UFO Navigator - No 036 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator," dated May 2002 and identified as issue number 36 (0036), is a Russian ufological digest. The cover headline highlights a "Wave of UFO Sightings Over South America," with other prominent topics including a "Mysterious Find from the New World" in Ukraine and "Who Are Our Contactees?"

The issue opens with a quote from Major General I. B. Le Bailly, Director of the U.S. Air Force Information Department, stating that "Many inexplicable UFO reports come from intelligent people with good technical training, whose honesty cannot be doubted." This quote is attributed to a letter to the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board dated September 28, 1965.

News Briefs

The news section covers a variety of UFO-related incidents: the alleged abduction of a Chilean electrician, a giant "cigar"-shaped object seen over Argentina, a halo phenomenon in Florida causing panic, a "mysterious meteorite" falling in Jordan, summer UFOlogy events, a "ringed" UFO over Southern India, an "outdated" UFO scandal, the end of "The X-Files," and space news.

Abduction of a Chilean Electrician

Gabriel Encina, a 47-year-old Chilean electrician, claims he was abducted by a UFO six years prior while driving. He describes a bright light descending from a spherical object, causing him to lose consciousness. Upon waking, he found himself 12 km from the encounter site, with his watch stopped at 20:05, despite believing he was unconscious for over an hour. He reports persistent migraines and sleep disturbances due to the experience. The incident occurred between Los-Soses and Angol in the Araucanía region. Encina's account is corroborated by a more detailed report from the EFE agency. The area is noted for its high UFO activity, with a recent wave of sightings reported near Angol.

Giant "Cigar" Over Argentina

On May 1, 2002, three motorcyclists in Argentina reported observing a "fantastic spectacle": a giant, cigar-shaped object, approximately one hundred meters long, shining like a mirror and reflecting the setting sun. It flew about 200 meters above the ground, appearing to be made of polished metal. The object stopped and hovered before accelerating away at high speed. A similar object was reported over Embarcación on May 9, described as a meteorite or comet with a fiery trail.

Halo Causes Panic in Florida

On May 17, residents of Miami witnessed concentric rings around the sun, identified by meteorologist Rusty Pfrost as a common optical effect (a solar halo). However, many Floridians panicked, interpreting it as a sign of the apocalypse. The event was followed by normal rainfall.

"Mysterious Meteorite" Falls in Jordan

On April 18, 2001, near the village of Beit-Eides, a mysterious object fell from the sky. Witnesses described a luminous, dark yellow object that split into two parts, crashing into a nearby hill. Flames were observed at the impact sites. An expedition by the Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS) investigated the site, finding scorched earth, blackened stones, and two trees that were broken or half-burned. The impact site showed a strange arc-shaped indentation. While expecting meteorite fragments, the expedition found only ash and soil. Analysis of the ash and soil is pending. The article notes that UFO literature frequently mentions "self-destructing" UFOs that burn to ash after falling.

UFOlogy Summer Events

The article highlights the tendency for key UFOlogy dates to fall in mid-summer, including the anniversary of the "UFO era" (June 24) and the Roswell incident (July 7). It mentions the World UFO Day, celebrated by Turkish ufologists on July 2, and the annual Roswell UFO Festival in the USA, featuring parades, costume contests, and talks by ufologists.

"Ringed" UFO Over Southern India

On May 12, residents of Chennai observed a strange glowing object with red and blue light. Through binoculars, it appeared to have three propellers and a toroidal structure with diamond-like components. The object moved rapidly. Five days later, the region experienced a severe heatwave, causing many deaths. The article questions whether the UFO sighting and the heatwave are related.

UFOlogy Scandal

This section briefly mentions a theft of documents from a British ufologist, containing correspondence with Sir Victor Goddard and Brinsley Le-Poer Trench, which may relate to ufology. The author speculates that the theft was carried out by someone knowledgeable about the value of the documents.

