UFO Navigator - No 025 - 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," a Russian ufological digest, is dated December 2001 and presents a collection of articles on various UFO and unexplained phenomena. The cover headline highlights a reported UFO crash in Korunjinho, Brazil, and labels it a "grand deception," while also announcing the discovery of an atmosphere on an extrasolar planet and a subscription drive for "Secret Research."

Korunjinho UFO Crash: A Hoax Exposed

The lead article investigates the alleged UFO crash in Korunjinho, Brazil, on November 24, 2001. While initial reports in global news and websites described a spectacular event involving two UFOs colliding and exploding, the article, citing A. J. Gevard, a UFOlogist from Campo Grande, declares the incident a complete fabrication. Gevard identifies Urandir Fernandes Oliveira as the perpetrator, a figure he claims has been repeatedly exposed for fraud. Maria-Lucia Vidal de Souza, associated with "Projeto Portal," is also implicated. The article alleges that "Projeto Portal" is a growing UFO cult that has profited significantly from its activities, including charging tourists for visits to Oliveira's farm. Gevard states he has been investigating "Projeto Portal" since 1995 and exposed their scheme in 1997, facing threats as a result. He visited the alleged crash site and found no evidence of a crash, only a witness, Getulio Alves, who saw a glowing ball that disappeared without a trace. The claims of injured animals are also dismissed as false, with the injuries predating the alleged incident. The article concludes that the story was created to attract visitors to a planned "UFO Christmas" event.

UFO Sightings in Chile

Reports from Chile in late 2001 detail numerous UFO observations. "Las Ultimas Noticias" reported 17 objects sighted near La Florida, including a giant, flashing object that hovered near San Ramon Hill. Another sighting involved a "stadium-sized" object. Alberto Urquiza of GEO ("Grupo de Estudios OVNIlogicos") stated that these objects were brightly glowing bodies that hovered for extended periods, visible from up to 100 meters away. Radar at Cerro Colorado reportedly detected nothing.

Strange Lights Over San Pedro de Atacama and Santiago

"El Mercurio de Calama" reported local residents in San Pedro de Atacama seeing three UFOs with strange bright lights maneuvering in the sky. A similar "saucer" was later seen over the capital, Santiago, described as very bright, rapidly changing color, and disappearing and reappearing. Eric Martinez of GEO captured similar footage of an object described as "about four times brighter than Venus" and capable of sudden vertical jumps.

Unidentified Submerged Object Sinks Vessel

On November 26, 2001, the English fishing vessel "Fin Ar Bed" sank after colliding with an unidentified submerged object. The incident occurred 15 miles from Holyhead. The vessel sustained a large hole and sank within 45 minutes. The Coast Guard noted the object must have been very large to cause such damage at depth, but no container or debris was found, despite international regulations requiring such items to be removed.

Atmosphere Detected on Extrasolar Planet

"NASA News" reported on November 27, 2001, the first detection of an atmosphere on a distant extrasolar planet. The planet orbits the star HD 209458 in the Pegasus constellation. The planet's mass is estimated to be 70% of Jupiter's. Its atmosphere was detected by observing how starlight passed through it during planetary transits. Initial analysis revealed the presence of sodium, and scientists hope to find methane, water vapor, and potassium. This discovery opens the door to comparative planetology beyond our solar system.

Giant "Spiral" Over China

Over one hundred thousand people reportedly witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon in central China on November 24, 2001. A large, slow-moving "saucer" with a flickering light was observed. Witnesses described it as a "tightly coiled snake" or a spiral. Civil aviation pilots also observed it, estimating its altitude between 300 meters and 1 kilometer. Chinese astronomers declared the phenomenon to be of extraterrestrial origin. Similar sightings were reported in China in 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1987.

The Mystery of Lunar Flashes

During the 2001 Leonid meteor shower, astronomers observed flashes and explosions on the Moon, interpreted as impacts from meteoroids. NASA representative Bill Cook explained that the Moon, lacking an atmosphere, does not burn up meteoroids like Earth does. Astronomers David Dunham and Anthony Cook captured video of a flash as bright as a 4th magnitude star. The article discusses the energy released by meteoroids impacting the Moon at high speeds, suggesting that even smaller meteorites (1-10 kg) could cause such bright flashes due to the immense energy release.

