft and supernatural devices similar to modern UFOs, often attributed to non-human origins. Due to the lack of surviving drawings or fragments, it's difficult to ascertain the factual basis of these accounts. However, the text mentions an incident in 1895 where an Indian scientist named Talpand, using old Sanskrit manuscripts, reportedly built a piloted Vimana prototype and demonstrated it in the sky, observed by many witnesses. The article suggests that while possibly exaggerated, these accounts may contain a kernel of truth.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section provides a review and rating of current ufological periodicals and new books. The rating system ranges from (+) "throw in the trash immediately" to (+++++) "excellent, highly recommended."

Review of Eduard Kruglyakov's "'Scientists' from the Highway"

This review discusses the book by Eduard Kruglyakov, head of the Commission for Combating Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Kruglyakov's work is described as a thorough critique of pseudoscience and false scientific claims. The book primarily focuses on "pseudo-physics" and, commendably, avoids criticizing ufology, mentioning UFOs only two or three times. The reviewer notes that Kruglyakov's criticisms of ufologists are largely justified. The book is highly recommended for understanding the official stance of the Commission on Pseudoscience regarding anomalous "themes" and phenomena.

Announcements

Opening of the Season at the Geographical Society: The Commission on Anomalous Phenomena of the Russian Geographical Society (formerly the Ufological Commission) has resumed its activities after the death of Yu. M. Raitorovsky. Dr. S. Smirnov has been elected as the new head, with E. Litvinov and P. Gershunenko as deputies. The first meeting of the season is scheduled for November 20th, featuring a report on the internal structure and principles of UFO movement. The address is given as Grivtsova St. 10, St. Petersburg.

Various:

• Ghosts at the "Titanic" Exhibition: Visitors to an exhibition in Chile featuring artifacts recovered from the sunken "Titanic" claim that ghosts and strange voices have appeared in the museum. The exhibition had previously been in Argentina, where similar reports of strange voices and whispers were made.
• Graveyard... with a Scanner: In Kettering, UK, burial plots will be marked with microchips containing information about the deceased, rather than traditional headstones. This measure aims to save space and create a park-like atmosphere. Microchips will be placed on the ground, and relatives will use scanners to locate graves. The article speculates about "grave hackers" and notes that traditional burials will still be available.
• Regarding "Saucer" Misconceptions: Sergey Ermakov reported an observation on October 17th of a strange object in the sky near Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. He described it as a fast-moving, approaching red flashing light that appeared to be making a curved trajectory. He noted a non-flashing spotlight on the nose and bright, non-flashing lights on the wings. He also heard a noise. The object was difficult to distinguish against the dark sky but had a blinking red light between the nose and wings. Ermakov concluded that without this light, the object would have resembled the well-known triangle of lights often mistaken for a UFO due to its unnatural trajectory and perceived speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Navigator consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with significant real-world events, such as the 2001 power blackout. It maintains a critical yet open stance towards anomalous claims, presenting both investigative reports and critiques of pseudoscience. The magazine highlights the importance of historical accounts and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a balanced perspective, as evidenced by the review of Eduard Kruglyakov's work and the detailed analysis of the power grid failure.