End of "The X-Files"

The article notes the airing of the final episode of the popular TV series "The X-Files" on May 19, 2002. The series, which began in 1993, was a significant cultural phenomenon, with a peak viewership of over 20 million in the US in 1997.

Space News

Jupiter has officially surpassed Saturn in the number of known moons, with 11 new moons discovered, bringing its total to 39. These new moons orbit in a retrograde direction. The Cassini probe's journey to Saturn continues, with a recent issue involving ice buildup on its camera lenses. The Genesis probe, collecting solar wind particles, has completed its first loop around a Lagrange point between the Sun and Earth.

Following Up on Publications

This section addresses previous articles. Regarding alleged "mysterious" photos taken in Egypt by chess player Sergey Tivyakov, experts suggest they are likely artifacts of digital photography with flash. The article also revisits the case of three cows found dead near Salquelló, Argentina, with signs of surgical operations. A similar case of a drained cow carcass was reported.

"Cosmic Stone" Found in Ukraine

An article from "Vestnik SETI" discusses a small but unusually heavy stone found in a field in Ukraine around 1985. The stone, weighing about 108 kg, exhibits unusual properties, including a high density and a chemical composition rich in manganese and deficient in iron. Its characteristics, such as an scorched-melted crust and internal line patterns, suggest it might be extraterrestrial in origin, possibly a piece of advanced technology. The Committee on Meteorites of Ukraine and the Russian Academy of Sciences have deemed the stone artificial, and its extraterrestrial origin is being considered.

Our Calendar (Events from Years Ago)

This section briefly recalls past UFO events: "Celestial Spiral" over Mugur-Aksy (1978), crossed "cigars" over Rybinsk (1979), "UFO Parade" over Dagestan (1991), and mass sightings over the Tyumen region (1992).

"Celestial Spiral" Over Mugur-Aksy (1978)

On the night of May 22, 1978, a matte glow appeared in the sky, evolving into a luminous sphere with spiral-like structures. The object was observed for 10 minutes and appeared to be a matte sphere about four lunar diameters wide from a distance.

Crossed "Cigars" Over Rybinsk (1979)

On May 27, 1979, an object consisting of two crossed ovals of a cigar-like shape was observed moving slowly. The object was black and silent. People walking below it did not seem to notice it.

"UFO Parade" Over Dagestan (1991)

On June 5, 1991, a brief report in "Dagestanskaya Pravda" mentioned a UFO sighting over Makhachkala. A cinema projectionist observed a brightly glowing spot moving smoothly over Tark-Tau mountain. This was part of a larger wave of UFO sightings in the region.

Mass Sightings Over Tyumen Region (1992)

In the night of May 28-29, 1992, thousands of residents in the Tyumen region witnessed an extraordinary light display. A luminous sphere with large, projector-like beams moved towards the power station. It was followed by a cloud-like object. Workers at a theater also reported seeing a UFO with triangular rays that flashed and then dispersed.

Investigation: Mind Abductors from Planet Epsilon

This section, authored by Alexander Petukhov, discusses "contactees" and their claims of communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. It categorizes contacts as obvious or subtle, open or secret, physical or telepathic, and occurring in various states of consciousness. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting that only 5-10% of contactee information is useful, with the rest being common ethical or religious truths or unverifiable claims.

Examples of contactee claims are presented:

