UFO Navigator - No 033 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," the Russian ufological digest, dated April 2002 (Issue No. 33), features a quote from Captain Gaston Kervandale emphasizing the importance of thoroughly investigating UFO phenomena. The cover headlines highlight a giant object in geostationary orbit, 'unidentified lights' over two continents, and a discussion on perceptions of UFOs.

News Briefs

The news section includes a variety of short reports: the 23rd Ziegeler Readings conference in Moscow, Japanese discovery of a UFO in geostationary orbit, a 'sphere' over Argentina possibly linked to a launch from Plesetsk, alleged attacks by a 'Chupacabra,' crop circle statistics for 2001, a rectangular UFO over Northern Italy, a 'rocket bombardment' in Uganda, a 'slight miscalculation' regarding asteroids, and general space news.

23rd Ziegeler Readings Conference

The issue details the 23rd Ziegeler Readings, a major Russian ufology conference that faced significant organizational challenges. The conference was unexpectedly moved from its long-time venue, the 'Meridian' Cultural Center, to the DK 'Moskvich' just before it was to take place. Despite heroic efforts by organizers like Alexander Semenov and his association 'Ecology of the Unknown,' attendance was notably low, partly due to a new fee of 50 rubles and a poorly published program. The first part of the conference was dedicated to commemorating deceased ufologists, including A. S. Kuzovkin, Yu. A. Fomin, A. F. Okhatrin, and N. A. Nosov. A curious fact emerged: not all of Kuzovkin's archives were destroyed; some were scanned and transferred to a CD.

The author contrasts the conference with a previous one in November 2000, which also saw low attendance despite being free. A correspondent's description from 'Versiya' (November 28, 2000) is quoted, likening the event to an 'outpatient session of the Academy of Sciences in a psychiatric hospital,' noting the mix of scientists and enthusiasts with potentially 'delusional' ideas.

The section on research and expeditions was described as livelier, though not necessarily more scientific. Speakers were cautioned against presenting subjective feelings or photographs as proof of phenomena like underground bases. Sergey Alexandrov, deputy coordinator of 'Kosmopoisk,' presented on 'Truth and Fiction in the History of Fascist 'Flying Saucers,' concluding that German archives revealed no evidence of such craft, though the author questions the completeness of the archives searched.

"Mysterious Lights" Over Bavaria

On Saturday, April 6, 2002, a spectacular aerial phenomenon occurred over Bavaria, Germany, causing panic and numerous calls to police. Described as a 'fantastic, incredible spectacle,' it was reported as an 'unregulated night light show of natural origin.' While some speculated it was something burning up in the atmosphere, a meteorologist preferred to remain anonymous. A Reuters TV correspondent described it as an 'enormous fireworks display.' Pilots also reported seeing 'unusual lights,' but radar systems detected no unusual targets. Police found no evidence of a fallen celestial body. The event was later observed in other regions of Germany and even Austria, accompanied by sounds of explosions.

Initial reports suggested a connection to a NASA announcement about falling rocket parts. However, NASA later clarified that the debris was expected to fall in Central Asia. A subsequent report in 'Der Spiegel' suggested a meteorite had landed, with a farmer finding a crater and a meteorite. However, this explanation was later refuted by a German scientist, Dieter Heinlein, who identified the object as a piece of slag, though he believed meteorites had fallen in the area. The origin of the meter-deep crater remained unexplained.

In response to these events, the Central European section of MUFON decided to establish an all-German center for UFO information collection and research.

Japanese Discover UFO in Geostationary Orbit

On April 4, 2002, Japanese astronomers reported the discovery of a mysterious object approximately 50 meters in diameter in geostationary orbit over East Asia. The object was carefully maintaining its position, suggesting artificial origin. While it could be a secret American spy satellite, the possibility of an extraterrestrial origin was not ruled out. The object was reportedly visible even with binoculars. Experts suggest that the US has been launching large, secret satellites for electronic espionage since the 1970s, with large parabolic antennas being deployed since the late 1980s.

"Sphere" Over Argentina: Launch from Plesetsk?

On April 1 and 2, 2002, a mysterious object was observed over Rosario, Argentina. Described as a 'transparent sphere of regular shape with a diameter of 30-50 meters,' it flew at an altitude of 600 meters before stopping and disappearing. Many witnesses reported seeing a luminous core within the 'spherical cloud.' While the National Weather Service ruled out a weather balloon, and astronomers suggested atmospheric discharge, skeptic James Oberg proposed that the sightings were likely caused by the launch of a Russian military early warning satellite, 'Oko' (Cosmos-2388), from Plesetsk. The observed phenomenon might have been the purging of residual fuel from the rocket's final stage.