UFOs and Lunar Activity

Ukrainian astronomer Alexey Arkhipov suggests that flashes on the Moon might be evidence of extraterrestrial activity. He cites reports of a mysterious point of light on the Moon's dark side, a flash in the Aristarchus crater, and an orange glow in Gassendi. He also mentions an incident during the Apollo-16 mission where a light column appeared near Aristarchus crater. The article also references observations by Apollo-11 astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin of a nocturnal glow in the Aristarchus crater.

Space News

The Mars Odyssey probe has completed its atmospheric braking maneuvers, reducing its orbit around Mars. The probe is studying the Martian atmosphere and will begin its full scientific program in February 2002. NASA has also processed new images of Io, Jupiter's most active moon, showing volcanic activity. The Galileo probe captured images of the Tvashtar volcano. The Deep Space 1 probe's mission has concluded, and it will be shut down. Russia launched three "Glonass" navigation satellites and a "Meteor-3M" meteorological satellite, along with four other smaller satellites, including a Pakistani photosatellite and a Moroccan photosatellite.

UFOs and Voices from Beyond

An article from Vologda Oblast discusses a peculiar experience of a woman who claims to have heard voices, allegedly from her deceased husband, directing her to specific locations. She describes following these instructions, leading her to be lost in the taiga and subsequently searched for by the entire village. A psychiatrist declared her healthy.

Historical UFO Reports

The "Our Calendar" section revisits past UFO events:

• 1979: A UFO was reported lifting a column of water near a river in Argentina.
• 1989: A fiery ball was seen over Crimea.
• 1990: A "contact" with a resident of Kimiltey, Russia, was reported.
• 1990: A "saucer" was sighted over the Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant.

"Contact" with a Resident of Kimiltey

Petr Kuznetsov from Kimiltey, Irkutsk Oblast, reported seeing two intensely bright white spheres in the sky on December 18, 1990. He felt a sense of being detected and the spheres vanished instantly. He also described a similar experience in 1986 where he felt a profound sense of peace and heard voices. Later, in a bathhouse, he experienced a trance-like state where he recited poetry he didn't know he knew.

"Saucer" Over Balakovo NPP

On December 16, 1997, a resident of Balakovo witnessed a large, glowing disc above the city, emitting a bright green beam of light. The object then split in half and disappeared.

Investigation: "UFO: Life Behind Barbed Wire"

This section introduces a documentary film based on information provided by military specialists regarding UFOs. The film's transcript is to be published, starting with an incident from the "Salyut-6" orbital station involving cosmonauts Kovalyonok and Savinykh.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting both alleged sightings and investigations into potential hoaxes. There's a clear skepticism towards sensationalized reports, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of the Korunjinho incident. The magazine also touches upon space exploration and astronomical discoveries, linking them to potential extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and claims, prioritizing factual investigation over speculation. The recurring mention of specific locations like Brazil, Chile, China, and Russia, along with historical reports, suggests a focus on global UFO activity.

This issue of "Tekhnika – Molodezhi" (Technology for Youth) from October 1991, titled "UFO: The Hunt Continues," delves deeply into the serious, often secret, investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) by Soviet and Russian military and scientific institutions. The magazine presents a narrative that moves beyond mere sightings to explore the potential technological implications and national security concerns surrounding these phenomena.

The Soviet Military's Serious Approach to UFOs

The issue begins by highlighting that UFO investigations were once highly classified, even considered part of military doctrine. Former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Nikolai Antoshkin, shares his personal experience of witnessing UFOs and expresses frustration with the official dismissal of such phenomena as mere ball lightning. The article emphasizes that facts suggest these were advanced craft capable of incredible speeds.

