UFO Navigator - No 044 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO Navigator: Russian Ufological Digest" from November 2002 (Issue No. 44) features a prominent cover quote from Dr. Walter Riedel, a specialist in rocket technology, stating his conviction that UFOs have an extraterrestrial origin, as quoted from "Life" magazine in 1952. The main themes highlighted on the cover include a successful ufological conference in Moscow, Jacques Vallee's hypothesis that crop circles might be military experiments, and a new US campaign for the disclosure of UFO information.

News Briefs

The news section touches upon several intriguing reports: a "Vitim meteorite" event that was "electrophonic"; a "flying skateboard" observed in China; a UFO reportedly stealing a windshield, with a video of a "dart" being studied by the FBI; the emergence of competitors to the "Disclosure" project; the claim by Indian scientists of finding extraterrestrial microbes; unexplained flashes over Spain; and statistics from Swedish ufology.

Report from the Moscow Conference

Editor Mikhail Gerstein provides a personal account of the 10th Ufological Conference "Ufology and Bioenergo-Information at the Turn of the Century," held on October 26-27, 2002. Despite arriving in Moscow amidst challenging weather and the backdrop of the Nord-Ost hostage crisis, Gerstein was warmly received. He recounts his initial discomfort with the weather and the mundane experience of finding a 'Bavarian sausage' in a buffet, contrasting it with the intellectual stimulation of the conference.

Gerstein acknowledges the contributions of Vladimir Georgievich, the conference organizer, and his work on the origins of UFOs, despite some personal disagreements on hypotheses. The conference opened with Georgievich detailing the Ufological Association's journey, marked by both successes and failures.

The conference also featured a presentation by G. M. Zadneprovsky on "Energy-Information Directions in Modern Medicine," which, though not directly about UFOs, was well-received. A guest from Bulgaria, A. L. Vlakhov, was delayed due to a strike, but other international guests were present. Yu. A. Gordon from Israel presented on "Which Civilization Are We Living In?", offering a controversial interpretation of ancient Hebrew texts that suggested extraterrestrial contact.

L. M. Gindilis's presentation on "The Current State of the SETI Problem" was particularly engaging. He outlined two approaches to searching for extraterrestrial intelligence: a horizontal search (exploring other planets and galaxies) and a vertical search (spiritual quests). Gindilis discussed the scientific approach to SETI, which began as a purely technical problem but evolved to incorporate more complex considerations. He highlighted various search methods, including looking for astro-engineering activities, communication channels (radio, infrared, optical, X-ray, gamma-ray signals), automated probes, and direct contact. He also mentioned the potential for using non-electromagnetic channels like neutrinos and gravitational waves, noting that while humanity has not yet mastered generating modulated neutrino streams, advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might have.

Gindilis also touched upon the problem of interstellar travel and the concept of topological tunnels or "wormholes" connecting distant parts of the universe. He suggested that extraterrestrial civilizations might use unknown natural laws and forms of matter. The possibility of a "torsion channel" was also mentioned.

A. Arkhipov's work on searching for artifacts on Earth and the Moon was presented as a "non-traditional" direction. The strategy of searching for extraterrestrial civilizations was discussed in the context of creating a theoretical model of the universe that includes a rational subject, linking the phenomenon of intelligence to the physical picture of the universe. The work of V. A. Lefebvre on a mathematical model of a subject making choices was highlighted as a potential tool for understanding advanced systems.

The Vitim Meteorite: An Electrophonic Event

New data from the Vitim meteorite impact site (near Bodajbo) are presented, focusing on its unusual "electrophonic" effects. Eyewitness accounts describe lights appearing on power line poles and lamps in houses turning on spontaneously, even when electricity was disconnected. Specialists suggest that the meteorite's passage caused significant disturbance to the Earth's magnetic field, inducing electrical currents. The event is compared to similar phenomena observed during the passage of the Sikhote-Alin and Chulym meteorites, which also caused electrical disturbances.

Despite the scientific explanation of a large meteorite explosion (estimated at 200 tons of TNT equivalent), some journalists are still exploring ufological interpretations. One account describes mysterious luminous spheres observed after the meteorite fall, though scientists like Sergey Yazev dismiss such claims, attributing the phenomena to the meteorite itself.