• UFOlogists from Planet Ummo: A Canadian doctor, O'Gray, reportedly contacted "the sixth expedition from the third planet of the Pleiades constellation." They described their anatomy, lacking a heart or stomach and obtaining energy from a special "energy distributor" organ. A Russian doctor, F. Korovin, also reported contact with the "sixth expedition from the fourth planet of the Pleiades constellation," receiving similar information about internal anatomy and an "energy distributor." The aliens also mentioned a "deep fold-pocket" on their side where they store enzymes and mineral matter.
• Aliens from Planet Zar (Orion): These beings telepathically communicated with a woman contactee, claiming their planet orbits a star near Orion. They stated their civilization lives by Christian principles, which the author finds contradictory.
• Highly Developed Civilization from Orion: Major V. Babinin claims a technologically advanced civilization exists near Rigel (Beta Orionis), a star much larger than the Sun. He suggests they are protected from radiation by special films and are vegetarian, using advanced technology to resurrect the dead. This contradicts the idea of them being Christian.
• Contactees and Artists: The article notes that individuals in creative professions are often chosen as contactees. Artist I. Shkuratov claims contact with a planet called Nibiru (Black Cross), supposedly located behind the Sun and thus invisible. The author dismisses this, stating that any celestial body's presence is detectable by its gravitational influence. Artist Svetlana Antipova reportedly created around 600 paintings dictated by "cosmic" sources. Another contactee, Klara Malikova, produced drawings based on automatic writing from "Kovespol" from the planet Puatoston, with the meaning of these drawings to be deciphered by humans. Kovespol's predictions are described as generic, involving catastrophes and the demise of civilization.

"Cosmic Letters"

The article mentions the possibility of extraterrestrial letters reaching Earth. French scientist Jean-Pierre Petit believes that since 1950, an "expeditionary corps" of four men and two women from the planet Ummo has been visiting Earth for missionary purposes, sending information in various languages via mail. The author finds this method primitive and lacking proof.

"Broadcast Intrusions"

In June 1974, television broadcasts in England were interrupted by a voice identifying itself as "Gillon, representative of the Galactic Command." This was followed by information similar to that from other contactees. In November 1977, Gillon reportedly broadcast a threat to destroy Earth if wars did not cease. The author notes the name Gillon is similar to Heracles' son, Gelon.

Experiments Over Earth?

Such "broadcast intrusions" have also occurred in Vladivostok. The author suggests these might be experiments conducted by extraterrestrial civilizations on humans.

Contactee Dmitry R.

Dmitry R., a contactee from Vladivostok, claims to be a messenger from the "Galactic Council," sent to help combat an impending ecological catastrophe. He was tasked with recruiting 8,000 people for this effort, which the author interprets as a psychological experiment.

Telepathic Contact with V. Trusov

B. Trusov, a staff member of Minsk Television, claims to have established telepathic contact with extraterrestrials. He was shown a film of their home planet. Trusov is reportedly in contact with civilizations from Taurus, Libra, Cetus, and Canis Major. He states that 76 alien worlds are currently visiting Earth, with 7 having permanent crews. Another 9 civilizations are nearby in parallel worlds.

Civilization of Libra

According to Trusov, the civilization of Libra inhabits a planet orbiting a giant red star, much larger than the Sun, with lower light intensity. This planet, significantly larger than Earth, has a higher gravitational pull. Days and nights last 18 Earth days each. The beings of Libra are described as "phosphorus field structures." The author questions the logic of this description, particularly the mention of phosphorus for field structures.

Conclusion on Contactee Information

The author concludes that extraterrestrial information increasingly resembles a way to deceive contactees, who believe they are receiving undisputed cosmic truths. Different extraterrestrial civilizations seem to have conflicting ideas about Earth. Some contactees suggest Earth is blocked from cosmic communication, while others report numerous alien civilizations visiting or observing Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings across various continents, alleged alien abductions, mysterious object falls, and the phenomenon of "contactees" claiming communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting the information but often questioning its veracity and offering skeptical interpretations, particularly regarding contactee claims and the nature of alleged alien artifacts. The magazine seems to aim at documenting UFO phenomena while maintaining a degree of journalistic skepticism.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Issue 37) delves into the complex world of UFO phenomena, contactee accounts, and scientific investigations, with a critical and skeptical approach. The publication date is May 31, 2002. The main cover headline announces the "mystery of the Brocno lake monster solved!", with a secondary headline about a new pyramid discovered in Egypt.

Contactee Accounts and Psychological Analysis

The magazine begins by questioning the credibility of UFO contactees, particularly those claiming telepathic communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. It highlights reports from Odessa, where contactees allegedly communicate with beings from Sirius, describing them as three-armed, invisible, and living for 200-300 years. The article expresses skepticism about the verifiability of such information, especially when contactees are unable to provide practical solutions to global problems like cancer or AIDS.