Chupacabra Attacks Human

An incident in Chile involved a miner being attacked by a 'Chupacabra,' resulting in serious injuries. This is reported as the first registered case of a Chupacabra attack on a human in Chile. The creature was described as typical of the 'Chupacabra.' The attack led to miners refusing to work alone at night. The Chupacabra also left its mark on a chicken coop in Talcahuano, and sightings were reported near Tonko, Argentina, leading to fears of livestock destruction.

Crop Circles - 2001 Statistics

The International Circle Archive (ICCA) reported 197 crop circle formations registered in 14 countries in 2001, a 30% decrease from 2000. The ICCA attributed this decline to cold winters and wet springs in Europe, as well as restrictions due to the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in the UK, which may have deterred pranksters. The UK had the highest number of formations (104), followed by Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands. The peak season for crop circles was summer, with August having the most reported formations.

Rectangular UFO Over Northern Italy

On February 19, 2002, residents of Revello, Italy, witnessed a rectangular UFO hovering over hills. The object, described as large as a car, was seen descending into a forest and then disappearing.

"Rocket Bombardment" of Uganda

On the night of April 3, 2002, residents in western Uganda reported seeing eight fiery spheres in the sky, leaving bright trails. Initially thought to be rockets from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ugandan army later stated they were meteorites. However, subsequent evidence suggested an artificial origin, possibly a fragment of a space rocket.

"Slight Miscalculation" with Asteroids

European astronomers concluded that there are twice as many large asteroids (over 1 km in diameter) orbiting between Mars and Jupiter than previously estimated. Initial surveys using infrared satellite equipment suggest a population of 1.1 to 1.9 million such bodies, far exceeding the cataloged number. While this discovery is significant, it is noted that it does not immediately increase the risk of asteroid impact, as the focus has not been on calculating close approaches to Earth.

Space News

Recent space news includes the Cassini probe's orbital correction en route to Saturn, with its arrival at Saturn planned for July 1, 2004, and the Huygens probe's descent to Titan on January 14, 2005. NASA also reported that the surface of comet Borrelly, as photographed by the Deep Space-1 probe, differs from prevailing theories, showing no signs of frozen water, suggesting it is hidden beneath a dark crust.

Following Up on Publications

The issue revisits previous reports, including a mayor in Puerto Rico who believes he saw a UFO and wants to build a ufological observatory, and the mayor of Quintero, Chile, who has reported multiple UFO sightings. A group of ufologists from Chile's Civil Aviation Administration has been sent to investigate.

Local Reports

• UFOs in Rostov-on-Don: On April 5, 2002, residents reported a gigantic plasmoid object resembling the Moon flying over the city.
• Glowing in Markhalivka Forest: UFO Landings? A witness reported a bluish glow in a forest that caused a car engine to stall and a compass to malfunction, with a shallow funnel-shaped depression found nearby.

Our Calendar (This Day ... Years Ago)

• Portage County UFO Chase. 1966: A UFO was pursued for over an hour by police and civilians in Ohio.
• First reports of "Bulgarian tetrahedrons." 1967: An unidentified flying object was observed and photographed over Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
• "Hemisphere" over the railway. 1979: A machinist reported seeing a glowing object resembling a hemisphere over a railway station in the Moscow region.
• Mass sightings over Southern Russia. 1990: Mysterious spheres were observed over cities and towns in southern Russia and the Caucasus region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, astronomical discoveries, and the ongoing efforts of ufologists to document and understand these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous events, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous evidence. The magazine aims to inform readers about the latest developments in ufology and related fields, encouraging a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject.

This issue of "UFO Research" (Volume 1980, Issue 37) focuses on the intricate relationship between anomalous phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the human perception and interpretation of these events. It critically examines the reliability of witness testimony, exploring the psychological, physiological, and environmental factors that can distort observations. The magazine also touches upon various hypotheses attempting to explain UFO phenomena and highlights the activities of UFO research organizations.

