UFO Navigator - No 035 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (May 2002, No. 35) is a Russian ufological digest that delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena and related investigations. The cover prominently features the question, "What Lies Behind UFO Explosions?" alongside mentions of CIA reports and the reality of the Grebennikov graviplanes. It also includes a quote from Professor James Cook of the Singaporean University, who asserts that UFOs are an objective reality and the product of extraterrestrial civilizations.

Key Topics and Articles

UFO Explosions and Sightings

The issue opens with a section on "News," highlighting several intriguing reports:

• "Cattle Mutilation" in Argentina: A report from La Pampa describes the discovery of three cows found with strange surgical-like cuts, with no signs of struggle. Local authorities suspect "flying saucers," which have been sighted in the area previously.
• "Flying Saucers" over Venezuela: A UFO was observed over Caracas, described as a bright object flying back and forth. Later, a luminous beam of white light was seen maneuvering for two hours. Subsequent sightings on April 29 and 30 included a "strange light" that was photographed by witnesses.
• UFO over a Monastery in Serbia: A glowing, elliptical object was seen rotating and changing speed over the Koporin monastery near Velika Plana. It emitted a blue-white light for 15 minutes before disappearing.
• "Black Panther" from an "Anomalous Zone" in the UK: Near Matlock, Derbyshire, an unusual animal, described as a black panther, was seen. This area is known for frequent UFO sightings.
• "Taрелкопад" (Saucer Fall/Event): This section details several incidents of mysterious aerial phenomena:
• France: On April 6, 2002, an eyewitness in Eastern France saw a "falling fiery ball" that disappeared without exploding. Searches by firefighters and police were unsuccessful.
• UK: On April 17, a UFO resembling a "huge rocket" was seen flying from Bristol to Radstock. It split into three parts and disappeared or exploded. The Ministry of Defence began an investigation because the sighting occurred near military installations.
• USA: On April 18, a bright bluish sphere appeared over Melbourne Beach, Florida, with a smaller orbiting object. The main object then exploded.

Pilot's Encounter in Chechnya

A pilot named Alexey recounts an incident in September 1991 near Grozny, Chechnya, during his flight training. His aircraft's navigational instruments malfunctioned, and he experienced unusual radio silence followed by frantic transmissions from air traffic control. He describes seeing an object that was not an aircraft, which moved erratically and disappeared.

UFO Investigations by the CIA

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an investigation by CIA historian Gerald K. Haines titled "The Topic That Refuses to Die: The Role of the CIA in UFO Research, 1947-1990." This article, based on a declassified CIA report, explores the agency's long-standing interest and involvement in UFO phenomena.

• Early CIA Involvement (1947-1952): The CIA began monitoring UFO reports in the late 1940s, particularly during the Cold War. They established a special research group to assess the national security implications. The agency was concerned about potential Soviet exploitation of the UFO phenomenon for psychological warfare or to overload US air defense systems.
• Project Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book: The article details the US Air Force's projects to investigate UFOs. Project Sign (1948) aimed to collect and analyze UFO information, initially fearing Soviet technology but later concluding most sightings were explainable. Project Grudge (late 1940s) was a public relations campaign to debunk UFOs, attributing them to mundane causes. Project Blue Book (1950s-1960s) was the largest USAF effort to study UFOs.
• Robertson Panel (1952-1953): A panel of scientists, convened by the CIA, reviewed UFO evidence. They concluded that most sightings could be explained by natural phenomena or misidentification, but recommended continued monitoring due to the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. They also warned that the continuous stream of UFO reports could strain government resources and potentially be exploited by adversaries.
• CIA's Perspective: The CIA's interest stemmed from concerns about national security and the potential for mass hysteria. They sought to understand if UFO research was objective and what resources were needed. The agency also considered the potential use of UFO phenomena in psychological warfare.

Historical UFO Cases

• "Spacecraft" over East Germany (1965): An officer described witnessing two fiery points that developed into a "spacecraft" resembling two coupled rockets flying horizontally at high altitude.
• Object Falling in Bolivia (1978): Reports from Salta, Argentina, and La Paz, Bolivia, described an object resembling a "football" falling and exploding near the Argentinian-Bolivian border. While authorities identified it as a satellite, some investigators, like Pedro Romaniuk and Kevin Randle, believe it was a UFO.
• "Broken Sky" over Reshetnikovo (1980): A signalwoman reported a strong flash of light followed by the sky appearing to "crack open" into a black void, accompanied by a widespread power outage.
• "Flying Rhombus" over Crimea (1990): An eyewitness near Yalta observed a glowing red-orange spot that, through binoculars, appeared as a dark gray rhomboid object with a projector beam and flashing red lights. It moved horizontally before disappearing.