Boris Sokolov, a former representative of the USSR Ministry of Defense, reveals his involvement in investigating three specific incidents that nearly led to global nuclear war. One such event occurred on October 4, 1983, involving a strategic missile division in Ukraine's Khmelnytsky Oblast. Unidentified flying objects appeared, and their presence triggered an automated system that nearly launched a nuclear missile. The incident was attributed to the appearance of several unknown flying objects in the sky, moving in ways beyond known terrestrial technology.

Alexander Plaksin, a leading expert on anomalous aerospace phenomena for the Russian Ministry of Defense, details the critical moments of the 1983 incident. At 21:30 Moscow time, the command post of the missile division experienced a sudden activation of the combat system, with indicators lighting up, including the 'Launch' signal.

Declassified Documents and Secret Laboratories

The magazine presents documents from the archives of a secret laboratory, Spec-laboratory 22 of the Central Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, established in Mytishchi in 1979. This laboratory was tasked with collecting information on UFOs. A document titled "List of persons who observed UFOs" is shown, indicating the extensive nature of these observations.

UFO Theories and Hypotheses

Alexander Plaksin discusses over 20 theories regarding anomalous phenomena, categorizing them into four main groups: natural plasma formations, artificial plasma created by human intervention, extraterrestrial civilizations, and parallel realities. He stresses that all hypotheses are considered valid and not dismissed.

The Petrozavodsk Phenomenon

A significant case discussed is the 'Petrozavodsk Phenomenon' from September 1977. During a secret meeting, the President of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Aleksandrov, declared that the problem of UFOs could no longer be ignored. A secret commission was formed, which included Colonel Sokolov. Over Petrozavodsk, a large, disc-shaped object emitting light beams was observed. While the official explanation was a failed missile launch, the incident left behind peculiar, perfectly round holes in windows across the city, even on higher floors. An expert analysis of these holes, initially attributed to projectiles, was later revealed to be caused by a powerful laser, possibly from the observed object.

Soviet UFO Research Programs: 'Setka' and 'Galaktika'

Following the Petrozavodsk event, the term 'UFO' was officially recognized in the USSR. The first Soviet program to study these phenomena was codenamed 'Setka,' focusing on identifying their nature, origin, and impact. Later, in 1980, a secret directive from the General Staff outlined procedures for military personnel encountering UFOs, referred to as 'Anomalous Aerospace Phenomena' (AAP). The program 'Setka' received a flood of reports from military units. By 1980, the secret program 'Galaktika' was initiated as a continuation of 'Setka,' followed by 'Gorizont' in 1985.

Military Statistics and the '15%' Enigma

Through these programs, the Ministry of Defense compiled its own statistics on UFOs. Approximately 85% of sightings were attributed to natural phenomena or missile launches. However, the remaining 15% remained unexplained, becoming the focus of intense investigation.

Aggressive UFO Encounters

Nikolai Antoshkin recounts sightings in regions like Taldy-Kurgan and Dalny Vostok, where aircraft approaching UFOs would suddenly disappear. A particularly alarming incident involved Guards Lieutenant Boris Korotkov near Kaliningrad in October 1981, who was attacked by a UFO. His aircraft sustained damage, and its flight recorder ('black box') failed, a critical failure usually indicating the aircraft's destruction. The pilot miraculously landed the damaged aircraft.

UFOs and Plasma

Plaksin notes that UFOs often appeared near military installations. The common characteristic of these objects, regardless of their behavior, was their resemblance to plasma clouds. Vladimir Rusanov, director of the Institute of Hydrogen Energy and Plasma Technologies, explains that plasma is the fundamental state of matter in the universe, forming stars and other celestial bodies.

The HAARP Project and Weaponization

The magazine discusses the possibility of UFOs being advanced technological devices. The US HAARP project is presented as a facility capable of creating large plasma formations in the ionosphere using powerful radio waves. The article speculates that this technology, if weaponized, could disrupt or destroy incoming missiles and aircraft, effectively replicating the effects observed from UFOs. However, the uncontrolled nature of such powerful plasma phenomena is highlighted as a significant risk, potentially leading to global catastrophes, including the Earth being thrown off its orbit.