Key Articles and Content

Eyewitness Accounts and Object Characteristics

The issue begins with several anecdotal accounts of UFO sightings. One report from April 4, 1990, describes a hat-like object emitting a bright, pulsating beam of light, similar to a rocket but without sound. This sighting was corroborated by other drivers. Another account from the same date details a worker observing a hat-like object with an orange halo, which later appeared as a white sphere. The article notes that reports from Volnovakha mentioned objects of various shapes, including cigar-shaped and truncated cones.

These observations are linked to potential "active experiments" conducted at the Kapustin Yar rocket range, though official confirmation was not obtained. The magazine also presents a report by Mikhail Gerstein, delivered on April 3, 2002, at the Russian Geographical Society, titled "Peculiarities of Witness Perception of Anomalous Phenomena and Their Consideration in Investigations." Gerstein emphasizes that witness accounts are often shaped by a chain of events, with potential inaccuracies arising at each link. He introduces the concept of "pseudo-UFOs," where ordinary objects are drastically distorted by the witness's mind, or even hallucinations.

The Psychology of Perception

Several sections delve into the complexities of visual perception and how it can be influenced. The article discusses how the brain constructs an image of an object, and how this image can differ significantly from reality. It explores cases where individuals, even with good eyesight, perceive the same object differently, or not at all. Examples include a 1964 sighting near Kastropol where some witnesses saw a bright yellow disc while others did not, and a 1974 incident near Vinnitsa with a similar yellow disc.

Various theories are presented to explain these discrepancies, including physical, parapsychological, or psychological influences on the observer. The concept of "negative hallucinations" is discussed, where a person fails to see an object due to a mental condition or suggestion. The theories of John Keel, suggesting a connection to psychic abilities, and Josta Rän, proposing the use of modulated electromagnetic waves to project images into the observer's mind, are mentioned. Alexander Kuzovkin's hypothesis about plasma-based UFOs with high pulsation rates, overwhelming the observer's brain, is also included.

Factors Affecting Observation and Memory

Further analysis explores how the physical environment and the observer's state can impact perception. Factors like atmospheric conditions (fog, haze, temperature variations) can distort light signals. The observer's physical and mental state, including fatigue, intoxication, or illness, can also significantly affect their ability to observe accurately. The article highlights the phenomenon of light adaptation, where the eye adjusts to different brightness levels, and color adaptation, which can temporarily alter color perception.

It is noted that while our vision generally provides a reliable representation of the world, individual differences in perception can lead to unique interpretations. The article discusses optical illusions, such as the "lunar illusion," where celestial bodies appear larger near the horizon due to perspective and the lack of reference points. Experiments involving viewing the Moon through a tube are cited to demonstrate how removing contextual cues can restore its perceived normal size.

Interpretation and Misinterpretation

The issue emphasizes that the interpretation of an observed image is heavily influenced by the witness's prior knowledge, experience, and expectations. The concept of "dominant need" is explored, where a person's strong desire or preoccupation can lead them to misinterpret stimuli. For instance, a hunter might mistake a non-animal object for game.

Psychological processes like generalization (attributing known characteristics to an unknown object), omission (discarding "unnecessary" details), and distortion (altering perceptions to fit existing beliefs) are discussed as mechanisms that can significantly alter witness accounts. The article points out that these processes can be exploited by criminals to mislead witnesses. Experiments in criminology and ufology have shown that even well-intentioned witnesses can provide inaccurate testimony, especially when questioned with leading questions or after a significant delay.

UFO Hypotheses and Research Organizations

The magazine touches upon various hypotheses for UFO phenomena, including the possibility of them being holograms or projections, especially in cases of "phantoms" appearing in modern buildings. The phenomenon of disembodied "voices" or telepathic communication is also discussed, with the suggestion that these might be caused by electromagnetic beams altering brainwave frequencies. However, it is cautioned that these experiences are more commonly symptoms of mental illness.

The issue introduces several UFO research organizations and prominent figures in the field. "Cosmopoisk" is presented as a public scientific research organization focused on studying anomalous phenomena, including UFOs, through expeditions and scientific research. It aims to unite researchers and promote a scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing the need to avoid past mistakes. The organization's activities, including planned expeditions for 2002, are detailed.