Jacques Vallee on Crop Circles

Following the release of M. Night Shyamalan's film "Signs," Jacques Vallee offered his perspective on crop circles. He argues that while some circles are clearly man-made by artists, many others, particularly those appearing with high mathematical precision, remain unexplained. Vallee's research group developed a protocol for collecting samples and conducting investigations, suggesting that the complexity of crop circles has increased over time. He notes that many large formations appear near British defense research centers, leading him to believe they are the result of military experiments, possibly involving advanced electronic equipment and energy beams. He speculates that these experiments might be related to testing weapons or even psychological warfare, designed to discredit serious research into the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and the exploration of new scientific paradigms, while remaining open to unconventional hypotheses. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientifically explainable phenomena and those that currently defy conventional understanding. The magazine encourages a critical approach, urging readers to consider all possibilities, from natural events to advanced technological experiments, rather than jumping to immediate conclusions about extraterrestrial involvement. The recurring theme is the ongoing quest to understand anomalous phenomena, whether they be UFOs, crop circles, or meteorite impacts, within the evolving framework of scientific knowledge.

This issue of "UFO Navigator" (Issue 45, November 2002) delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena, crop circles, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine presents a collection of reports from around the globe, including eyewitness accounts, scientific analyses, and the activities of organizations advocating for transparency in UFO-related information.

Crop Circles and Anomalous Formations

The issue begins by discussing crop circles, noting that Canada has registered 19 formations in the current year. A specific case in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, involved a nine-circle formation, with the largest measuring 16.5 meters in diameter. However, this particular formation was suspected to be a hoax due to chaotic stem laying and visible tracks. The article also references research by biophysicist Dr. William C. Levengood on crop circles, which revealed magnetic particles and stem damage.

UFO Sightings Around the World

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• China: Pilots near Nanjing reported seeing a bright, blue-white object resembling a skateboard-shaped ship. Similar sightings were reported by pilots from Xiamen Airlines and Shandong Airlines.
• Australia: In Victoria, a bizarre incident occurred where a UFO allegedly removed the rear windshield of a car. The car sustained no other damage, and no glass fragments were found.
• USA: A 'dart-like' object was filmed by a Fox News operator in Albany, New York. This footage, not detected by radar, has attracted the attention of the FBI.
• Europe: A green bolide, brighter than the moon, was observed over much of Western Europe on October 27th, with the sky briefly turning greenish-blue. In Spain, near Barcelona, streetlights reportedly went out, followed by a flashing blue light on the horizon.
• Russia: A witness in Moscow reported observing a bright white point of light that appeared to be a helicopter with a blinking light, moving erratically. Another report from Pskov describes a dark, opaque object with five parallel colored beams of light extending from it.
• Sweden: A detailed account describes a cigar-shaped object observed over Uppland in 1971, which later released several disk-shaped objects that performed maneuvers before departing. Another sighting from Sweden in 1988 involved a green ball of light.
• Canada: The magazine references crop circle reports from Canada, including one in Saskatchewan.

Scientific and Investigative Efforts

The issue highlights ongoing efforts to investigate UFO phenomena. Ken Johnston, an Australian ufologist, is investigating the windshield incident. The FBI is examining footage of the 'dart-like' object from New York. The Danish Meteorite Society reported on the green bolide over Europe.

Organizations and Government Transparency

The magazine discusses the efforts of organizations pushing for the declassification of UFO-related documents. John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff, is involved with the "Coalition for Information Disclosure" (CDI), which demands that the Pentagon release documents from projects like "Blue Book," "Moon Dust," and "Blue Fly." The article notes that NASA has been accused of not being forthcoming about its involvement in lunar missions, and James Oberg has been hired to address these claims.