A case study of a Moscow teacher, Tatiana Mikhailovna, who, after experiencing clinical death, identified herself as Taana-Ael from the planet Epsilon-Ael, is presented. She claimed to be a navigator of cosmic dimensions and described her people as plasmoids. The author suggests this could be a psychological breakdown or, more disturbingly, an experiment by an unknown intelligence to alter human identity.

The article strongly emphasizes the psychological aspects of contactees, citing studies from a "Soyuzufotsentr" (Ufology Center) in Moscow and from Yekaterinburg ufologists. These studies indicate a high percentage of contactees suffering from mental health issues, including schizophrenia and psychopathy. The author posits that the claims of contact are often a result of delusion, subconscious desires, or a need for attention, rather than genuine extraterrestrial communication.

Cryptomnesia, the unconscious recall of forgotten information, is presented as a key factor in how contactees generate their narratives. The example of a contactee claiming to receive messages from "Ashtar" is used to illustrate how such information can be fabricated or misinterpreted.

Scientific Investigations and Skepticism

The magazine discusses the work of French UFO research groups, GEPAN (Groupement d'Etude des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux non identifies) and its predecessor, SEPRA (Service d'Expertize des Phenomenes Rentree Atmospherique). GEPAN, active from 1977 to 1983, investigated numerous UFO reports, concluding that 38% were unexplainable. Their findings suggested that many observed phenomena were material objects of unknown origin. SEPRA, established in 1988, continued the work, with its findings remaining largely undisclosed.

The article also touches upon the Tunguska event, presenting various interpretations from a simple meteorite to a spaceship and a 'warning'. It questions the reliability of information received through 'contact', noting that it often lacks specific, verifiable details and can be influenced by current events or trends.

A "comet test" developed by astrophysicist Sergey Efimov is proposed as a method to verify contactee claims, requiring them to accurately predict the passage of comets. The article notes that contactees typically refuse this test or fail it.

Specific Cases and Investigations

The Brocno Lake Monster

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to debunking the myth of the Brocno lake monster. An expedition by the organization "Cosmopoisk" investigated the lake in May 2002. They determined the maximum depth to be 43 meters, not the 90 meters previously claimed. Video footage allegedly showing the monster was identified as a boar and a duck. Furthermore, many supposed witnesses had died years prior, and some villages mentioned were long abandoned. The primary 'witnesses' were found to be local residents with a vested interest in promoting tourism around the lake.

The Case of Vasya Lopotykhin

The story of a schoolboy, Vasya Lopotykhin, who claimed to have met aliens and predicted an earthquake, is recounted. The incident was later revealed to be a fabrication, with 'landing traces' created by a girl and the 'alien' encounter orchestrated by a drunkard. However, the author notes that even in this debunked case, the possibility of real UFOs remains an underlying theme.

The "Humanoid in the Sky is Rushing" Play

The issue mentions a play by Alexander Khmelik titled "Humanoid in the Sky is Rushing," which was later adapted into a film.

The Ghost of a Post-War Summer

A personal account describes an encounter with a ghost-like old man on a haystack in 1945. The narrator felt suffocated by the entity, which then floated away and disappeared.

New Pyramid in Egypt

The discovery of a new pyramid in Egypt, the 110th to date, is reported. Dated 4.5 thousand years old, it is believed to belong to the wife, daughter, or sister of Pharaoh Radjedef. The absence of inscriptions suggests it was for a royal female, not a pharaoh.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the skepticism towards unverified contactee claims, and the exploration of psychological factors influencing these beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk sensational claims and provide rational explanations for reported events. The magazine emphasizes the importance of verifiable evidence and scientific methodology in understanding UFOs, while acknowledging that some phenomena may remain unexplained. The issue concludes with a glossary of UFO-related terms and a critique of recent ufological literature.