Cosmic News

• Mars Global Surveyor: The issue notes that the Mars Global Surveyor has added over 15,000 new images of the Martian surface to NASA's online archive.
• Clonaid and Human Cloning: The magazine reports on Clonaid, a company linked to the Raëlian movement, announcing the start of human cloning and the implantation of a cloned embryo into a volunteer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO Navigator" maintains a consistent focus on the unexplained, presenting a mix of contemporary sightings and historical investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and eyewitness accounts while also exploring official investigations and potential cover-ups. There's a clear emphasis on the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for UFOs and the challenges governments face in addressing public interest and potential national security threats related to the phenomenon. The inclusion of CIA documents and historical projects highlights a long-standing official engagement with the topic, even if the public perception is one of secrecy. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments and historical context in the field of ufology.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated to the 1950s, delves into the complex and often secretive history of UFO investigations, primarily focusing on the role of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and its interactions with other government bodies and the public. The magazine explores the findings of various commissions, the impact of classified military projects on UFO sightings, and the persistent public demand for transparency.

The Robertson Commission and Early CIA Involvement

The issue begins by detailing the recommendations of the Robertson Commission, which concluded that UFOs did not represent a threat to national security. The commission advised the government to initiate a policy of 'public enlightenment' through media and public outreach to debunk UFO reports. This recommendation was made during the McCarthy era, leading to concerns about the commission also suggesting surveillance of private UFO groups for anti-American activities. The commission's findings mirrored those of earlier Air Force and CIA projects, which also found no evidence of extraterrestrial visitation or national security threats. Following these conclusions, the CIA reportedly scaled back its direct involvement in UFO research, aiming to keep its role secret to avoid public scrutiny and potential misinterpretations.

Shifting Priorities and the U-2 Influence

In the 1950s, the CIA's focus on UFOs diminished. Officials like Tod Odarenko expressed reluctance to dedicate significant time to UFO studies, suggesting that only a minimal effort be made to maintain UFO-related files. However, despite this internal de-emphasis, external concerns persisted, particularly regarding Soviet advancements in technology and rumors of German engineers developing 'flying saucer' weapons under Soviet direction. The launch of the high-altitude U-2 reconnaissance aircraft in 1954, developed by Lockheed, inadvertently led to a surge in UFO sightings. The silver U-2 planes, flying at altitudes far above commercial airliners, were often mistaken for unidentified objects, especially during dawn and dusk. Project Blue Book investigators, aware of the U-2 program, attempted to explain these sightings as natural phenomena or temperature inversions, linking many reports to the secret flights. The CIA and Air Force maintained secrecy around the U-2 program, contributing to public suspicion about a government cover-up.

Public Pressure and Declassification Efforts

Throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, public pressure mounted for the government to declassify its UFO-related documents. UFOlogists like Donald Keyhoe and organizations such as NICAP and APRO actively campaigned for transparency. The CIA, while officially denying direct involvement, continued to monitor UFO reports, particularly in the context of the Cold War and potential Soviet technological advancements. The agency's reluctance to declassify the full Robertson Commission report and other related documents fueled conspiracy theories. Despite assurances that the CIA was not actively researching UFOs, efforts to obtain information persisted. In 1975, William Spalding of GSW filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, leading to the eventual release of 355 CIA documents related to UFOs in 1978. However, the redacted nature of these documents and the CIA's continued secrecy only intensified public distrust.

The Condon Committee and Later Investigations

In response to public pressure and recommendations from the O'Brien Committee, the Air Force initiated a more intensive study of UFOs, contracting the University of Colorado to conduct the research under Dr. Edward U. Condon. The Condon Committee, despite its 'agnostic' stance, ultimately concluded that UFOs did not pose a threat and that the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitation was the least probable explanation. The committee's report recommended the closure of Project Blue Book. The CIA maintained a cautious approach, offering unofficial cooperation to the Condon Committee through its photography interpretation center, but insisted on maintaining a degree of separation and secrecy. The CIA's role in the Robertson Commission and other UFO investigations remained a subject of debate and suspicion.