'Angel Hair' and Other Phenomena

The issue also touches upon 'angel hair,' a mysterious, web-like substance sometimes found after UFO sightings. Analysis of this material revealed a unique composition, unlike any known natural substance. The article suggests it might be related to the energy discharge or materialization processes of UFOs.

The 'Wave' Theory of UFO Sightings

David Saunders' theory on 'waves' of UFO sightings is presented, suggesting that sightings are not random but occur in cyclical patterns with specific time intervals. This theory, while having some predictive success, is noted as not being universally applicable.

Conclusion: A New Era of Physics and Danger

The article concludes that humanity has entered a new era of physics, with the potential for both interstellar travel and planetary destruction. The study and potential replication of UFO technology have become a dangerous game, with the full truth about these experiments and observations likely to remain secret for a long time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the seriousness with which UFOs were treated by military and scientific establishments, the potential for UFO technology to be weaponized, and the ongoing secrecy surrounding these investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of revealing hidden truths and highlighting the profound implications of UFO phenomena for national security and the future of humanity, suggesting that the pursuit of understanding and potentially replicating these advanced technologies carries immense risks.

This issue of "Секретные исследования" (Secret Investigations) from December 2001, compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gershtein, delves into a variety of anomalous phenomena, UFO sightings, and related psychological and historical topics. The magazine aims to provide in-depth analysis and credible research, distinguishing itself from sensationalist publications.

Imaginary Abductions: The Lawson Experiment

The issue begins by detailing an experiment conducted in 1977 by Professor Alvin Lawson with three colleagues. They hypnotized four student volunteers, inducing them to believe they had been abducted by aliens. The students' accounts bore striking resemblances to those of alleged alien abductees, with sensations similar to those experienced under drugs or near-death experiences. Lawson termed this "contact syndrome," attributing it to a collective reaction of the brain to various stimuli. He identified common elements in these experiences: bright lights, musical sounds, a sense of leaving the body, movement through a tunnel, encountering a luminous being, rapid life review, and physical or moral examination. Lawson theorized that a common psychological matrix underlies these phenomena, suggesting that while the experiences might feel real to the individual, they do not necessarily prove actual alien contact, but rather occur on a psychological level.

Psychologist Hilgard suggested that abductions are a result of an "illusory mechanism," a product of imagination amplified by experience, akin to dreams. M. Persinger proposed that intense, realistic imagery could be triggered by the influence of the Earth's electric field, potentially causing loss of consciousness or paralysis. Critics of Lawson's experiment pointed out that in the 1970s, it was difficult to find people unfamiliar with UFOs in California. However, the article counters that this is also true for alleged abductees, and while their experiences might be genuine, details could be influenced by their "cultural background" preceding the abduction.

A key distinction highlighted is that "real abductees" exhibit strong emotional reactions under hypnosis, whereas "imaginary abductees" recount their experiences more like a TV show. The article notes this distinction is not definitive, as those who don't fear or have nightmares might not seek out researchers.

Bud Hopkins conducted a similar experiment with less successful results, where participants who had not been abducted could not produce narratives similar to real cases, with their stories being largely influenced by TV shows and recent medical visits.

Claude Vorilhon (Rael)

The article briefly mentions Claude Vorilhon, a former sports journalist who, after an alleged encounter in December 1973, adopted the pseudonym Rael and founded a widely spread sect named after him (the Raelian movement).

Voronezh Events

This section details the widely publicized mass UFO and alien sightings in Voronezh, Russia, in late September and early October 1989. According to "Komsomolskaya Pravda," several dozen people witnessed a strange pink glow that transformed into a bright pink ball, approximately 10 meters in diameter. The object hovered, then descended to about 15 meters, opening a hatch from which a three-eyed, human-like creature in a silver suit with a disk on its chest emerged. The creature was described as having bronze-colored boots. After a brief period, the object landed, damaging a poplar tree. Two three-meter-tall beings exited, one of whom appeared to be a mechanical robot-scout. The beings' actions, including the robot's movements, were observed for about 10-20 minutes before they re-entered the craft. One of the beings reportedly froze a crying boy with a stern look. The beings then re-entered the sphere, which flew away. It returned minutes later, and a three-eyed being with a tube-like device on its side emerged. This being pointed the device at a 16-year-old, who then vanished before everyone's eyes, only to reappear later with no memory of the event.