Scientific Hypotheses and Theories

• Extraterrestrial Microbes: Experiments by Indian scientists are mentioned, suggesting the possible discovery of extraterrestrial bacteria.
• UFO Origins: The article touches upon the debate regarding the origin of UFOs, with some experts believing they are of extraterrestrial or interdimensional origin. Stanton Friedman is cited as a proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, arguing that the observed characteristics and behaviors of UFOs point to artificial, non-terrestrial craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena globally, the ongoing debate about their origins (extraterrestrial vs. terrestrial), and the public's demand for government transparency regarding UFO information. The magazine appears to lean towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis, presenting various sightings and investigations that support this view, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for rigorous scientific inquiry. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded investigation and a critical examination of official explanations.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated November 1979, delves into the complex mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) with a focus on a scientific approach to understanding the phenomenon. The cover headline, "The UFO Mystery: A Scientific Approach," sets the tone for an exploration of evidence, government involvement, and the potential for extraterrestrial origins.

Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The articles argue that a significant number of UFOs are artificial objects not of Earthly origin. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of data from Project "Blue Book," which reportedly found that the better the quality of observation, the higher the probability of an object being classified as 'unknown.' Statistical analysis suggests that 'unknown' objects are unlikely to belong to the same population as known terrestrial objects. The issue highlights that over 60% of unknown objects were observed for more than 50 seconds, and 46% for over five minutes, indicating substantial observation periods.

Critiques of Official Investigations

The magazine critically examines official UFO investigations, particularly Project "Blue Book." It points out the project's limitations, such as its small staff and lack of sophisticated equipment for data analysis. The author suggests that "Blue Book" was a diversionary tactic, with more advanced research being conducted by organizations like the Aerospace Defense Command (ADCC) and the CIA, whose data was not shared with the "Blue Book" team. The article alleges that many sightings by military personnel were classified and not reported to "Blue Book," with witnesses often warned against disclosure.

The "Why Don't They Talk to Us?" Question

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the question of why extraterrestrial visitors, if they exist, do not make open contact. The author posits that this fear stems from humanity's own anxieties about the unknown and our tendency to perceive advanced beings as a threat. It's suggested that humanity's own technologically advanced military capabilities and a history of conflict might make open contact unappealing or even dangerous for potential visitors. The idea that humanity might not be advanced enough to warrant direct communication is also explored, comparing it to how humans interact with less developed species.

Practical Considerations for Extraterrestrial Visitors

The article speculates on the practical reasons why extraterrestrials might avoid direct contact. These include the presence of advanced radar systems and interceptor capabilities on Earth, the potential for hostile reactions from humans, and the lack of a unified global leadership with whom to communicate. The author suggests that extraterrestrials might prefer to gather information discreetly through observation and sample collection, as evidenced by numerous reports of abductions and sample retrievals.

The "Europa" Article

Another section focuses on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, as a potential candidate for harboring life. It describes Europa's icy surface, the presence of liquid water beneath, and the geological activity influenced by Jupiter's gravity. The article notes that while images from the Galileo probe show cracks and craters, the surface is considered geologically young, suggesting ongoing processes that could support life.

"Weekly World News" and Tabloid Journalism

The magazine also discusses "Weekly World News," a tabloid known for sensationalist and often fabricated stories. It recounts how the publication has spread numerous false stories, including one about KGB agents beating up an "enlonaut" and another about a Soviet bomber being photographed on the Moon. The article highlights the unreliability of such sources and how they can mislead the public.

The "Valley of Death" in Yakutia

An account details the "Valley of Death" in Yakutia, Russia, a region rumored to contain technical artifacts from ancient alien contact. Local legends and geological findings, such as large metallic structures and unusual geological formations, are presented as evidence. The article mentions historical accounts from the 19th century and geological surveys that have noted strange phenomena in the area.

The Figure of Enoch

The issue explores the biblical figure of Enoch, who, according to some interpretations, communicated with extraterrestrials and was taken to heaven. The article discusses the apocryphal "Book of Enoch" and the theories that suggest angels mentioned in the text might have been alien beings. However, it also presents a counterargument that the text describes a religious and mystical experience rather than an extraterrestrial encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, a recurring theme is the critical examination of official explanations for UFO phenomena and a strong inclination towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open and scientific approach to UFO research, challenging skepticism and government secrecy. The editorial stance suggests a belief in the reality of UFOs and the potential for advanced extraterrestrial civilizations to be visiting Earth. There is a consistent effort to debunk official narratives and highlight evidence that supports an alien origin for many reported sightings.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 10, Issue 11, dated November 2002, is primarily in Russian and focuses on UFO phenomena, potential global threats, and critiques of pseudoscientific and New Age movements. The magazine includes a book review, an article on a potential flu pandemic, and a debunking of a supposed extraterrestrial communication.