Ongoing Debates and Conspiracy Theories

The magazine highlights the persistent public belief in UFOs and government cover-ups, even after official investigations concluded. The Roswell incident of 1947 and the controversial 'Majestic-12' documents are discussed as examples of how UFO phenomena continue to fuel public skepticism towards government transparency. The issue concludes by noting that while official UFO investigations have largely ceased, interest in related phenomena like parapsychology and psychic abilities has continued within some intelligence circles. The enduring nature of UFO beliefs is attributed to a combination of emotional appeal and a deep-seated distrust of government.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is the historical entanglement of government agencies, particularly the CIA, with the UFO phenomenon. The magazine emphasizes the tension between official investigations that concluded UFOs were not a threat and the persistent public belief in extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination of official narratives, highlighting instances of secrecy, potential misinformation, and the public's right to know. The issue suggests that despite official pronouncements, the UFO question remains a potent symbol of government opacity and public distrust.

This issue of "Tekhnika-Molodezhi" (Technology-Youth), specifically a special issue focused on UFOs from 1994, delves into several intriguing and often controversial topics within the realm of unexplained phenomena and fringe science. The cover prominently features the "Grebenikov Graviplans" and also mentions "Gremlins." The magazine includes articles on alleged technological inventions, folklore, personal accounts of UFO encounters, and archaeological anomalies.

Grebenikov Graviplans

The lead article discusses the alleged construction of a "graviplans" by Viktor Stepanovich Grebenikov (1927-2001), an entomologist from Krasnoobsk, Novosibirsk Oblast. The first reports of its successful tests appeared two years later in Grebenikov's own publications in "Molodost Sibiri" (1992) and "Tekhnika-Molodezhi" (1993). According to these articles, in 1988, while studying the microstructure of the wing casings of certain insects (species undisclosed, to protect them from other researchers), Grebenikov discovered an antigravitational effect. He then recreated this structure on a larger scale, creating a "clumsy but reasonably functional graviplans." He claimed to have tested it in a night flight from Krasnoobsk to Novosibirsk and back on the night of March 17-18, 1990. Reports of UFO sightings by residents of Novosibirsk that same night were attributed to his flight.

Photographs allegedly showing the graviplans' launch were later critically examined in "Tekhnika-Molodezhi" ("UFO" special issue, 1994). Engineer L. Popov noted that the shadows and their density in the images suggested a forgery. Popov also argued that the depicted craft would be extremely unstable, as its narrow width would make it prone to tipping over with even slight deviations of the pilot's body. He suggested that controlling such a device would require "virtuosic precision" and "fantastic reaction" from the pilot, comparable to a circus performer on an unstable pyramid.

Despite the skepticism, the article notes that the graviplans did exist as an artifact. It was displayed for several years at the VASKHNIL institute museum in Krasnoobsk. After that, Grebenikov reportedly took it and destroyed it. Even near his death, Grebenikov maintained that the flight had occurred and the graviplans was destroyed because "it is too early for us to know such things."

Discussions about the graviplans' design and studies of Grebenikov's articles and books have not yet led to any new discoveries.

Gremlins

This section describes gremlins as mythical tiny, human-like creatures that allegedly sabotaged aircraft engines during wartime. It suggests these legends might have originated from pilot hallucinations caused by oxygen deprivation at high altitudes or G-forces. The belief in gremlins was so widespread that Allied air forces reportedly adorned their planes with talismans to ward them off. A common superstition was that gremlins wouldn't harm a plane if a "gremlin-catcher"—an empty beer bottle—was present in the aircraft. Rumors also mentioned "fifinellas" (female gremlins), who were considered even more malevolent than the males. The belief in gremlins largely faded in the early 1950s, but skeptical ufologists still sometimes invoke them to explain UFO sightings by experienced pilots, suggesting that pilots in wartime "saw" similar phenomena.

Gabriel Green (1924-2001)

Gabriel Green is presented as one of the most famous American contactees. Born in Whittier, California, he worked as a professional photographer. He became involved in "contacteeism" and founded the "Los Angeles Group for Interplanetary Research" in 1956. This group evolved into the "Aerial Phenomena Society of America" (AFSCA) in 1959, which at its peak had over five thousand members from the US and 23 other countries. Green claimed to have seen "flying saucers" over a hundred times and maintained "telepathic contact" with "space brothers." His claimed addresses for these "brothers" included planets like Venus, Mars, and Saturn, which the article notes are clearly uninhabitable, suggesting Green's claims were made without knowledge of future space exploration. He also claimed communication with beings from farther reaches like Alpha Centauri.