Scientists, including candidate of sciences Yu. Lozovtsev and G. Silanov, used dowsing to identify the landing site, finding a 20-meter diameter area with four indentations and a drilled hole, suggesting a soil sample was taken.

The local newspaper "Molodoy kommunar" reported multiple landings in the park between September 21 and 27, with descriptions of indentations and a disc-shaped object that landed on a platform formed by its supports. This platform reportedly disintegrated upon takeoff.

Witnesses described three categories of beings: tall "three-eyed" beings (with two white eyes and a red central eye without a pupil) in silver suits, approximately three meters tall; a robot-like entity; and short beings with grayish-green faces and blue cloaks. The robot was described as a box with antennas and buttons on its chest, activated by the "three-eyed" beings. The beings used a retractable ladder to enter and exit their craft.

Another account from October 2 describes a man seeing a disc-shaped object with four legs, about 6 meters high and 15 meters in diameter, near a tire factory. A tall figure emerged, wearing a suit with a square on its chest, and used a probe on the ground. The object then departed, emitting a faint squeak.

Criticism and Bibliography

This section reviews current ufological periodicals and new books. A rating system is used: (+) throw away immediately; [++] complete nonsense; [+++] so-so, worth reading for interest; [++++] good; [+++++] excellent, highly recommended.

The review highlights "God, Immortality, and Parapsychology" by Rashid Mardanov (2001), noting that while not strictly ufological, it contains a chapter on UFOs. Mardanov posits that UFOs are craft piloted by future descendants who have achieved spiritual evolution, mastered psychic technologies, and developed a psychogenic civilization. They have allegedly mastered teleportation and chronoportation, allowing them to travel through space and time.

Announcements

This section announces the subscription availability for the newspaper "Секретные исследования" (Secret Investigations) in Russia. It describes the publication as a leading source for anomalous and unknown topics, praised for its in-depth analysis and commitment to accuracy, distinguishing it from publications that rely on rumors and fabrications. The newspaper features contributions from prominent researchers like Vadim Andreev, Mikhail Gershtein, Genrikh Silanov, Dr. Carol Rosin (USA), and Paul Stonehill. It emphasizes that the paper provides readers with new perspectives and insights, encouraging critical thinking.

The announcement details how to subscribe, providing the index number (35829) and pricing for monthly, three-month, and six-month subscriptions. It stresses that subscriptions are important for supporting independent researchers by funding their honoraria.

Miscellaneous

Underwater City in the New World

Scientists using a miniature submarine discovered stone structures resembling a large ancient city at a depth of 600 meters near Cuba's Guanahacabibes peninsula. These structures are estimated to be six thousand years old, predating the Egyptian pyramids by 1,500 years. The discovery supports the theory that Cuba was once connected to the Yucatan peninsula. The Canadian company "ADC," involved in searching for "lost cities," also found the wreckage of the USS Maine, sunk during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

What Fell in Spain?

An investigation is underway regarding a meter-deep hole found on the bank of an irrigation canal near Castellón, Spain. No suspicious sounds or traces of radioactivity or toxic substances were detected. Attempts to retrieve a suspected meteorite from the mud filling the hole were unsuccessful. A team of scientists is investigating the phenomenon, but no conclusions have been reported yet.

• The issue was completed at 12 AM on December 14, 2001. Compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gershtein (Saint Petersburg).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena, presenting detailed accounts and scientific or pseudoscientific analyses. It champions independent research and critical inquiry, aiming to uncover truths behind anomalies. The editorial stance appears to favor the exploration of these topics with a degree of skepticism towards sensationalism, emphasizing credible evidence and expert analysis. The inclusion of psychological interpretations of alleged abductions and historical mysteries like underwater cities suggests a broad interest in the intersection of human perception, history, and the unknown. The magazine also promotes its own publication as a vital resource for those interested in these subjects.