Book Review: "Great Mysteries of UFOs of the 20th Century" by V. V. Potapov

The review critically assesses V. V. Potapov's book, published by "Martin" in 2002, a 512-page work with a print run of 10,000 copies. The reviewer labels it a "collection about everything and nothing," compiled from articles in the sensationalist newspaper "Secret Power" and materials from the Internet. The reviewer criticizes the lack of selection by the author, resulting in a "monstrous mixture of hoaxes, journalistic rumors, and lies," with serious materials being lost amidst the 'fluff.' The review notes that a significant portion of the book is borrowed from the work of Kolchin. Specific examples of questionable content include a story about a 116-year captivity on a UFO and crashed 'saucers' from the planet Zonneri. While acknowledging some decent sections (pp. 134-140, 144-149, 220-224) and some poorly handled or incorrect citations (pp. 262-264, 274-276, 280-281, 118-120) from sources like "UFO Navigator," the reviewer concludes that the book is a disorganized mess. Despite a positive mention of the reviewer on page 144, the book is given a rating of [+++] (readable, but not highly recommended).

Miscellaneous: "Will Superflu Kill Us? The New End of the World"

This section addresses public panic generated by a NTV television report about an impending 'superflu' pandemic. The report, featuring a somber tone and visuals of people in hazmat suits, suggested a deadly virus was imminent. The reviewer admits to initially feeling panicked but found through internet research that the report was misleading. The danger was exaggerated; the expected flu epidemic in December was predicted to consist of common strains like "Hong Kong," "Moscow," and "Zero." A localized outbreak in Madagascar, while causing over 700 deaths, was attributed to regular flu, not a new super-virus. The article mentions that scientists studying the RNA of the 1918 Spanish flu discovered it is virtually identical to modern flu strains, meaning a minor mutation could make current viruses as deadly as the Spanish flu, which killed over 500,000 Americans. A conference in Malta was dedicated to this potential threat.

Miscellaneous: "The New End of the World"

This part of the magazine discusses a phenomenon of mass emails and letters from a supposed "Galactic Hierarchy of Light." These messages, likened to "chain letters of happiness" from Soviet times, offer salvation from an impending end of the world through positive answers to "Salvation Questionnaires." The letters claim that filling out these questionnaires, which have supposedly already saved 500,000 people, will place individuals under the protection of "All the Bright Forces of the Universe." The deadline for salvation is stated as July 31, 2003, after which material reality will supposedly vanish. The reviewer identifies "Jesus Sananda" (claiming to be Jesus Christ reincarnated) as the sender and traces the name "Jesus Sananda" to Marion Keach, an American who predicted global cataclysms and evacuation via flying saucers in 1954. The reviewer dismisses these messages as a scam and advises readers to ignore them and their senders. The article warns that those who fill out the questionnaire have successfully passed the exam for "the first sucker in the village." It also notes instances of violence against groups that spread doomsday prophecies, such as the destruction of a Roerich center in Chelyabinsk and an attack on a Raëlian center in Canada.

Announcements: UFO Conference in the Russian Geographical Society

This section announces an upcoming UFO conference at the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg, scheduled for November 28-29. The theme is "Activities of Aliens on Earth." The event will include the sale of the first collection from the RGO Commission on UFOs for approximately 20 rubles. Attendees are advised to bring money as a variety of UFO literature will be available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensationalist claims, whether in books, media reports, or New Age communications. It prioritizes factual accuracy and debunks what it perceives as misinformation or scams. The editorial stance is to inform readers about UFO phenomena while cautioning against unfounded panic and exploitation. The publication of a book review with a critical rating, the debunking of a flu scare, and the exposure of a New Age scam all highlight this approach. The magazine also serves as a platform for announcing relevant events, such as UFO conferences.