In 1960, Green claimed his "space brothers" urged him to run for US President. He withdrew his candidacy in favor of John F. Kennedy. In 1962, Green was elected to the California State Senate, receiving over 171,000 votes. He ran for president again in 1972 but lost in the first round. Green co-authored the book "Let's Face the Facts About Flying Saucers" (1967) with Warren Smith and was the editor of the AFSCA journal "Flying Saucer International." Gabriel Green passed away in 2001, reportedly unable to cope with the shock of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Criticism and Bibliography

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

"Who Are We? Where Are We From?" by Ivan Katyukhin

The review critiques Ivan Katyukhin's book "Who Are We? Where Are We From?" (2001), published by "Armada-Press." Despite a cover featuring a "green man," the book reportedly contains little about ufology. Instead, it focuses on debunking three cases: "Exactly at 4:10," "The Vashk Object," and "The UFO Crash near Dalnegorsk." Katyukhin playfully names UFOs "Pati-Fers" and "Pati-Tags" and offers explanations for their origin. The review highlights the book's pseudoscientific premise: that humans are all aliens, and Earth's destiny was altered by a civilization from Phaeton, which, suffering from a lack of oxygen, destroyed their planet and migrated to Earth, bringing their culture and technology. However, this culture was lost due to a global flood, ice age, and other catastrophes. The author admits to having only attended aviation school and being self-taught, which, according to the reviewer, allowed him to write "four hundred pages of pure nonsense."

Announcements

Conference on V. G. Azhazha

Details are provided for the 10th anniversary International Ufology Conference "Ufology and Bioenergoinformation at the Turn of the Century," organized by the Academy of Informational and Applied Ufology (AIPUFO) and the International Ufological Association (MUA). The conference was scheduled for October 26-27 in Moscow, at the Institute of Microeconomics. It invited colleagues to share scientific results and discuss organizational matters. The schedule included presentations of 20 minutes, communications of 10 minutes, and debates of 5 minutes. Projection and audio equipment, including simultaneous translation, were to be provided.

Help Make a Unique UFO Video Recording!

A plea is made for assistance in obtaining a video camera for someone in the Dnepropetrovsk region of Ukraine who regularly observes UFOs. The individual is offering a reward of $20 and a passport as collateral for a camera capable of shooting in twilight, which are estimated to cost around $500. The request asks for help from anyone with connections or knowledge of people in the region who might assist in this endeavor, suggesting the potential for a "masterpiece of documentary films about UFOs."

Miscellaneous

Poltergeist in Barnaul: Skeleton of a Giant Woman Found

This section reports on a severe poltergeist incident that occurred in Barnaul. The phenomena reportedly began on the evening of April 4th, involving a 62-year-old woman and a seventh-grade student. Objects like frying pans, slippers, and beer bottles were thrown, and furniture moved inexplicably. The poltergeist activity escalated, with objects being thrown at the occupants and even seemingly teleporting inedible items into their mouths. Neighbors also witnessed flying objects. The article notes that religious rituals and exorcism attempts were ineffective, and the poltergeist seemed to demonstrate its power by making occupants expel foreign objects, such as a razor blade and a door key.

The incident was reported in "Altaiskaya Pravda" on April 13, 2002. The poltergeist activity continued, with objects like a metal stool being thrown at a mirror, shattering it. The article mentions that the poltergeist seemed to target the student, Sasha, who was described as a "focal person" exhibiting signs of "demonic possession."

Skeleton of a Giant Woman Found

Separately, the issue reports on an archaeological discovery in the Tunisian village of Tajerouine. During construction work, excavators found a stone sarcophagus containing the skeleton of a woman approximately 2.3 meters tall, along with two skeletons of normal size. The burial was dated to the "Roman period" (roughly 150 BCE to 300 CE), based on a Latin inscription identifying the large skeleton as a "giant woman." Scientists believe the other skeletons belonged to her sons.

The article notes that giant skeletons have been found before in Africa, with a recent discovery in Morocco the previous year. Similar finds have been reported in America. In 1879, archaeologists in Indiana unearthed human bones from a skeleton measuring 2.9 meters. In 1925, during excavations in Walkerton, Indiana, eight giant skeletons ranging from 2.4 to 2.7 meters were found, some with remnants of copper armor and weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. It presents controversial claims, such as Grebenikov's graviplans and alleged giant skeletons, alongside more established folklore like gremlins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories, while also including critical analyses, such as the skepticism regarding the graviplans' photographs and the pseudoscientific nature of Katyukhin's book. The inclusion of conference announcements and requests for public assistance (like the UFO video) suggests an aim to engage readers and foster a community around these subjects. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting intriguing possibilities, even if they are not fully substantiated by mainstream science, and it highlights both historical and contemporary accounts of anomalous phenomena.