Brief profiles are provided for figures like Valentin Goltz, a Petersburg ufologist, and Vladimir Godic, an Australian ufologist. The article also mentions the "Blue Paper" project, a codename for UFO research conducted by the US Air Force. A critical review of a book titled "Mysteries of Anomalous Phenomena" by N. Nepomnyashchy is included, accusing the compiler of plagiarizing articles without permission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of interpreting UFO sightings, the unreliability of eyewitness testimony due to psychological and physiological factors, and the scientific methodologies employed in ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, advocating for rigorous investigation, a scientific approach, and a healthy skepticism towards anecdotal evidence, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena.

The magazine emphasizes the importance of objective data, such as photographic and video evidence, and multi-channel observations to mitigate the subjective nature of witness accounts. It promotes collaboration among researchers and encourages a systematic approach to understanding UFO phenomena, urging readers to join organizations like "Cosmopoisk" to contribute to the field.

This issue of Kosmopoisk, dated March 26, 2002, covers a range of anomalous phenomena and archaeological discoveries. It highlights ongoing expeditions and reports on unexplained events.

Expeditions in 2002

The magazine details several expeditions planned or conducted in 2002. These include continued studies of the Medveditskaya Ridge in the Volgograd Oblast, focusing on UFO landing sites, tree burns from ball lightning, ancient tunnels, and observations of anomalous objects and poltergeists. An expedition to the Krasnodar Krai in August 2002 aimed to investigate underground formations, dolmens, and document sightings of 'lizard-men' in the anomalous zone. September 2002 saw expeditions to Voronezh caves and Rdeyskoye Lake. Furthermore, "Kosmopoisk" announced its 2nd International Scientific Conference in Moscow in April 2003, inviting all members of the association.

Anomalous Phenomena in Ustyuzhna

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to unusual events in the small town of Ustyuzhna in the Vologda Oblast. Residents have reported not only visits from mysterious UFOs but also strange occurrences within their homes. The report includes an excerpt from a letter by local resident Lyuba Golovanova, describing an incident where a woman heard footsteps in her porch area, but found no one. Mysterious footprints appeared from the porch and disappeared near the fence, despite fresh snowfall that should have shown tracks. Similar footprints were also observed by a neighbor. In another instance, a woman reportedly saw a man in a grey sweater walk out of a house towards a mailbox and then vanish. A friend of Golovanova's, Mrs. S-na, experienced a strange event on March 8th, finding her hallway covered in red, frozen substance resembling blood or paint. Upon investigation, they found a dropped candy box with torn wrappers, candies scattered on the floor, and a bag of stale bread taken out for disposal. The hallway was red, and red footprints were found outside, which also ended abruptly. The doors to the porch were not locked.

Mysterious 'Spot' in the Gulf of Mexico

American scientists were surprised to discover a mysterious black spot in the Gulf of Mexico on a SeaWiFS satellite image. The nature of this anomaly, whether it's a bloom of algae, a colony of bacteria, or something else, remains unknown. The spot later divided into several parts but did not disappear. One scientist suggested it could be an underwater fountain bringing up polluted bottom water. Black waters were also observed from airplanes tracking fish shoals, with separate parts spreading over two hundred kilometers near the Florida Keys and west of the Florida peninsula. While no dead fish have washed ashore, local residents noted that fish behavior has become 'unusual'. Biologist Karen Steidinger stated she had never seen anything like it before.

Lost Inca City Discovered in Peru

An international team of archaeologists announced the discovery of a lost Inca city in Peru, believed to have served as a refuge after the Spanish conquest. The city, named Corihuayrachina, is located in the mountains, relatively close to Machu Picchu. It covers an area of over 1500 acres near the peak of Cerro Victoria in southeastern Peru. The ruins consist of approximately one hundred houses, storage facilities, burial sites, and other structures surrounding a pyramid built on a hilltop. The complex includes a ceremonial platform and an 8-kilometer-long irrigation channel. This discovery is considered the most significant since 1965, when American archaeologist Jenner Savoy found the ruins of Vilcabamba, another Inca refuge city, in the jungle. Expedition leader Peter Frost expressed hope that the city will help 'restore some gaps in Inca history,' noting that none of the Spanish conquistadors reached this area. Reaching the city today is described as very difficult, with archaeologists taking four days to ascend.

Publication Details

The issue was completed at 1:00 AM on April 15, 2002. It was compiled and prepared by Mikhail Gerstein from Saint Petersburg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and anomalous zones, reflecting an ongoing commitment to investigating the unknown. It also highlights archaeological discoveries that shed light on ancient civilizations and potential hidden histories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and reporting on a wide range of unusual events and findings, encouraging further research and discussion.